ODOT: Remove Studded Tires by March 31

The Oregon Department of Transportation reminded residents Friday to remove their studded tires by March 31 or face a Class C traffic violation.

Studded tires are typically allowed between Nov. 1 and March 31, though ODOT can extend that timeline when inclement weather in early-spring requires. The date for studded tire removal will not be extended this year, however.

ODOT has extended the deadline past March 31 only four times in 15 years.

“We encourage drivers to not wait until the March 31 deadline to remove their studded tires, especially if they aren’t driving in the mountain passes between now and then,” said Luci Moore, state maintenance and operations engineer.

Studded tires, a 2014 study found, cause roughly $8.5 million in damages to state highways annually.

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