Studded tire season is ending this Friday, March 31st.
Studded tires are legal in Oregon November through March, but a study from 2014 found they cause nearly 8.5 million dollars of damage each year to state highways.
Drivers are encouraged to consider chains or other types of traction tires to minimize roadway damage.
However, ODOT says studs do provide traction on ice and snow.
It’s when they are used on dry roads that the damage occurs.
“You use it when you need to use it… it has a purpose. But if you use them on dry pavement, they chew up roads,” ODOT spokesperson Jared Castle said.
ODOT has extended the studded tire season past March 31st four times in the past 15 years, but current weather forecasts show an extension will not be necessary this year.
ODOT has coordinated with the state of Washington which will end its season at the same time.
ODOT recommends drivers remove studded tires before the deadline and it’s encouraged to continue carrying chains if late-season snow or ice persists in places like the Siskiyou Pass.
Drivers with studded tires on their vehicles after the deadline can be charged by law enforcement with a class-c traffic violation.
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