November 1st-Studded Tires Now Legal In WA and OR

We might not need them here in the Mid Columbia right now, but much of the Northwest is expected to see snowfall this winter--studded tires now legal.

Nov. 1 thru March 31st, motorists are allowed to drive with them, but if you exceed the deadline, or the launch date, there are sigificant penalties.  The WA DOT has encouraged for the last few years, for motorists to explore other options because of the damage to roads caused by studs.  Some estimates range between 18 and 30 million annually (based upon costs directly related to repairing and resurfacing such roads) the cost from studded tires.  According to the DOT, there are alternatives available, including what are called lightweight studs, and tires with different traction compounds that eliminate the need for studs altogether.  Some say within a few years, studs may be outlawed altogether; but when it comes to heavy snowfall, other methods have yet to conclusively prove they are better.  Plus, heavy enough snow like in the WA and OR passes?  Then you are looking at chains.   Drive safely!