Washington motorists have an extra month before they have to remove their studded snow tires.
The Washington Department of Transportation has extended from March 31st to April 30th the deadline to remove studded tires, due to COVID-19 virus concerns and in support of Governor Jay Inslee’s guidance to help reduce the spread of the virus by limiting social interactions.
Agency officials say people are dealing with a lot of concerns right now, and trying to get tires changed by the end of the month doesn’t need to be one of them. Currently many employers, including tire removal services, are sending employees home to help stop the spread of the virus, so people’s ability to meet the deadline could be difficult.
If no new extensions are granted, the April 30th deadline means that starting at midnight on May 1st, drivers with studded tires face a $136 fine.
Still, department officials encourage drivers to remove studded tires prior to the deadline, if possible.
Studded tires damage pavement, so removing them promptly after winter has passed helps preserve state roadways.
Meanwhile, Idaho’s deadline to remove studded tires remains April 30th. (WSDOT)
