Studded tire deadline nears in Washington

Spring is finally here, and with it comes many things: rain, cleaning and snow tire removal.

Today is the final day for Washington drivers to have studded snow tires on their vehicles. Although Idaho's deadline is not until April 30, commuters and visitors to the Evergreen State should be aware that Washington authorities will be paying attention to drivers who still have studs on their tires. Driving with studs after March 31 is a traffic infraction in Washington and could result in a $124 ticket fine.

"There is no individual exception to the studded snow tire season," reads the Washington State Department of Transportation website, www.wsdot.wa.gov. This means Idahoans must abide by Washington's motor vehicle laws while driving within its borders.

The website also reads that WSDOT would like to see tire studs phased out to "improve safety and reduce pavement maintenance and preservation costs." The department hopes the trend will move toward new and lighter weight studs for tires. This is because of the wear and tear studs cause to the pavement, which can lead to safety issues.

Studded tires are legal in Idaho from Oct. 1 to April 30 and in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31. Severe weather may permit extensions during some seasons.

Info: www.wsdot.wa.gov or www.itd.idaho.gov