ODOT has once again extended the studded tire season, this time through Saturday, April 17.
The original deadline of April 1 has been extended twice due to late snowstorms in the mountains and weather forecasts call for continued difficult driving conditions in some snow zones into this week.
ODOT officials said motorists should have their studded tires removed from their vehicles by 12:01 a.m. Sunday, April 18. ODOT encourages drivers to not wait until the deadline if they aren’t driving in snowy conditions.
ODOT encourages drivers to consider other types of traction tires or chains because studded tires cause at least $11 million damage each year on city streets, county roads and state highways. Drivers with studded tires on their vehicles in Oregon after the deadline can be charged with a Class C traffic violation, which currently carries a minimum $190 fine.