OLYMPIA — The deadline for removal of studded tires has been moved to May 15.
Typically the winter tires, which can be used beginning Nov. 1, are to be off vehicles by March 31. But COVID-19 concerns have prompted the extension of the deadline first to April 30 and now to May 15.
“Washington is experiencing some extraordinary challenges with COVID-19 right now and we recognize this is not a time for ‘business as usual,’ ” said James Morin, maintenance operations branch manager for the state Department of Transportation (DOT).
“People are dealing with a lot of concerns — and this further extension means getting tires changed by the end of April doesn’t need to be one of them.”
DOT will re-evaluate the situation near the end of the new extension period. If no new extensions are granted at that time, the May 15 deadline means that starting at midnight on May 16, drivers with studded tires will face a $136 fine.
Studded tires damage pavement, so removing them promptly after winter has passed helps preserve state roadways.
