4/21/2014
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Another sign of spring: studded tires legal through April 30, $67 ticket after
BOISE - Drivers can still use studded tires
on Idaho roadways, but only for a few days longer, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. After that, Gem State drivers join those in Washington, Utah and Oregon, where the springtime studded tire removal date has already passed.
Idaho
state law allows the use of studded tires Oct. 1 - April 30 each year.
Driving with studded tires outside of that timeframe is a non-moving equipment violation with a fine of $67, according to the Idaho State Police.
Because studded tires can damage Idaho highways, drivers are encouraged to use non-studded traction tires or delay the use of studded tires until necessary. Studded tires are snow tires with small metal cleats embedded in the tread for greater traction.
Driving on studded tires may cause excess
wear on bare roadways. Idaho has no recent cost estimate, but there are
regional examples. In Oregon, studies have concluded that studded tires
cause at least $40 million in damage each year on city streets, county
roads and state highways. Washington State DOT estimates the cost at
$17.8 to $27.3 million in wear and tear annually.
Research shows that studded tires are more effective than all-weather tires on icy roads, but are less effective in most other conditions because they may reduce contact between the road and the tire.
Studless traction tires that meet Rubber Manufacturers Association standards for use in severe snow conditions carry a special symbol on the tire sidewall. The symbol depicts a three-peaked mountain and snowflake.
Studded tire laws vary in neighboring states. Authorized start and stop dates, which can be extended based on conditions, are:
* Montana: Oct. 1 - May 31
* Nevada: Oct. 1 - April 30
* Utah: Oct. 15 - March 31
* Oregon: Nov. 1 - March 31
* Washington: Nov. 1 - March 31
* Wyoming: Legal all year
Idaho law in 2003 also mandated lightweight studs because the heavier studs were found to cause too much wear to the highway surface.