Beloved by local motorists for their winter traction and road crews — who can thank their employment on the road-shredding damage they cause, studded tires must be removed today under a revised annual state deadline.
, the Washington State Department of Transportation reminds drivers to remove their studded tires by the end of today.
Last month, the DOT extended the studded-tire season by two weeks as forecasts called for possible winter driving conditions through the heavily traveled Easter weekend.
Studded tires are legal in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31, unless WSDOT grants an extension.
If you don't feel like jacking-up the Volvo to change them, there are a number of auto repair shops on Mercer Island who can change your tires for you for a modest fee, including: The , Pete's South Mercer Chevron, and service stations.
Drivers traveling to higher elevations should still prepare for winter driving conditions. While WSDOT road crews continue working, no one can guarantee ice- and snow-free roadways. Drivers should check the forecast, use traction tires and carry chains, and always drive for conditions.
Drivers who don’t follow Washington’s rules of the road risk a citation from law enforcement. For more information on studded tires, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/studtire.
