Almost time for summer tires |
| April 4, 2013 |
|
Studded snow tires must be removed from motor
vehicles in Idaho before May 1, the Idaho
Transportation Department reminds drivers. The
use of studded tires is legal in Idaho from
October 1 through April 30 each year. A ticket would be a non-moving equipment violation with a fine of $67, according to the Idaho State Police. 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 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. 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 - April 1 * Washington: Nov. 1 - March 31 * Wyoming: Legal all year Idaho's law was amended in 2002 to allow studded tires until April 30. The legal removal date prior to that had been April 15. Idaho Code 49-948(3)(b) now contains this provision: "Special exemptions from the prohibited dates may be granted by the Idaho transportation board if it is found by the board that enhancements to public safety outweigh the increased pavement wear." Idaho law in 2003 also mandated lightweight studs because the heavier studs were found to cause too much wear to the highway surface. |