Almost time to remove studded tires
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April 27, 2014 |
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
October 1 through 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'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. |
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