News

Studded tires allowed from Nov. 1 to March 31; stud-free winter tire alternatives legal year-round

Washington State Department of Transportation crews have been training and getting equipment ready for the upcoming winter season – and they’re asking the public to prepare as well.

Nearly 1,500 maintenance workers from Forks to Davenport have prepared for winter weather, stocked sheds with salt and equipment and inspected more than 500 snowplows statewide. Travelers are asked to plan ahead for snow and ice season as well, including following WSDOT’s winter driving tips. If driving in winter weather, also use approved traction tires – those with a mountain and snowflake symbol and at least an eighth of an inch of tread.

Mountain pass closures
Anyone traveling in mountain passes during winter should be prepared for storms and occasional pass closures. Most closures are due to poor driving behavior, including people traveling too fast for conditions, not leaving extra space between vehicles, failing to have proper equipment like tire chains or driving distracted or impaired. One poor decision can close a pass for everyone.

“We need everyone to do their part to help keep our mountain passes and state highways open this winter,” said WSDOT Maintenance Operations Manager James Morin. “ As we do every winter, crews will ‘swarm to the storm’ and shift staff and equipment to hard-hit areas based on pre-established priority routes.”

Prepare now and remain alert
Travelers should prepare now to ensure their vehicle is ready for winter. During heavy storms, consider altering or canceling non-essential travel plans. Drivers also should remember to slow down, allow extra space and be on the lookout for people using crosswalks or walking along roadways. In Washington, 25% of residents either don’t or can’t drive a vehicle, so everyone should be alert during storms.

Know before you go
WSDOT has several tools to help travelers prepare for winter travel:

• Check WSDOT’s online winter driving tips for detailed information about traction tires, chain requirements and what to carry in vehicles.
• Download the free WSDOT mobile app for Apple or Android phones or devices. The most up-to-date, accurate information is available through WSDOT sources; some third-party applications may not update regularly.
• Sign up for email and/or text updates about road conditions by area.
• Sign up to receive text message alerts about closures and delays on I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass by texting “START” to the number 85107.
• Follow WSDOT across a variety of social media platforms including Facebook, Threads, several Bluesky accounts, X/Twitter accounts, Instagram and TikTok.
• Check current traction and chain requirements for mountain passes, which are also available on highway advisory signs.
• Consult the online real-time travel map to check conditions locally and statewide, as well as available safety rest areas.

Studded tires and other options
By law, studded tires are legal for use in Washington state only from Nov. 1 through March 31. This applies to all vehicles in Washington, even those traveling from other states. No personal exemptions or waivers exist. Studded tires do not count as chains when chains are required on a roadway. Drivers still need to install chains over studded tires to proceed in areas posted for chains.

WSDOT estimates studded tires cause between $20 million and $29 million in pavement damage to state-owned asphalt and concrete roadways each year. Consult a tire dealer to learn about all options, including stud-free, winter tread traction tires. This aggressive tread tire is different than an all-season tire, is legal year-round and does not cause the same roadway damage as studded tires.

Chains and alternatives
People traveling into the mountains or driving in winter weather should carry tire chains to be prepared. Weather conditions can change quickly, and chains may be suddenly required on a route. Drivers who fail to install chains when signs are posted risk a $500 fine. Chain enforcement and fines are administered by the Washington State Patrol – not WSDOT. WSDOT encourages travelers to practice installing chains before heading out . Any tire becomes a traction tire when chains are installed.

Although some vehicle manufacturers recommend against the use of tire chains for certain models, that doesn’t excuse travelers from the state law. Chain requirements exist to help keep all traffic moving safely during extreme winter conditions. The Washington State Patrol provides a list of state-approved alternative traction devices on its vehicle and equipment webpage under “traction tires.” These approved alternatives can be used when chains are required.

Winter crew recruitment
WSDOT is staffed and ready for winter. Additional winter hiring is underway for both seasonal and permanent roles, especially for people with a commercial driving license. Visit www.wsdotjobs.com and search for “highway maintenance” for more information.