Almost time for summer tires
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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. |
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