One More Month For Studded Tires

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 Oct. 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/ Idaho Department of Transportation.

• The deadline to remove studs in Washington and Oregon was Sunday

Question: I haven’t run studs in three of the last four years, including this one. Have you?