Washington's Studded Tire Deadline Looms on March 31

Drivers must remove studded tires by the end of the month or face $137 fines, with WSDOT urging early action due to busy service centers.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Drivers in Washington state must remove their studded tires by the end of the day on March 31 or risk facing a $137 fine, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). WSDOT is encouraging travelers to plan ahead and get their tires changed early, as automotive centers are expected to be busy leading up to the deadline. While late-season snow is possible, especially in mountain passes, current conditions do not support a statewide extension of the deadline.

Why it matters

Studded tires cause significant damage to Washington's state-owned roads each winter, costing between $20 million to $29 million in repairs. WSDOT is urging drivers to consider non-stud, winter-tread tires as an effective alternative that provides excellent traction without the road damage caused by metal studs.

The details

State law in Washington allows studded tires to be used from November 1 to March 31 only. Beginning April 1, Washington State Patrol may issue tickets to drivers still using studded tires. WSDOT does not issue the tickets directly, but they do not have the authority to extend the deadline unless conditions warrant it. For those traveling over mountain passes, WSDOT recommends using approved traction tires and carrying chains in case conditions change.

  • The studded tire deadline in Washington is March 31.
  • Drivers must remove studded tires by the end of the day on March 31.

The players

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)

The state agency responsible for maintaining and overseeing the transportation infrastructure in Washington, including enforcing the studded tire deadline.

James Morin

WSDOT Maintenance Operations Branch Manager, who stated that studded tires cause significant damage to state-owned roads each winter.

Washington State Patrol

The law enforcement agency that may issue tickets to drivers still using studded tires after the March 31 deadline.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Studded tires cause between $20 million to $29 million in damage to Washington's state-owned roads each winter, in addition to damaging city and county roads.'”

— James Morin, WSDOT Maintenance Operations Branch Manager

What’s next

WSDOT crews will continue to monitor weather and roadway conditions and respond quickly to any spring snow that may occur after the March 31 deadline.

The takeaway

The annual studded tire deadline in Washington is an important measure to protect the state's roads from costly damage, and drivers should plan ahead to have their tires changed before the end of March to avoid fines and ensure safe travel, especially over mountain passes.