The Associated Press
OLYMPIA — Despite snow in the Olympics, Cascade passes and other parts of Washington, the Transportation Department is not extending today’s deadline to remove studded tires.
A spokeswoman in Olympia, Alice Fiman, says the snow is mostly wet — not icy — and traction tires may be better for overall road conditions. She says studded tires decrease stopping ability on wet highways.
Highway engineers don’t like studs because they cause ruts and damage bridges.
Tuesday was the deadline to have studded tires removed. Violators face a $124 fine.
Fiman says the department has asked state troopers to use common sense if they catch a driver using studded tires where conditions are still icy.
