Washington may revive a studded tire ban after data shows heavy damage. Report says studded tires cause up to $29M yearly repairs yet raise $315K. Lawmakers could increase fees and phase out studs statewide over years.
Damage to Road Surface
Studded tires were created to improve traction and safety on icy and snowy roads. However, in Washington state, where winter weather is common, an initiative for their complete ban is gaining momentum. The reason is that they wear down the road surface at a rate the state cannot afford, and officials claim the safety benefits no longer justify the costs.
According to a new annual report from the Washington State Transportation Commission, eliminating studded tires could save the state between $20 and $29 million annually, and that’s just on state highways. Damage to city and county roads adds millions more.
Economic Disadvantage
Meanwhile, the existing $5 fee for studded tires in Washington has almost no impact on the situation, bringing in an average of only $315,000 per year over the last five years.
Currently, Washington allows the use of studded tires from November 1 to March 31. Anyone using them outside these dates receives a $137 fine. The limited usage period together with the $5 fee has already led to a sharp reduction in their use.
Doubts About Effectiveness
However, the Washington State Transportation Commission states that this is not nearly enough. The current system not only fails to cover the damage costs, but new data also suggests that drivers might be better off without studs altogether.
Over 20 years ago, Washington studied the effectiveness of studded tires. It was found that they were most effective precisely at the freezing point, and traction decreased both as the temperature rose and fell.
Today, tire manufacturing technology has advanced significantly, so the state believes it is time to completely phase out studded tires.
Proposed Measures
The Commission recommends a clear action plan. Increase the fee for studded tires from $5 to $50, rename it to a “pavement impact fee,” and use the next few years to gradually phase out studded tires from use across the state.
Washington legislators have already tried to push for bans before, most recently in 2019, but none of the initiatives made it out of committee. A two-year phase-out period is being considered, although legislators will ultimately determine the schedule. This time, the idea may receive more support.
The issue of studded tires is part of the broader context of finding a balance between individual driver safety and public infrastructure costs. Progress in the materials and tread patterns of modern non-studded winter tires makes this discussion particularly relevant. Many neighboring regions and countries with similar climates have already gone down this path, restricting or banning studs, which suggests that their transition experience will also be considered when making a final decision.