March 28, 2022 3:20 a.m.

With Spring here again, its time to take off studded tires.

A release from the Oregon Department of Transportation said drivers in the state have until Thursday to remove them. State Maintenance and Operations Engineer Luci Moore said drivers are encouraged to not wait until the deadline, especially if they aren’t driving in mountain passes between now and then.

An ODOT release said while studded tires are allowed in the state from November 1st through March 31st, there are other good alternatives that cause less damage to roads. That includes other types of traction tires and newer chains that are much easier to use. A 2014 study concluded that studded tires cause $8.5 million in damage to the state’s highways each year.

The release said motorists with studded tires on their vehicle after the deadline can be charged with a Class C traffic violation.

Go to www.tripcheck.com for updates on road conditions around Oregon.