2022 studded tire deadline approaching

The deadline for residents to change out the studded tires from their vehicles is fast approaching as springtime conditions continue to thaw Alaskan roadways.

According to a press release from the Department of Public Safety, Alaskans living below the 60 North Latitude line, including Southeast, the Alaska Peninsula, and Kodiak, must switch out their studded tires by April 15; and those living above the 60 North Latitude line, including all portions of the Sterling Highway, must change out studded tires by May 1.

Latitude 60 crosses Alaska from east to west, just south of Seward.

“Spring appears to be arriving across much of Alaska,” DPS Commissioner Jim Cockrell stated in the press release. “Warmer daytime temperatures have begun to clear much of the ice and snow off the roadways, making it safe to get back on summer tires again.”

The annual call for the statewide change over is due to the fact that studded tires on dry pavement can damage the road surface.

Studded tire use reduced about half the surface on samples of Alaska roads, according to a recent study from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.

The press release also indicated that DOT&PF estimates that the cost of damage caused by studded tires comes in around $13.7 million each year.

Motorists that continue to drive with studded tires after the deadline may be issued a citation.

Members of the public are advised to check local regulations since some cities, municipalities, and boroughs may have their own ordinances governing studded tire use in their areas.

For more information, visit dps.alaska.gov.