SPOKANE, Wash. — Are studded tires more trouble than they’re worth? Spokane believes so and wants to see them banned statewide.
Citing costly road damage and unnecessary use, the city is now pushing for a ban this upcoming legislative session.
Washington lawmakers tried to ban studded tires in 2019 but failed.
“Typically, people choose them if they want that extra reliability and security on a really slick surface of ice,” said Nick Gaudio, the store manager for Tirerama on Division.
Gaudio helps drivers choose their tires, sometimes recommending studded ones.
“It fluctuates every year, depending on the people that move into the area, whether if they live up on the mountain or the South Hill,” he said.
The Washington State Transportation Commission says studded tires are needed only 1% of the time, depending on weather conditions.
When those conditions aren’t met, studded tires often damage roads.
In 2023, Spokane accelerated a $4.7 million repair of the Maple Street Bridge due to studded tire damage.
The Washington State Transportation Commission’s 2024 report suggests banning studded tires could save Washington up to $29 million annually.
Currently, tire shops collect a $5 state fee for each studded tire sold. The commission’s proposal also increases the current $5 fee to $50 and phases out the tires over five years following a sales ban.
“I think there’d be a good chunk of people that might be upset about it,” Gaudio said.
While no statewide ban is in the legislative prefiling, Spokane aims to prioritize and push for it.
Fourteen states have already banned metal-studded tires with minimal exceptions. Spokane hopes Washington becomes the next.
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