WSDOT is storm ready this winter. Are you

Studded tires allowed from Nov. 1 to March 31; stud-free winter tire alternatives legal year-round

LACEY - Snowplows are tuned up. Salt sheds are stocked. The Washington State Department of Transportation has geared up for another winter of snow, ice and changing road conditions.

The people behind winter operations

For WSDOT, winter operations are a year-round effort. Every fall, maintenance technicians, mechanics and area superintendents inspect and repair equipment, order supplies, train crews and plan for the winter storms ahead. About 1,500 highway maintenance workers statewide help keep highways passable through the winter months.

But even the most prepared crews can't do it alone. WSDOT is asking the public to do their part to practice safe winter driving this year by assessing tire tread depths, making sure one's vehicle is winter-ready and becoming familiar with tire chains and how to install them correctly.

"Our frontline crews work around-the-clock to respond to winter storms every year, and they are ready once again," said WSDOT State Maintenance Engineer Troy Cowan. "WSDOT's goal is to keep people and goods moving and make the best use of available resources as conditions change."

A lot of ground to cover

WSDOT's annual winter preparations include coordination meetings with Washington State Patrol, tow operators, law enforcement agencies and fire departments. Maintenance crews treat highways based on pre-established priority routes. WSDOT shifts staff and equipment before storms arrive to areas of greatest need - a strategy called "swarming the storm."

Statewide, WSDOT owns 511 snowplows, 31 road graders, 20 snowplows and five tow plows. Anytime equipment is hit or damaged, it is taken out of service for repairs. Some repairs are lengthy and require custom fabricated parts. WSDOT urges the traveling public to slow down and be patient around snowplows, which must drive at slower speeds to effectively apply material to the roadway. Plow trucks cover between 40 and 100 miles of roadway every day during winter.

Studded tires: Know the allowable dates and your options

By law, studded tires are legal for use in Washington state only from Nov. 1 through March 31. This applies to all vehicles in Washington, even those traveling from other states. No personal exemptions or waivers exist. Studded tires do not count as chains when chains are required on a roadway. Drivers still need to install chains over studded tires to proceed in areas posted for chains.

WSDOT estimates studded tires cause between $20 million and $29 million in pavement damage to state-owned roadways each year. Consult a tire dealer to learn about all options, including stud-free, winter tread traction tires. This aggressive tread tire is different than an all-season tire, is legal year-round and does not cause the same roadway damage as studded tires. Look for tires with the mountain-and-snowflake symbol and at least 1/8 inch of tread.

Although some vehicle manufacturers recommend against the use of tire chains for certain models, that doesn't excuse travelers from state law. WSP provides a list of approved traction tire alternatives, which can be used when chains are required.

Mountain pass closures: One spinout can stop everyone

When the snow and ice arrive, WSDOT crews are ready to respond, but much of what the public experience is due to unprepared or distracted drivers. Mountain pass closures happen every winter for a variety of reasons, including spinouts, crashes, intoxicated drivers and avalanche control. A single spinout can close an entire pass and affect everyone traveling through the area. A major crash can take even longer to clear, particularly when specialized tow equipment is needed or fuel is spilled.

Drivers can help prevent delays by slowing down, leaving plenty of space between vehicles, avoiding distractions and adjusting travel plans when conditions worsen. During major storms, consider postponing or canceling nonessential trips.

Anyone traveling over the mountains or driving in winter weather should carry tire chains and practice installing them before leaving home. Weather conditions can change quickly, and chains may suddenly be required on a route. Drivers who fail to install chains when required risk a $500 fine, enforced by the Washington State Patrol. Any tire becomes a traction tire when chains are installed.

Winter safety is for everyone

About a third of Washington residents either don't or can't drive a vehicle so everyone should be alert during winter weather. Drivers should slow down, allow extra space and be on the lookout for people using crosswalks, bike lanes or walking.

Know before you go:

WSDOT has several tools to help prepare for winter travel:

• Check WSDOT's winter driving tips for detailed information about traction tires, chain requirements and what to carry in vehicles.
• Download the free WSDOT mobile app for current roadway conditions and travel information for Apple and Android devices. WSDOT has no control over what third party applications post, which may be inaccurate or contradictory to recommendations by official sources.
• Sign up for email updates about road conditions by area.
• Follow WSDOT on social media including Facebook, Threads, several Bluesky accounts, X/Twitter accounts, Instagram and TikTok.
• Check current traction and chain requirements for mountain passes.
• View the online real-time travel map to check conditions locally and statewide, along with available safety rest areas.

Help keep Washington moving

WSDOT is hiring for winter operations, particularly for people who hold a commercial driver's license. Interested applicants can visit www.wsdotjobs.com and search "highway maintenance."