Time to change the tires

BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department is reminding drivers that studded tires used to improve vehicle handling in snow and ice most be removed by April 30.

The use of studded tires is legal in Idaho from Oct. 1 through April 30.

Studded tires are snow tires with small metal cleats embedded in the tread that improve traction. Using studded tires may cause undue wear on bare roadways. All-season tires with good tread or "studless" tires are good alternatives for most winter driving conditions.

Studded tire laws vary in neighboring states. Authorized start and end dates are:

Montana: Oct. 1 - May 31

Nevada: Oct. 1 - April 30

Utah: Oct. 15 - March 31

Oregon: Nov. 1 - March 31 (extended to April 9 this year because of slick highway conditions)

Washington: Nov. 1 - March 31 (extended to April 16 this year because of slick highway conditions)

Wyoming: Legal all year

Information: itd.idaho.gov