Washington charges drivers for buying studded tires. Why doesn't Oregon?
As weather warms and more Oregonians spend their time outside, spring brings the telltale clicking sounds of studded tires carving ruts into snow-free roads.
Studies have shown that studded tires reduce road life and cost the state millions in repairs. Several states, including Alaska, Florida and Minnesota, have banned metal studded tires, and in neighboring Washington, drivers must pay $5 fee per studded tire — a move meant to disincentivize drivers from choosing one of the most destructful tires to the state’s roads and allocate funding for road repairs.
So why hasn’t Oregon followed their lead, particularly when the state is far behind on road maintenance and as the state transportation department faces ongoing funding uncertainty?
Studded tires have small metal spikes designed to break through snow and ice, but the extra winter traction comes at the expense of carving ruts into pavement. Studies show studded tires reduce asphalt life by six to eight years, and repairing ruts in 2014 cost the state $98,000 per lane mile — or nearly $300,000 per mile of a three-lane highway.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/03/30/repub/washington-charges-drivers-for-buying-studded-tires-why-doesnt-oregon/