(Salem, OR) -- Springtime is here, and that means it's time for some motorists to remove their studded tires. WSDOT and ODOT are giving you until April 1st to swap them out; Anyone still using studded tires at that time could face a fine.

“Drivers are encouraged to not wait until the March 31 deadline to remove their studded tires, especially if they aren’t driving in the mountain passes between now and then” said Luci Moore, Oregon State Maintenance and Operations Engineer.

A 2014 study concluded studded tires cause about $8.5 million in damage each year to Oregon highways. Officials say there are other good alternatives that cause less damage to roads, including other types of traction tires and newer chains that are much easier to use.

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