Drivers Get Two-Week Break on Removing Studded Tires

By Anchorage Daily News, Alaska

Apr. 8–STATEWIDE — Thanks to stubbornly icy roads, Alaska drivers have an extra two weeks to legally ride on studded tires, the Department of Public Safety announced Friday.

Drivers north of 60 degrees north latitude — which crosses below Seward and includes most Alaska highways — can legally operate cars with studded tires until May 15.

Drivers below that line — including the vicinity of Homer and Anchor Point, on the Copper River Highway out of Cordova and in Southeast Alaska — have until April 29.

Using studded tires out of season can bring a fine from Alaska State Troopers.

Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Commissioner Leo von Scheben requested the season be extended because roads are melting later than usual this year, according to a press release. Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan approved the extension, issuing an emergency order Friday.

“Motorists who use studded tires believe that they work and we know there was great concern about the impending close of the season this year, so I am sure this extension will be welcome news to many,” von Scheben said.

— Anchorage Daily News

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Copyright (c) 2007, Anchorage Daily News, Alaska

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

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