Reminder: Studded snow tires need to be removed by Thursday
The Nevada Department of Transportation and the Nevada Highway Patrol are reminding motorists that studded snow tires need to be removed by Thursday, April 30.
By Nevada law, studded snow tires are only permitted in use between Oct. 1 and April 30. Retractable studded snow tires are allowed throughout the year with tire studs retracted from May 1 through Sept. 30.
While studded tires can provide additional traction in snow and ice, the metal studs wear and deteriorate dry road surfaces. The use of studded tires is said to cost taxpayers nationwide millions of dollars in road wear every year. Tire chains installed when required during winter weather or mud and snow tires are an alternative to studded tires.
NDOT carefully prioritizes repaving and other preservation work on state roads for the most efficient use of taxpayer funds, and Nevada state roads are often ranked as some of the nation’s smoothest. Yet, the department estimates that nearly $662 million would be needed to bring all 5,000 miles of state-maintained road to fair or better condition.
“Safety is our top priority, and we want all drivers to use tire traction control devices during winter conditions,” NDOT Public Information Officer Meg Ragonese explained. “But, we also want to remind motorists that removing studded tires through the spring and summer is not only required by law, but an important way to help reduce wear and tear and maintain state roads.”