Having These Tires on Your Car is Now Illegal in Idaho

There hasn’t been much of a need for studded snow tires in Idaho for a while now, but if you do have them on your vehicle, you are officially breaking the law.

Yes, the tires you put on your car to keep you safe through the winter months are now illegal.

READ MORE: When Can You Use Studded Snow Tires in Idaho

Depending on where you live in Idaho, you may not have needed special tires this last winter. The weather was mild, and I only recall one day that was scary to drive around Twin Falls because of slushy roads.

So, if you did put studded tires on your vehicle and have been procrastinating their removal - yesterday was your last day to legally put it off.

Why Can’t You Use Studded Tires All Year in Idaho

I’m all for more grip when I’m driving, which is what studded tires are supposed to do for vehicles, so why can’t we keep them on all the time? Well, for one, they aren't good on clear roads as the studs could give less surface contact.

There are a variety of reasons, but the main legal reason is the damage metal studs can do to roads.

The use of studded snow tires is covered in Idaho Statute Title 49, Chapter 9. It states that tires with built-in studs are prohibited on public highways between the dates of May 1 and September 30

The law gives 3 exceptions to the statute: certain fire department vehicles are exempt, tires with retractable studs are OK, and the Idaho transportation board may make exceptions to the timeframe when it benefits public safety.

What Happens in Idaho if I Use Studded Snow Tires After May 1st?

Failure to remove studded snow tires from a vehicle being driven within the legal dates in Idaho could result in a $67 fine, as a non-moving violation, or accrual of demerit points.

The fine is significantly higher in Washington at $137 and in Oregon at $165. Both states have a removal deadline each year of March 31st.