Thanks to the massive snowfall and heavy ice buildup this winter, the Alaska Dept. of Public Safety has issued an “emergency order” extending the legal deadline to remove studded tires. Issued on April 5, the order aims to give drivers a couple of extra weeks to utilize studded tires while heavy snow and ice melts from the roadways.
“Much of Alaska is experiencing prolonged winter weather after a heavy snow winter that has extended the ice season well into April,” said Public Safety Commissioner Jim Cockrell. “This 15-day extension for the studded tire removal deadline will provide additional time to switch to regular tires without compromising safety.”
Alaskans living below the 60 North Latitude line, including Southeast, the Aleutian Chain, Southwest Alaska, Southern Kenai Peninsula, and Kodiak, may use studded tires on Alaska roadways until May 1.
Alaskans living above the 60 North Latitude line, which includes Anchorage, the Mat-Su and all portions of the Sterling Highway, may use studded tires on Alaska roadways until May 15.
Latitude 60 crosses Alaska from east to west, just south of Prince William Sound, Seward, and Chefornak.
A copy of the emergency order can be found here.
Some municipalities or boroughs may have their own regulations surrounding studded tires in their jurisdiction.
