When can you get studded tires in Oregon? What to know for winter driving

While winter doesn’t officially start until Dec. 21, Oregon has already begun to see snow and cooler temperatures, which means it’s not too early to get studded tires and chains.

Here’s when you can get studded tires, when you might need them and where to get them.

When are studded tires legal in Oregon?

In Oregon, it’s legal to replace regular traction tires with studded tires from Nov. 1 through March 31.

Studded tires consist of metal studs rooted throughout the tread of the tire that give drivers better traction by digging into packed snow and ice, making for safer driving in winter conditions. For areas of Oregon such as central, eastern and mountain passes that typically see ice and heavy snowfall each year, studded tires and chains are sometimes required.

All highways throughout the state are subject to Oregon’s chain law. In normal winter weather, vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less are allowed to use traction tires in place of chains as long as they’re not towing or being towed, according to Oregon Department of Transportation.

However, in certain road conditions, studded tires may not be enough.

When does Oregon require chains or studded tires?

When going through particularly bad road conditions, drivers may encounter conditional road closures where they will see brightly lit electronic messages letting them know whether chains are required, or if traction tires are enough.

To find out beforehand whether Oregon roads are experiencing any closures, travelers can go to the TripCheck website and view current statewide road conditions.

Should you use studded tires in Oregon?

Due to the impact studded tires have on pavement, the Oregon Department of Transportation advises drivers that studded tires should only be used when necessary.

Research has been conducted on the type of damage studded tires does to roadways, including how the use of studs “can shorten the asphalt surface life of pavements,” according to a report by the ODOT Research Unit.

ODOT recommended that drivers delay using studded tires or even looking into other traction tire options.

In place of studs, all-weather or high-performance tires provide wider tracts, deeper grooves and uneven surfaces to provides better traction for drivers in any road conditions.

Where can drivers purchase studded tires in Oregon?

As the colder months approach, chains, studded tires and other traction tires can be purchased at tire retailers like Les Schwab, Discount Tire and local tire retailers around Oregon.

Costs for studding and purchasing studdable tires will vary depending on the type of vehicle you have.

Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.