SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5151

                    AS OF JANUARY 12, 1994

Brief Description:  Outlawing studded snow tires.

SPONSORS: Senator Winsley

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jeff Doyle (786‑7322)

Hearing Dates:  February 18, 1993; March 3, 1993; January 17, 1994

BACKGROUND:

The state of Washington permits the use of studded tires from November 1 to April 1 of each year.  In a recent study of 28 states:  21 allow the use of studded tires only during specified periods;  five prohibit the use of studded tires; and two have no restrictions at all on studded tires.

Surveys done by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) indicate that 14 percent of drivers use studded tires.

There is evidence that the use of studded tires on roadways decreases the life span of the roadway.

SUMMARY:

The use of studded tires is prohibited in Washington, including emergency vehicles and school buses.  Drivers of vehicles may continue to use chains.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested