Are studded tires legal in Washington?

Yes, within a season. Washington allows studded tires from November 1 through March 31. RCW 46.37.420 reads: "It is unlawful to use metal studs imbedded within the tire between April 1st and November 1st, except that a vehicle may be equipped year-round with tires that have retractable studs if: (a) The studs retract pneumatically or mechanically to below the wear bar of the tire when not in use; and (b) the retractable studs are engaged only between November 1st and April 1st."

From November 1. For the 2026-27 season that is Sunday, November 1, 2026, and the window runs through Wednesday, March 31, 2027.

March 31 is the last day of the window, which for 2026-27 is Wednesday, March 31, 2027. The statute lets WSDOT set additional periods when studded tires are lawful; WSDOT describes this as authority to extend the deadline when conditions warrant.

The statute lets WSDOT set additional periods when studded tires are lawful; WSDOT describes this as authority to extend the deadline when conditions warrant. The statute reads: "The state department of transportation may, from time to time, determine additional periods in which the use of tires with metal studs imbedded therein is lawful."

School buses and fire department vehicles may use studded tires between November 1 and April 1 regardless of any other law or regulation. WSDOT says there are no individual exceptions or out of state waivers to the dates, and visitors must follow Washington law.

WSDOT can post a traction advisory, chains required for vehicles over 10,000 GVW, or chains required on all vehicles except all wheel drive. When chains are required and nothing else will do, the requirement applies to studded tires too. Vehicles over 10,000 pounds must carry chains on listed routes from November 1 to April 1. The statute reads: "Such signs or traffic control devices shall in no event prohibit the use of studded tires from November 1st to April 1st, but when the department determines that chains are required and that no other traction equipment will suffice, the requirement is applicable to all types of tires including studded tires."

A fee is charged on each new studded tire sold at retail in Washington, paid by the buyer to the seller. The statute reads: "In addition to all other fees imposed on the retail sale of tires, a five dollar fee is imposed on the retail sale of each new tire sold that contains studs."

Idaho, October 1 through April 30; Oregon, November 1 through March 31. Each state's page quotes its own statute.