Be prepared when traveling over passes

Nov. 22—MOSES LAKE — With Thanksgiving approaching, many local residents will be driving over mountain passes to see family and friends. Because road conditions on those passes can be unpredictable, it’s important to be aware of conditions before traveling and to have the right equipment on your vehicle.

Studded tires

Studded tires are only legal to use Nov. 1-Mar. 31, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Motorists using studded tires before or after these dates could incur a fine from law enforcement. There is no individual exception to the studded tire season.

Traction tires

The following qualify as traction tires when required on Washington roadways:

Approved traction tires — including a 1/8-inch tread and a M&S or All Season label with a Mountain/Snowflake symbol.

Chains and alternatives

Those traveling into higher elevations should carry chains and have approved traction tires whenever winter weather is possible especially Nov. 1-March 31.

Studded tires do not satisfy state chain requirements. If chains are required on your vehicle, you’ll have to install them even on studded tires. Installing chains makes any tire a traction tire.

Motorists are encouraged to visit a tire dealer to learn more about stud-free winter traction tires that are legal for year-round use and do not cause the same roadway damage as studded tires. These tires are different from all season tires and have a more aggressive tire tread.

Up-to-the-minute information on road conditions in Washington can be found at https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time.