Studded tire deadline extended through April 11

Due to the severe winter weather forecast for the Cascade mountain range, Washington State Department of Transportation officials extended the deadline to remove studded tires through April 10.

Drivers must remove their studded tires by 12:01 a.m., Sunday April 11.

Washington State Patrol troopers enforce a $124 fine for those who use studded tires after the deadline. No one can guarantee ice and snow-free roadways, so WSDOT encourages drivers, especially those heading into the higher elevations, to plan ahead and drive for conditions.

On the WSDOT Winter Driving Web site (www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter), you can find ways to prepare for winter driving, winter driving tips, plus more about WSDOT’s winter roadway operations, snow and ice removal and avalanche control.

WSDOT advises drivers to know before you go:

* Get information before you leave about traffic and roadway conditions, including the mountain passes, on our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov.

* 511 – This driver information phone line provides current traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388. Out-of-state callers can access the information at 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).

* Sign up for and follow WSDOT news at www.wsdot.wa.gov/news. There you can sign up for WSDOT E-mail alerts, Twitter feeds, read the blog and see WSDOT photos on Flickr.

Know On the Road:

* Overhead and roadside electronic signs

* Highway advisory radio – WSDOT advises drivers to program 530AM and 1610AM on your radio.