Deadline extended for studded tire removal

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - If you think winter is hanging around just a little bit too long this year, you are not alone.

To compensate for the prolonged winter weather, the Alaska Department of Public Safety has issued an emergency order to extend the deadline for studded tire removal from vehicles operating on Alaska roadways by 15 days.

“Much of Alaska is experiencing prolonged winter weather after a heavy snow winter that has extended the ice season well into April,” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Jim Cockrell.

The order was issued to “ensure drivers can safely operate their vehicles during the extended winter season.”

“This 15-day extension for the studded tire removal deadline will provide additional time to switch to regular tires without compromising safety,” said Cockrell.

Tire removal deadlines across the state are divided into demographic sections. It all depends if you reside north or south of the 60 Degree North Latitude.

Alaskans living south of the 60 Degree North Latitude to include Southeast, Kodiak, Southern Kenai Penisula, Aleutian Chain, and Southwest Alaska deadline has been extended from April 15 to May 1, 2023.

Alaskans living north of the 60 Degree North Latitude, which is all the remaining areas of the state, deadline has been extended from May 1 to May 15. This includes all portions of the Sterling Highway.

Also note, Latitude 60 crosses Alaska from east to west, which is just south of Prince William Sound, Seward, and Chefornak and some municipalities or boroughs may have their own regulations regarding studded tire removal.

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