Today Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James E. Cockrell issued an emergency order extending the statutory deadline to remove studded tires from vehicles operating on Alaska roadways. Due to extended winter weather conditions across much of the state, the order was issued to ease the burden of Alaskans and ensure drivers can safely operate their vehicles during the extended winter season.
“Spring hasn’t fully arrived yet across much of the state with snow and subzero temperatures still forecasted or present along many highways across the state,” said Commissioner Jim Cockrell. “This extension provides drivers with an additional margin of safety on icy or snowy roads through breakup.”
Alaskans living below the 60 North Latitude line, including Southeast, the Alaska Peninsula, and Kodiak, may use studded tires on Alaska roadways until May 1, 2021. Alaskans living above the 60 North Latitude line, including all portions of the Sterling Highway, may use studded tires on Alaska roadways until May 15, 2021. Latitude 60 crosses Alaska from east to west, just south of Prince William Sound, Seward, and Chefornak.
A copy of the emergency order can be found here.