October is here and that means studded snow tires are permitted on vehicles south of the 60° North Latitude. The October 1st deadline passed on Sunday.
Studded snow tires already have been permitted for vehicles north of the 60° North Latitude, which includes all communities north of Ninilchik (NOTE: this doesn’t include municipalities who have their own ordinance regarding the use of studded tires, like Anchorage).
Every year, Alaska State Troopers note a spike in motor vehicle accidents as the seasons change and fall leaves give way to early morning frost. And, considering the issues the peninsula has already seen with distracted driving this fall, adding summer tires to frosty roads (brine or no brine), isn’t a good idea.
Troopers have made note to remind Alaskans that even with studded tires being legal, drivers must still pay attention and be prepared for the initial layers of ice that will soon develop as temperatures drop. They also remind drivers to begin slowing even more ahead of time when approaching intersections and stop lights, as sliding is always possible.
Visit the DOT website for more information.
