The Washington State Legislature is taking on the question of studded tires once again. Sponsors are hoping that, if passed, two proposed bills will recoup some of the costs to repair damage to our roads caused by studded tires.
HB 1653 would impose an annual $100-per-vehicle permit and a $500 fine. SB 5610 calls for a $75 permit and a $75 fine. Both bills steer the money back to road maintenance. A motorist who still wanted to use studded tires would purchase and place a sticker on the rear license plate. For easy detection, the background color of the permit would change each year.
An editorial in the Spokesman-Review this week says the newspaper supports an annual permit for use of studded tires. The article can be found here.