Do you need studded tires in Alaska?
Anchorage, Alaska, has severe winter weather and receives between 70 and 90 inches of annual snowfall. Many Alaskan drivers choose to put snow tires on their vehicles during the winter months, and these tires may be studded or non-studded.
When can you put Snow tires on in Alaska?
Alaska State Law on Snow Tires. As Anchorage is above the 60 North latitude, snow tires may be used there between September 16 and April 30.
When are studded tires legal in North America?
Studded tires are legal through April 30 north of latitude 60 and April 15 for those south.
Are studded tires allowed in freezing temperatures?
Freezing temperatures are not expected. Studded tires are legal through April 30 north of latitude 60 and April 15 for those south. That's seven months of metal.
When can I put my studs on in Alaska?
The law requires that studs have to be off April 30th – October 1st each year! Remember to book your appointment early as we fill up fast and fines can run as high as $50 per tire for those caught with them during this time!
When can snow tires be put on in Alaska?
In Alaska, residents North of the 60th parallel are able to switch over to studded tires on paved highway or roads from September 15th through May 1st. For those living south of that latitude, the date to put tires on will start October 1st.Sep 24, 2021
Are studded snow tires legal in Alaska?
1 the entire state is allowed to use the winter wheels. Alaska has a two phased approach to allowing studded tires on it's roadways but as of October 1st they can be driven everywhere.Oct 1, 2020
When can I put studded tires on in Fairbanks Alaska?
Studded tires are legal through April 30 north of latitude 60 and through April 15 south of latitude 60. Studded tires are only legal during the winter when the ground is hard and the tires do less damage to the road.Sep 16, 2016
Are winter tires required in Alaska?
While there's no penalty for not having winter tires in the state, Alaska State Troopers say they encourage them, or at least tires with adequate tread heading into the wintry months. “Some people select the Blizzaks, or a different type of winter tire,” said Lt. Freddie Wells.Sep 21, 2021
Do I need 4 wheel drive in Anchorage Alaska?
Absolutely not, you don't need a 4WD.
Are studded tires legal in Anchorage Alaska?
Alaska allows the use of studded tires depending on location between Sept. 15 and May 1 (above 60 degrees latitude) and Sept. 15 to April 15 (below 60 degrees latitude — think of a line through Ninilchik and Seward).Dec 13, 2021
Are snow chains illegal in Alaska?
Tire chains or "sufficient traction devices" are allowed. You don't have to wait for the signs to tell you to put on your chains. Chains also are permitted if conditions tending to cause a skid are present.
What is the latitude in Anchorage Alaska?
61.2181° N, 149.9003° WAnchorage / Coordinates
How much are snow chains?
Snow Chain Pricing $40 to $100: Semi-auto or "assisted" fitting tire chains will cost between $60 and $80, while self-centering chains with auto-tensioning will be a little bit more expensive for an average passenger vehicle.Jan 26, 2022
When you must legally change your studded tires by
It snows a lot in many parts of Alaska and the possibility of snow lasts for a larger part of the year than it typically does in many places in the country. This means that for a majority of the year in Alaska, you can legally drive with studded snow tires.
How you can change your tires
If you have some experience and already have the tires that you want to replace the studded ones with, you can change your tires on your own. If you want more guidance, you can follow this instructional guide. Otherwise, you can take your car to a mechanic or tire service location and they will be able to change your tires for you.
Conclusion
Studded snow tires are a very useful and effective tool to help you drive in the snow and ice that can accumulate quite easily and frequently on the roads of Alaska during the course of the long winter season.
When you can put your studded tires back on
In Alaska, it is legal to have studded tires on your vehicle from September 30th until April 15th of the next year. This only applies to paved roads. For unpaved roads, you may use studded tires year-round.
The benefit of studded snow tires
Although changing your tires twice a year every year might seem like an inconvenience, studded tires can be a big help in Alaska where roads are quite frequently covered with snow and or ice. Studded tires end up providing the best possible traction.
Final word
Studded tires can be a huge help on snowy and icy roads in Alaska because they give you the best traction of any tire in these particular conditions. However, when the roads are not full of ice and/or snow these tires can cause your car to take longer to brake as well as damage paved roads.
Studded Tires
It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with studded tires on a paved highway or road from May 1st through September 15th, inclusive, north of 60° North Latitude (all communities north of Ninilchik) and
Reporting Potholes
WARNING: Water and asphalt do not mix. Potholes result when water gets into and under asphalt. Motorists should reduce speed while driving through all puddles especially large puddles. We have had many reports of flat tires due to drivers driving too fast through puddles and hitting unseen potholes.
Snow Removal
Snow Removal Schedule for the Anchorage Area may be found at: muniorg.maps.arcgis.com
When can studded tires be used in Alaska?
Alaska statute section 28.35.155 forbids the use of studded tires on any paved road between May 1 and September 15 in all communities above the 60 North latitude. Below the 60 North latitude, studded tire use is forbidden from April 15 to September 30.
What is studded snow tire?
Snow tires may be non-studded or studded. A studded tire has metal studs or spikes embedded in the tire surface, and under Alaska statute section 28.35.155, these studs or spikes may not protrude more than 0.25 inches.
Why are snow tires important?
Snow tires improve a vehicle's handling, traction and stopping distance on snowy roads, and snow tire use is credited with preventing many road accidents each winter. Alaskan regulations regarding snow tire use are in a state of potential change.
How much snow does Anchorage get?
Anchorage, Alaska, has severe winter weather and receives between 70 and 90 inches of annual snowfall. Many Alaskan drivers choose to put snow tires on their vehicles during the winter months, and these tires may be studded or non-studded.
Is it mandatory to put snow tires on in Alaska?
As of 2010, it is not mandatory for Alaska drivers to put snow tires on their vehicles during winter. However, the Alaska Legislature in 2010 was considering a bill to make snow tires mandatory. The winter tires could be studded or non-studded, and would have to be a type approved by the Alaska Department of Public Safety.
