By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
Studded snow tires are an essential piece of equipment during the winter months for many drivers. But as the temperature starts to rise, and the threat of snowstorms fade into distant memories, many drivers forget there are state laws for taking studded snow tires off your car.
Contributed photo
Daddy’s 1952 Chrysler — Jean Ward of Houlton, who was a hair dresser for many years in town, chuckles when she recalls her parents’ 1952 Chrysler sedan. Apparently Jean’s younger brother, Floyd Munroe, now of New Limerick, loved to tinker with anything mechanical and had “worked” on the family car back when he lived at home on Court Street. This one time the Munroes (Fred and Fern) were getting ready to leave town for a vacation trip to Connecticut and Floyd and his friend Billy Fitzpatrick had the car “in many pieces” the day before they were to leave. Looking over the mess in his garage, Fred said to his wife “I’ll just have to back the truck up to it and haul it to the dump … and get a new vehicle.” As Jean remembers it, Floyd was up until 2 a.m. putting the car back together and had it road ready and running great in time for the planned trip. In the photo are Fred, Fern and their son Louie with the fabled Chrysler.
According to the Maine Legislature’s website, studded snow tires are prohibited on Maine roads from May 1 to Oct. 1.
The reason for this law is simple, according to Houlton Public Works Director Leigh Stillwell.
“Studded snow tires can do some serious damage to roads,” Stillwelll said. “They are like tiny ice picks that dig into the road. It depends on if you spin your tires or not. They are like little chisels on the pavement.”
When temperatures rise, asphalt becomes softer, making the damage potential greater, Stillwell said.
This law covers any vehicle with tires having metal studs, wires, spikes or other metal protruding from the tire tread. Pneumatic tires that feature embedded blocks, studs, flanges, cleats, spikes or other protuberances that are retractable may be used any time of the year, except that the protuberances may not be engaged or extended from the first day of May to the first day of October, according to the state’s website.
Stillwell said he knows many drivers ignore the law as he regularly hears the distinct sound of studs on pavement during the summer months.
There are some exceptions to the law. A driver may use studded tires outside of the prohibited period of May 1 to Oct. 1 if the Commissioner of Transportation extends the use period or, in special cases, issues a permit covering stated periods of time for the use of studded tires.
There is a fee associated with these permits which ranges from $3-$15 and is determined by the commissioner. Any person who receives such a permit must keep the permit in their vehicle.
The law does not apply to any fire department vehicles or school buses during the months school is in regular session.
