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Studded Snow Tires permitted on Montana roads through May

Posted at 6:46 PM, Oct 02, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-02 22:19:03-04

HELENA – As of Monday, October 1, people can legally drive on Montana roads with studded snow tires again.

Studded tires are permitted between Oct 1 through May 31 on state roads.

Kolar Tire and Auto in Helena has already put on dozens of sets of snow tires in the last two days, and anticipate a lot more people to come in once snow starts to stick to the ground.

Frank Kolar has seventeen years of experience in the tire industry and recommends people put their studded tires on a couple weeks before the first major snow storm.

Kolar said as a tow truck operator he’s seen plenty of winter crashes that could have been potentially avoided with the right tires.

“Snow tire are better traction in the winter time, your stopping distance is increased,” said Kolar.

Studded tires need to be removed by May 31.

According to the Montana Highway Patrol there were over 24,000 crashes during winter conditions on Montana roads between 2012 and 2016. 65 of those crashes resulted in a fatality.

The Montana Department of Transportation recommends people to take some time to review winter safety tips before driving on Montana roads this winter.

For additional information about winter road safety in Montanavisit here.