(JUNEAU, Alaska) – The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) reminds drivers that they may now use studded tires on Alaska’s paved highways and roads north of latitude 60. Studded tires will be legal to use in Alaska communities located south of latitude 60 on Oct. 1.

Latitude 60 crosses Alaska from east to west just south of Prince William Sound, Seward and Chefornak. While the 60th parallel also crosses just south of Ninilchik on the Sterling Highway, Alaska law permits drivers to use studded tires on any paved portion of the Sterling Highway beginning Sept. 15 of each year.

ADOT&PF reminds Alaskans that studded tires are one way they can prepare their vehicle for winter driving conditions. The department recommends that drivers read the owner’s manual of their vehicle and check the following: tire pressure, defroster and heater, battery and lights, motor oil, antifreeze, belts, hoses, filters, brakes, brake fluid, wiper blades and windshield washer fluid. Anyone traveling in Alaska during winter should also consider carrying extra items such as flares, candles, blankets, food and a shovel in case they become stranded.

Studded tires are legal through April 30 for locations north of latitude 60. The last day to use studded tires for areas south of latitude 60 is April 15.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 249 airports, 11 ferries serving 35 communities, 5,619 miles of highway and 720 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.[xyz-ihs snippet=”Adsense-responsive”]

  Alaska, studded tires