Studded tires legal for some areas

Motorists on the Kenai Peninsula north of Ninil-chik legally may drive with studded tires this year beginning Thursday.

According to Alaska State Troopers, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with studded tires or tires with chains attached on a paved roadway from May 1 through Sept. 15 north of 60 north latitude, and from April 15 through Sept. 30 south of 60 north latitude, a line which extends just below Seward, and just above Ninilchik.

One exception is that at any latitude on a paved portion of the Sterling Highway, motorists may not drive a car with studded tires or chains from May 1 through Sept. 15.

If people violate the studded-tire statute, they can be given a correctable citation -- fix-it ticket -- and be fined $50.

Troopers remind people to slow down and allow extra room for stopping during winter driving conditions and to clear all windows of snow and frost before driving.