BEND, Ore. — The clock is ticking down to April 1st, the final day drivers in Oregon are legally allowed to use studded tires. As the deadline looms, tire shops in Bend are facing a surge in last-minute appointments, with staff working overtime to meet the high demand.

Central Tire, one of the busiest shops in the area, has extended its hours to accommodate customers scrambling to change their tires before the deadline. Manager Jason Sparks reported that the shop has been inundated with calls as people rush to get their vehicles prepared for spring.

“Our phones are ringing off the hook,” Sparks said. “Appointments are challenging, but we’re getting through it. It’s a busy time of the year.”

To keep up with the increased workload, Central Tire began opening on Saturdays and extending evening hours. This effort, Sparks explained, was necessary to ensure customers could get their tires changed on time.

“We were not open on Saturdays before, but we’ve had to adapt to meet the needs of the community,” he said. “Our goal is to really do what our customers need, and we’re committed to helping them through this busy period.”

The Oregon Department of Transportation has warned that studded tires can cause significant damage to roadways, with an estimated $8.5 million in annual repairs attributed to their use. Despite the looming deadline, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said officers would likely take a lenient approach when enforcing the rule.

“While the law is clear, if you are pulled over for studded tires after April 1st, it is a Class C violation, which carries a $165 fine,” Miller said. “However, I think it would be difficult to find many officers actively enforcing this on April 1st. The focus will be on educating drivers rather than issuing fines.”

Central Tire, despite the rush, has been able to accommodate customers in need of last-minute tire changes. Sparks emphasized the shop’s flexibility, offering walk-in appointments and leaving space for customers who hadn’t scheduled in advance.

“We’ve worked hard not to book appointments too far out,” Sparks explained. “People can come in today, tomorrow, or even just walk in, and we’ll do our best to make it work.”

While the situation is manageable for now, Miller urged drivers to plan ahead and ensure their tires are changed before June, when the state makes studded tires legal again.

“It’s unacceptable to drive with studded tires between June and November,” Miller added. “Drivers should be aware that enforcement will become stricter during those months.”

As the April 1st deadline approaches, Bend residents are urged to check their tires and make sure they’re compliant, especially with tire shops working to accommodate the rush. With a combination of flexibility, extended hours, and a little grace from law enforcement, many drivers are expected to make the switch in time—though the final day of studded tire season remains a busy one for local tire shops.