8/11/08-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill into law that authorizes certain studded tires to be placed on vehicles year-round.
The new law, previously AB1971, exempts from the prohibition of driving with studded tires during non-winter months those tires that have retractable metal studs and are retracted between May 1 and Oct. 31.
California law now prohibits vehicles from being driven on roadways if equipped with any stud, flange, cleat, ridge, bead or other protuberance of metal or wood that extends beyond the tread of the tire. Between Nov. 1 and April 30 each year, exceptions are made for metal-stud tires that the percentage of metal studs in contact with the roadway does not exceed three percent of the total tire in contact.
The new law prohibits the retractable studs from being used year-round if the tires are worn to a point that the studs protrude beyond the tire tread when retracted.

7/14/08-The Senate has unanimously approved a bill that would authorize certain studded tires to be placed on vehicles year-round.
Sponsored by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, D-La Canada Flintridge, AB1971 heads back to the Assembly for approval of changes before it moves to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk.
The bill would exempt from the prohibition of driving with studded tires during non-winter months those tires that have retractable metal studs and are retracted between May 1 and Oct. 31.
California law now prohibits vehicles from being driven on roadways if equipped with any stud, flange, cleat, ridge, bead or other protuberance of metal or wood that extends beyond the tread of the tire. Between Nov. 1 and April 30 each year, exceptions are made for metal-stud tires that the percentage of metal studs in contact with the roadway does not exceed three percent of the total tire in contact.
The bill would prohibit the retractable studs from being used year-round if the tires are worn to a point that the studs protrude beyond the tire tread when retracted.
For bill status, call (916) 319-2856.