Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 157-5-8 - Studded Tires8.1. General. This rule, relating to the design, construction and use of studded tires, is promulgated by the Commissioner of Highways pursuant to the authority specifically delegated to him or her in the premises by the terms and provisions of W. Va. Code § 17C-15-37.8.2. Design and Construction Standards and Specifications. All studded tires sold in this State or offered for sale in this State shall comply with the following design and construction standards and specifications.8.2.a. There shall be a minimum of one-eighth (1/8) inch of rubber between the base of the stud and the body of the tire;8.2.b. the tungsten tip of the stud shall project no more than seven-sixty-fourths (7/64") of an inch from the surface of the tire;8.2.c. the diameter of the stud, inclusive of the stud casing, shall not exceed three-eighths (3/8") of an inch;8.2.d. the contact area of the total number of studs shall not exceed three (3) per centum of the total contact area of the tire;8.2.e. in the interest of highway maintenance studs shall not be installed in tires which are operational with a recommended air pressure greater than 40 pounds per square inch;8.2.f. The studs shall be firmly and securely seated in the tire, which may be tested by applying a tensile force to each of five (5) studs selected at random. The load shall be applied in the direction of minimum extraction force, and the load required to remove each stud shall be in excess of 30 pounds; and8.2.g. Failure to comply with the provisions of this subsection is a violation of the provisions of W. Va. Code § 17C-15-37, and subject to the penal sanctions imposed by W. Va. Code § 17C-18-1.8.3. Use of Studded Tires. No studded tires shall be used on the highways of the State except November 1st in one calendar year to April 15th in the following calendar year.