King County Road Services - Frequently-asked questions

Don't venture out into bad weather unless...

• ...you really need to go out;
• ...your vehicle is in good operating condition and you have a full tank of gas;
• ...you have traction devices on or in the vehicle (and you know how to put them on);
• ...you have emergency supplies in the trunk, and
• ...you and your passengers are appropriately dressed for the bad weather.

Check out the King County Snow and Ice Plan to find out what King County's response to snow and ice will be and which roads will be kept open.

Check out the Snow and Ice Route Map (5MB .pdf) to find out where the snow routes are in King County. Copies are available in libraries, city halls and many other public buildings. If you would like a copy for yourself or multiple copies to share with your group or organization, please contact the Road Services Division Administrative Section with your name and address, and if requesting for a group, the name of the group and number of copies needed.

Also, work out snow plans with family members just as you should for earthquakes. It doesn't happen very often, but we do get snowfalls that are heavy enough to prevent people from making it home. If you have school-aged children, contact the school to find out about their snow and ice plan. Make arrangements for your children to go to a neighbor's house if you are unable to make it home. For school bus schedule changes, visit Public Schools Emergency Communications System.  Work out arrangements to stay with a co-worker if snow conditions make it too difficult for you to get home.

Check out Taking Winter By Storm, a one-stop source of links to all kinds of weather and emergency information ranging from what the weather is now to how to prepare for what might be coming. If you need a reason to get prepared, check out Roadway icing: The most serious weather hazard in Washington State  courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Priority is given to keeping "lifeline routes" open during any situation including snow. These are
routes which must be kept open for emergency response personnel.  Most residential streets will not
be plowed, even if on a steep hill.  You may need to plan to park at the bottom of the hill and
walk to your vehicle (don't forget to put your warmest boots in the vehicle). Given the short
duration of our snowfalls,  most jurisdictions do not have the equipment to do more than
keep main roads cleared.  Be prepared.   Find out about snow routes (5MB .pdf) before it snows.
 

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) regulates vehicle equipment including tires. Studded tires are approved for use from Nov. 1 to March 31. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) determines additional periods in which they can be used. Both WSDOT and the WSP have good information at:

• WSP - Traction Devices  (includes links to the state laws and regulations)
• For information on traction devices, tires and chains for commercial vehicles (trucks over 10,000 lbs. GVW), contact the WSDOT Motor Carrier Services Office at 1-800-562-6902, or visit the nearest WSDOT Permit Office.