The studded tire prohibition law has been effective in Japan since 91/92 winter for the purpose of preventing dust pollution generated by studded tire. According to the law, studded tires are prohibited except for emergency vehicles such as fire engines in the areas designated by the Minister of Environment Agency. After April 1992, infringements of the law are punishable with a fine up to 100, 000 yen.
Therefore, in Hokkaido especially Sapporo area it can be considered "The first year of studless" in 92/93 winter.
This paper reports the circumstances behind enactment of the law, the effects of the enforcement of the law to road environment, road surface condition and road pavement and marking, equipping percentage of studded tires, traffic accidents, traffic characteristics and performance of "studless tire", etc and problems that follow.
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