As winter approaches, British Columbia’s winter tire regulations have come into effect as of Tuesday, October 1st.
The rules, which run annually from October 1st to March 31st—or until April 30th for select highways like mountain passes and rural routes with high snowfall—require drivers to equip their vehicles with winter tires to ensure safety on challenging winter roads.
The BC Ministry of Transportation reminds motorists to install winter tires if they plan to drive on specific routes, including the Malahat, Highway 14, Highway 4, and Highway 28.
What qualifies as a winter tire in BC
In BC, winter tires are defined as those labelled with either the Mountain Snowflake symbol or the Mud and Snow (M+S) symbol:
- Mountain Snowflake Tires: Identified by a mountain/snowflake symbol on the sidewall, these tires provide the best traction in snow, ice, and cold weather.
- M+S (Mud and Snow) Tires: These tires offer better traction than summer tires but are less effective than mountain/snowflake tires in severe winter conditions.
All winter tires must be in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm. These tires are required on designated highways from October 1 to March 31. Drivers will notice signs indicating highways where winter tires are required for lighter vehicles and where chains are mandatory for heavy commercial trucks.
The routes requiring winter tires generally include high mountain passes and highways that often experience severe winter conditions. On these routes, the weather can shift rapidly from rain to snow, making the appropriate tires essential for safety.
Motorists planning to travel through designated winter tire routes are encouraged to check DriveBC.ca for the latest highway conditions, traffic cams, route forecasts, and any potential delays. Staying informed helps ensure a safe journey during unpredictable winter weather.
Fines for non-compliance
Drivers who fail to comply with winter tire requirements on designated routes may face fines:
- $121 for not having the proper winter tires
- $109 for having tires with insufficient tread depth (less than 3.5 mm)
- Commercial vehicles not carrying chains may face a fine of $196, while those bypassing an active chain-up area could be fined $598
While many highways in the Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island are exempt from winter tire requirements due to the milder South Coast climate, certain routes still mandate winter tires, including:
- The Malahat section of Highway 1
- All highways in northern BC
- All highways in the Interior
- Sections of some highways on the South Coast, such as the Sea to Sky Highway
- Sections of some highways on Vancouver Island
As winter settles in, it’s essential to be prepared for the challenges that come with changing weather conditions on BC’s highways.
Ensure your vehicle is equipped with the right tires and always check for updates before heading out to stay safe on the roads.
