Winter tire regulations now in effect in BC

Drivers and vehicle owners are reminded that B.C.’s annual winter tire requirements are in effect.

Drivers without the proper winter tires in good condition driving on designated B.C. highways can receive a fine of $121.

As of Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, winter tires are mandatory for all vehicles on most British Columbia highways to increase travel safety until spring.

Winter tires are required for travel on:

all highways in the North;

all highways in the Interior;

sections of some highways on the South Coast, including the Sea to Sky Highway; and

sections of some highways on Vancouver Island, including the Malahat and highways 4, 14 and 28.

In B.C., appropriate winter tires are defined as those with either the M+S (mud and snow) or mountain/snowflake symbol, in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 millimetres.

While winter tires are not mandatory provincewide, they are required on a majority of B.C. highways.

Also starting Oct. 1, 2021, commercial vehicle operators are required to carry chains on most routes in B.C., as indicated by roadside signs.

Chains are not required on the Lower Mainland and most of Vancouver Island.

For select highways, including mountain passes and rural routes in high snowfall areas, the date is extended until April 30 to account for early spring snowfall.