Winter tires
Proper winter tires give you better traction and will help you stay safe on wet, snowy, or icy roads. That can make the difference between you arriving safely or being in a serious crash. Learn about winter tire regulations on BC highways, and which tires provide the best safety performance.
Winter tire regulations
Provincial law requires passenger vehicles and light trucks to use winter-rated tires from October 1 through April 30 on most highways. The requirement ends March 31 for select highways not travelling through mountain passes or high snowfall areas.
Many highways in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, and central Vancouver Island don’t require winter tires due to the mild climate.
To ensure you’re following the rules wherever you drive, check the routes you’ll be driving before the October 1 deadline, and obey the instructions on roadside signs. Learn more about designated winter tire and chain routes. If you’re a commercial driver, review our commercial trucking section.
Drivers are responsible for understanding the conditions on roads they regularly drive, and for equipping their vehicle for those conditions.
BC municipalities, and private roads such as ones operated by ski hills, may have their own requirements.
Legal winter tires
Two types of winter tires meet BC’s legal requirements for designated highways. Passenger vehicles and light trucks need to use tires that have either the 3-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or “M+S” on the sidewall. This applies to 2-wheel, all-wheel, and 4-wheel drive vehicles.
The tires need to be in good condition and have a tread depth of at least 3.5 mm (5/32”).
If you don’t have legal winter tires where required, you can be turned back and fined for not properly equipping your vehicle for road conditions.
Penalties include:
- Passenger vehicles not equipped with winter tires when/where required: $121
- Commercial vehicles not carrying chains when/where required: $196
- Commercial vehicles bypass an active chain-up area: $598
Driving without winter tires can affect your insurance if you’re in a crash. Learn more about ICBC’s policy for using winter tires.
Running the right tires
Designated winter tires are your best option for staying safe in winter conditions. We recommend using a set of 4 matched winter tires with the 3-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol. They provide the best grip whenever temperatures drop below 7C.
Think of your tires as an investment in safety – for you, your family and others sharing the road.
They don’t all perform the same. Here’s a simple guide to what’s legal when winter tires are required and the best options for keeping you safe
Some winter tires now display the new ice grip symbol, which indicates an even higher level of performance. They deliver 18% better traction than standard winter tires on snow and ice.
These tires are referred to by some manufacturers as “3-season” tires. They’re designed for providing smooth, quiet performance in warmer conditions. The M+S designation means they provide slightly better performance in wet, muddy, slushy conditions. But they harden and lose grip at temperatures below 7C. They meet legal requirements on routes in BC with winter tire restrictions (with minimum 3.5 mm tread depth). Tires that have only the M+S symbol on the sidewall do not offer the same performance and traction as winter tires.The best tires to use in fall and winter conditions
Vehicles take longer to stop in rain, ice, snow, and slush. Watch the video below to learn how winter tires with the 3-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol improve traction and can cut stopping distance by up to 33%.
Checking your tires
Always install winter tires on all wheels. Putting them only on the front or back will increase your risk of a crash because your vehicle will become harder to control.
If you’ve already got a set of tires, check them for wear before installing them. Here are some things to look for:
Buying new tires
If you’re buying a new set of tires, place your order well ahead of winter. Consult your tire supplier and follow industry best practices.
Follow these tips:
- Ensure the tires you buy are the correct size and profile for your vehicle.
- Choose tires best suited to the routes you regularly travel.
- Consider factors such as rubber compound, tread pattern, and tread depth.
- Install new tires or retreads in the fall so they are in optimal condition heading into winter.
Improving traction
Even the best tires can lose grip on slippery roads if drivers don’t adjust their driving to the conditions. Common reasons for loss of traction in fall and winter include:
- Over-braking: This can lock up the wheels.
- Over-steering: This can cause the back end of the vehicle to slide out.
- Over-acceleration: This can cause the drive wheels to spin.
- Entering a corner too fast: This can lead to skidding and loss of control.
In winter conditions, slow down, accelerate and brake gently, and use lower gears when needed. In extreme snowy and icy conditions, consider tire chains for added control.
Always clear debris or mud from tire treads before travel. Ensure vehicle loads are balanced to maintain even contact with the road.
Adding some weight to your vehicle may increase traction. Sandbags are a good option. Start with about 27 kg (60 lbs) and see if that helps. You can add more but be careful not to add too much. Excess weight can increase the distance you need to stop. Too much weight can actually cause you to lose traction.
How to use tire chains
Tire chains are devices fitted around winter tires to improve traction on snowy and icy roads. While they’re more commonly associated with commercial trucks, chains can also improve traction for passenger vehicles.
Steel-link chains placed on the vehicle’s primary drive axle provide superior traction in snow and ice. They also reduce slipping on a banked curve. Cable chains provide adequate traction but may slip more on curves.
Best practices for chain use include:
- Practice installing chains before you need them, ideally before winter hits.
- Install on the drive wheels (front for FWD, rear for RWD, all 4 for AWD if possible).
- Drive slowly (generally under 50 km/h) and avoid sudden acceleration or braking.
- Drive a short distance after installation and then re-tighten the chains.
- Remove chains promptly once road conditions improve to avoid damage. Do not use chains on dry or wet pavement.
Chains installed over summer tires are not an acceptable substitute for winter tires. They can improve traction but do not meet BC’s winter tire requirements.
Operators of heavy commercial vehicles (over 11,794 kg) are required to carry chains on most BC highways during winter. Operators of commercial vehicles weighing between 5,000 and 11,794 kg have the option of installing winter tires or carrying chains.
All operators of commercial vehicles carrying chains should know when and how to use them. Download Chaining Up: A Guide for Professional Drivers (PDF) for helpful tips.