B.C. winter tires required starting Oct. 1, with Lower Mainland rules beginning after Horseshoe Bay

The Story

B.C. winter tire requirements start on Oct. 1, with winter tires required on most provincial highways. From Oct. 1 to either March 31 or April 30—depending on the highway—B.C. mandates winter tires or chains.

The Lower Mainland and southeastern Vancouver Island are identified as exceptions due to the South Coast’s more temperate winter climate. However, the requirement does not end for Lower Mainland drivers once they travel beyond the region: drivers are required to have winter tires once they pass Horseshoe Bay on Highway 99 and after Laidlaw on Highway 1.

The provincial guidance also notes that B.C. cities, municipalities, and private roads might set their own winter tire or chain bylaws and rules. For example, to access both Mt. Seymour and Cypress Mountain, winter tires are required starting on Oct. 1.

When winter tires are required in B.C., M+S (mud and snow) tires and tires with a mountain/snowflake symbol are legal. The RCMP and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure recommend tires with a three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol, and a minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm, while also advising greater tread depth.

Road Safety at Work’s Winter Driving Safety campaign encourages drivers to “look beyond the minimum legal standard when choosing your tires.” In its campaign materials, it says winter tires provide more grip and control when temperatures drop below 7°C, which it notes can happen before the first snowfall, and that winter tires can reduce stopping distance by 33 per cent.

Road Safety at Work also says M+S-marked tires are intended for milder conditions such as rain, slush, or snow that melts quickly, and that they can lose grip and traction when temperatures are below 7°C. It recommends drivers inspect winter tires before installing them by checking tread depth, and it advises at least 6.5 mm of tread rather than settling for the legal minimum.

The campaign further recommends checking for uneven wear, missing rubber pieces, or other damage, and having tires inspected by a technician if they are worn or damaged. It also says drivers should install four winter tires and avoid mixing winter tires with non-winter tires.

During the season, drivers are encouraged to check tire air pressure regularly, because cold temperatures can lower pressure and increase braking distance while affecting steering and handling.