B.C. winter tire rules come into effect on Oct. 1

British Columbia’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is reminding motorists that “winter weather is just around the corner” and that the province’s winter tire rules come into effect on Oct. 1.

The rules mean that drivers will be required to equip their vehicles with winter tires if they plan to travel on certain highways in B.C.’s North, the Interior, the South Coast (such as the Sea to Sky Highway) and Vancouver Island (such as the Malahat, Highway 14, Highway 4 and Highway 28).

Drivers who don’t have the proper winter tires on their vehicle on the designated routes can receive a fine of $121, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure noted in a statement on Monday. Drivers who don’t have the minimum tread depth on their tires (3.5 millimetres) on the designated routes can receive a fine of $109.

“Drivers who travel on high mountain passes and designated routes where weather can suddenly change need to make sure their vehicles are winter ready,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone in a statement from the ministry. “We want to be certain drivers are prepared for unpredictable and changing driving conditions. Make sure you are using winter tires that are in good condition, with solid treads, and adjusting your speed to match road and weather conditions.”

In British Columbia, winter tires are defined as those labelled with either the Mountain Snowflake symbol or the Mud and Snow (M+S) symbol, the ministry said. Winter tires must be in good condition with the minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm, and must be used on designated highways Oct. 1 to March 31.

“It’s important that all drivers do their part in keeping our roads safe, especially during unpredictable winter conditions,” said Public Safety and Solicitor General Minister Mike Morris in the statement. “Having the correct winter tires on your vehicle can make a big difference and will help you get home safely at the end of the day.”

Winter tires improve driving safety by providing better traction in snow, slush and icy conditions, the statement noted. Drivers are also reminded to check tire air pressure frequently, as it decreases in cold weather.

Commercial vehicles that are 27,000 kilograms gross volume weight and greater, such as tractor trailers, are required to carry chains on the designated routes. The ministry also recommended that commercial vehicle drivers keep chains onboard at all times and be prepared to install them when conditions warrant.

Signs are posted to identify those highways where winter tires are required for lighter cars and trucks, and chains are required for heavy commercial trucks. These routes are generally located approaching high mountain passes and highways which see significant winter conditions and where conditions can change from rain to snow very quickly.

Since more than 60% of B.C. motorists drive in parts of the province where snow conditions are not common, the ministry is not considering requiring all drivers to equip their vehicles with winter tires – it’s only for motorists travelling on the designated routes, the ministry stressed. However, drivers planning to travel through these designated routes are encouraged to “know before you go” and check DriveBC.ca for the latest for latest highway conditions, highway cams, route forecasts and delay information.