Winter tire regulations

Provincial law requires vehicles to use winter 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 and southeastern 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.