Winter tires, chains required on most B.C. highways starting Sunday

If you’re heading outside of B.C.’s Lower Mainland this weekend, your vehicle will need winter tires or chains on most highways starting Sunday.

According to the B.C. government, smaller vehicles will be required to have winter tires installed, while large commercial vehicles must use tire chains as of Oct. 1. The law will remain in effect until April 30.

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This law applies to essentially every highway east of Hope, north of Metro Vancouver, and a handful on Vancouver Island, including the Malahat. Winter tires must show either a snowflake symbol or an “M + S” sign.

Highways that have the requirement will be marked with signs. The province notes that RCMP may turn vehicles around at certain checkpoints if they do not have proper tires.

Highway signs indicating vehicles must have winter tires or chains to travel. (B.C. Gov Image)

Those caught violating the law could be subject to a fine ranging from $121, to as high as $598 for commercial vehicles.

For the latest on highway conditions, be sure to listen to CityNews 1130 for live traffic updates every 10 minutes. You can also follow us on X @CityNewsTraffic, and sign up for traffic alerts so the latest information can be sent directly to your inbox.