Winter tire season in B.C. begins Tuesday

Starting Tuesday, winter tires or chains will be required for vehicles on most highways outside urban areas in B.C.

From Oct. 1, the province says drivers who don’t comply with the rules laid out on seasonal road signs could be turned back or fined.

The law will be in effect for most of the affected routes, including Highway 99 north of Horseshoe Bay and Highway 1 east of Laidlaw, until March 31. But certain routes through mountain passes or high snowfall areas, like Highway 3 east of Hope, will be enforced until April 30.

The province says B.C. cities, municipalities, and private roads may have their own bylaws or rules around the use of winter tires, chains, or traction devices that may differ from provincial highway regulations.

Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) says both all-season Mud and Snow (M+S) tires and the tires marked with a mountain and a snowflake symbol meet the requirements for winter tire designation in B.C. The tire must also have at least 3.5 milimetres of tread depth.

If you live in an area where you would normally and regularly expect snow, ice, and slush, ICBC recommends using four matched winter tires that carry the mountain and snowflake symbol.

The fine for a passenger vehicle not equipped with winter tires where required can be as high as $121.