Photo: Janusz Sobolewski, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In British Columbia, winter tires or chains are required on most signed highways from 1 October to 30 April. Some routes end on 31 March. This guide is for BC learners, new N drivers and their supervisors planning a winter drive. It covers which roads the rule applies to, what counts as a legal winter tire, and how to decide whether a learner should make the trip at all.
Key facts
- Dates: 1 October to 30 April on most designated routes. Select highways outside mountain passes and high-snowfall areas end on 31 March.
- A legal winter tire has at least 3.5 mm of tread and either the M+S marking or the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol.
- You need at least two matching winter tires on the primary drive axle, even on a 4×4. Four matched tires are recommended.
- Chains on summer tires do not count as legal winter tires on signed BC highways.
- Drivers who do not comply can be turned away and fined.
Which BC roads need winter tires?
The rule applies on routes marked with regulatory winter tire signs, posted on highways throughout the province. The Government of BC publishes route maps for the South Coast, Northern, Southern Interior and Southern Interior Border regions.
- Coastal exemption: many Lower Mainland and southeastern Vancouver Island roads are exempt. Some routes, such as the Malahat, still require winter tires.
- Local roads: municipalities and private roads, such as ski hill access roads, can set their own rules.
- Restrictions at any time: the province can restrict travel in any month if road conditions call for it.
- Exempt does not mean safe: on an exempt road you are still responsible for equipping your vehicle for the conditions.
What counts as a legal winter tire in BC?
| Check | Legal minimum | Better choice |
|---|---|---|
| Marking on the sidewall | M+S (mud and snow) | Three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol |
| Tread depth | At least 3.5 mm | More tread grips better |
| How many | Two matching tires on the primary drive axle | Four tires evenly matched in tread type and depth |
| All-wheel or four-wheel drive | No exemption: the same rules apply | Four winter tires |
Chains and studded tires
- Passenger vehicles may use chains or other traction devices tested for winter performance. Carry chains for extreme conditions.
- Chains on summer tires are not a substitute for legal winter tires on signed highways.
- Studded tires may only be used on BC highways from 1 October to 30 April. Studs should not stick out more than 2 mm from the tread. If you put studded tires on the front, you must also put them on the back.
Five-minute tire check before a winter lesson
- Find the marking on each tire: M+S or the mountain and snowflake symbol.
- Measure the tread with a gauge. At least 3.5 mm on every winter tire.
- Check the drive axle. Do you know whether the car is front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive? The owner’s manual says. If you are unsure, ask a tire shop.
- Confirm the pair on the drive axle matches. Better, check that all four match.
- Look up the route: is it signed, and what are today’s conditions? Check before you leave, not at the sign.
ICBC’s handbook adds a wider winter check: a healthy battery, an exhaust system with no leaks (carbon monoxide builds up in a closed car), winter-grade oil and fluids, four snow tires rather than two, and a practice run at fitting chains before you need them. In extreme conditions it may be safer to park than to carry on.
Should a learner drive that route today?
Legal tires make the trip legal. They do not make it suitable for a new driver. Example: the family car is fine for a local lesson, but tomorrow’s plan crosses a mountain pass.
- Check the tires as above and confirm the route dates.
- Check the forecast and road conditions on the morning of the drive.
- Agree in advance where the supervisor will take over. Remember that a BC supervisor must be 22 or older.
- If conditions are beyond the learner, move the lesson. Choosing not to drive is a skill too.
On snow, leave extra following distance and use gentle steering, braking and acceleration. For skids, deep water and breakdowns, see emergency strategies for BC drivers.
Common questions
When do I need winter tires in BC?
From 1 October to 30 April on most signed routes. Some routes end on 31 March.
Are all-season tires legal in BC winter?
Only if they carry the M+S marking (or the mountain and snowflake symbol) and have at least 3.5 mm of tread.
Do I need winter tires in Vancouver?
Many Lower Mainland roads are exempt, but routes such as the Malahat are not. Check the signs and the province’s maps for your route.
Is my AWD car exempt?
No. The two-matching-tires rule applies to 4×4 and all-wheel-drive vehicles too.
Can I just carry chains?
Not with summer tires. Chains supplement winter tires in extreme conditions. They do not replace them on signed highways.
What is the fine?
The Government of BC says non-compliant drivers may be turned away and fined. Check the current fine with the Government of BC.
Related: learning to drive in BC, BC learner licence rules, winter driving in Canada for new drivers, Quebec’s winter tire law.
Sources
- Government of British Columbia, “Winter tire and chain-up routes” (gov.bc.ca)
- Government of British Columbia, “About winter tires” (gov.bc.ca)
- ICBC, “Learn to Drive Smart, Chapter 9: your licence” (icbc.com)