Heading out? You’ll need snow tires on most B.C. highways starting today

It may not feel like it with this week’s weather in Kamloops and the Okanagan, but winter is coming.

As of today, Oct. 1, winter tire and commercial chain requirements start for most B.C. Highways.

Winter tires or chains are required on most mountain passes in British Columbia from Oct. 1 to April 30.

In some cases, where highways don’t go over mountain passes or go through high snowfall areas, the requirements end on March 1 instead of April 30.

Routes marked with regulatory signs are posted on highways around the province, and motorists who are not compliant may be turned away and fined $121.

See the map below for routes where snow tires are required to March 1 and those where the requirements are extended to April 30.

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

For more information, see this B.C. government website.

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