Everything you need to know about B.C.’s winter tire rules

It's the first week of autumn and that means winter driving conditions are just around the corner for many parts of British Columbia.

Winter tires or chains are required on most routes in B.C. from Oct. 1 to March 31.

For select highways, including mountain passes and rural routes in high snowfall areas, the date is extended to April 30.

Signs posted on these designated highways advise drivers where and when winter tires are required.

Vehicles not equipped with winter tires are prohibited from travelling past these signs.

Motorists could be turned around if they don't have proper tires.

Acceptable winter tires in B.C. have the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol, or the M+S (mud and snow) symbol on the tire sidewall.

Tires should be evenly matched in size, tread type and depth, with at least 3.5 mm of tread remaining.

Studded tires can prove useful in winter driving, but are only allowed on B.C. highways from Oct. 1 to April 30. Studs should protrude more than 2 mm from the tread and should be used on all four wheels.

Drivers without proper winter tires in good condition driving on designated B.C. highways can be fined $121.

For more information on winter tires and winter driving, visit ICBC’s website here.

For a list of routes across B.C. requiring winter tires visit the Ministry of Transportation's website here.

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