When do I need winter tires in BC?

The signs set the rule. The province posts winter tire signs on designated highways, and the dates on the sign are the law for that stretch. Most signed routes run from October 1 to April 30. A few highways away from the mountain passes and heavy snow areas end on March 31.

Around Coppervale, the dates split by highway. Highway 3 runs October 1 to April 30 from Osoyoos east to the Alberta line. That covers the Paulson Summit and the Kootenay Pass. Highway 1 over Rogers Pass and Highways 93 and 95 run the same full season. Several valley routes end March 31. Highway 3A, Highway 6 south of Needles and Highway 22 north of Trail are on that list.

The province usually leaves these signs off highways inside town limits, unless the town asks for them. Leave town on Highway 3, though, and the signs apply. If you commute, shop in the next valley or drive up to the ski hill, plan on winter tires.

BC law sets two tests. The tire needs at least 3.5 mm of tread. It also needs one of two marks on the sidewall, the three-peak mountain snowflake or the letters M and S. Both marks are legal. Our guide on mountain snowflake and M+S tires explains how they differ on snow and ice.

You need at least two matching winter tires on the drive axle, even on a 4x4. The province recommends four matched tires, and so do we. Transport Canada advises against mixing tire types, because mixed tires make a vehicle less stable.

Studded tires are allowed from October 1 to April 30. The studs can stick out 2 mm at most. If the front tires have studs, the rear tires need them too.

Police can turn you around at the sign. The fine for a passenger vehicle without winter tires is $121. The RCMP can also turn all vehicles away when they judge the road unsafe, whatever tires you have.

Work trucks follow their own chain rules. A commercial vehicle licensed at 11,794 kg or more must carry steel chains on these routes. Lighter commercial vehicles need winter tires or chains on board. If you drive for work, read the province's commercial vehicle page before October.

Book in September. The legal date on Highway 3 is October 1, and the cold can come first. Transport Canada notes that all-season and summer tires start to lose grip below 7°C. Winter tires keep their grip at much colder temperatures. Frosty mornings on the Kootenay Pass can arrive well before the law does.

The morning after the first snowfall, our phone rings all day. A September booking costs the same and gets you in sooner. Pick a week on the changeover planner and we confirm within one business hour. A tire changeover is $60 when your winter tires are on their own rims, and $95 for a full swap with balancing.

We measure the tread on every tire as it goes on. If a set is close to 3.5 mm, you hear it from us with a photo. In spring, leave the winter set on until the end date for your route passes. On Highway 3, that is April 30.