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# Tire Knowledge

Winter tire laws in Canada

Find more information about winter tire laws in your province or territory

Fast facts

Winter Tire Laws in Canada

  • Quebec and British Columbia are the only provinces where winter tires are mandatory
    •  Quebec from December 1 to March 15 inclusively
    • British Columbia from October 1 to April 30 only on some highways
  • No winter tires are mandatory in the rest of provinces and territories but are highly recommended
  • Only tires with the Alpine Symbol (Three peak mountain and snowflake symbol) and studded tires are considered winter tires under the Highway Safety Code
  • Please see below for specific regulations about Studded tires in the different provinces

The performance and handling of your vehicle depend on the tires. After all, tires are the only contact between the car and the road.

So, when it's time to buy a set of new tires for your vehicle, there are multiple factors you'll want to take into consideration, including your driving style, budget, and the region where you live.

  • Winter tires are mandatory

  • From December 1 to March 15 inclusively, all passenger vehicles registered in Quebec, including taxis, must be equipped with winter tires.

    This requirement also applies to rental passenger vehicles in Québec, as well as mopeds, motorized scooters and motorcycles.

  • Since December 15, 2014, only tires on which the Alpine Symbol (Three peak mountain and snowflake symbol) and studded tires are considered winter tires under the Highway Safety Code.

  • Studs and Chains authorized between October 15 and May 1 inclusively

  • Winter tires are mandatory on some highways from October 1st until April 30th
  • Studded tires can be used only between Oct. 1 and April 30

  • No winter tires mandatory but highly recommended
  • Alpine symbol (three peak Mountain and Snowflake symbol) needed to considered winter tires.
  • Insurance companies now offer discounts for those who have winter tires on their car during winter months.

Studded Tires:

Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan and the Yukon have no timeframe restrictions on studded tires.

The time frame for New Brunswick is from Oct. 15 to May 1, Newfoundland from Nov. 1 to May 31 and Prince Edward Island from Oct. 1 to May 31; this is their only restriction, however other provinces have additional restrictions.

Manitoba: Studded tires can be used only between Oct. 1 and April 30.

Nova Scotia: Studded tires can be used between Oct. 15 and April 30.

Ontario: Studded tires are permitted between Oct. 1 and April 30 and only north of the Parry Sound and Nipissing districts. Northern Ontario residents can use studded tires anywhere in Ontario during this time frame. It is illegal for southern Ontario residents to use studded tires in southern Ontario; they can be fined up to CA$1,000.