Winter tires mandatory on most B.C. highways starting next week | Daily Hive

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It’s that time of year again — when winter tires become mandatory on most B.C. highways as the weather cools down.

Wednesday, Oct. 1, is the first day drivers will need to make sure their tires have the mud and snow symbol on a number of major routes.

“These signs are enforced by the police, ministry or other enforcement officials,” said the Government of B.C. online. “Motorists who are not compliant may be turned away and fined.”

Government of B.C.

The Sea to Sky Highway past Horseshoe Bay requires winter tires, as do Highway 5 and Highway 3 past Laidlaw, just west of Hope.

However, highways connecting Metro Vancouver with the Fraser Valley, including Highway 1, don’t require winter tires, and neither do other key routes on eastern Vancouver Island.

A map of which highways in BC’s South Coast mandate winter tires starting October 1 (Government of B.C.)

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“Winter tires or chains are required on most routes in British Columbia from Oct. 1 to April 30,” explained the Government of B.C. “Due to a more temperate winter climate in the Lower Mainland and southeastern Vancouver Island, drivers are not required to use winter tires in many areas along the coast.

“Remember, you are responsible for equipping your vehicle properly for the conditions you are driving in. Many drivers choose to use M+S tires year-round.”

The provincial government explains online that B.C. municipalities may have their own winter tire bylaws or rules that differ from provincial highway regulations.

“If you plan to travel outside the Lower Mainland and southeastern Vancouver Island, winter tires are required on most highways,” it added.

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Road Safety at Work, a partnership between WorkSafeBC and the Justice Institute of B.C., is also calling upon drivers to prepare for the change to soggy and slick roads by using winter tires with the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol.

This is due to them providing a better grip on wet roads and when temperatures drop below 7°C.

“Drivers get used to dry pavement and long daylight hours in the summer, but fall brings a rapid change,” said Trace Acres, program director for Road Safety at Work, in a release. “Rain, glare, less daylight, and cooler temperatures can all affect how your vehicle handles and how quickly you can respond.

“It’s a season of transition. We need to transition our driving, too. That means slowing down, leaving more space between vehicles, and staying focused on the road, especially in rainy and dark conditions.”

With files from Megan Devlin

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