Understanding British Columbia’s Winter Tire Law
British Columbia has plenty to offer the intrepid winter traveller. The warm Sunshine Coast offers some rays, Tofino is spectacular for its storms, and Whistler brings everything a Canadian winter should. We highly recommend getting out there and exploring the winter wonderland BC turns into, with one caveat – make sure you get a car rental with snow tires!
Are Winter Tires Mandatory In British Columbia?
The short answer is yes, winter tires are mandatory between October 1 and April 30. But as with any legislation, winter tire law gets a little more complex when you look into it. Most highways in B.C. need passenger vehicles to have winter tires, especially in the Interior, the North, or any mountain highway. The exception to this rule is the Lower Mainland and southeastern Vancouver Island where the mild climate means drivers aren’t required to use winter tires along many routes on the coast. If you do plan to drive outside this region, your vehicle needs to be geared up for winter.
What Are Classed As Winter Tires In BC?
B.C. has strict rules on what tires meet the winter tire standard. Legal winter tires on passenger vehicles, 4WDs, and AWDs must have at least 3.5 mm of tread depth.
The tires must also be marked with one of the following symbols on the sidewall:
- The mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF)
- The M+S symbol (Mud and Snow)
The rules also recommend that you use winter tires that are evenly matched in tread type and depth.
You cannot use chains on summer tires as a substitute for winter tires.
Are All-Season Tires Good For Winter BC?
Technically, some all-season tires carry the “M+S” symbol, which means they meet the minimum requirement under B.C. law. However, that doesn’t make them true winter tires.
All-season tires are designed for year-round use, and they work well on dry and wet roads. While they may carry the M+S mark, the rubber used to make them limits their grip on ice and deep snow.
All-weather tires are relatively new to the market and are built to perform better than all-season tires in temperatures below 7°C.
Proper winter tires are your best bet, especially when you’re traveling in extreme conditions like the ones the mountain passes or Northern BC offer.
At Ascent Car Rental, we understand that road trip plans can change at the drop of a hat. That’s why every winter car rental comes with dedicated winter tires, so you’re confident on the road wherever you go.
How Much Is The Fine For Not Having Winter Tires In BC?
According to the Government of British Columbia, you need to comply with winter tire law even if you’re visiting the province or renting a car for your winter road trip. Drivers without appropriate winter tires on designated highways and roads can be fined $121.
Fines are just one part of repercussions for non-compliance. You can also be turned away from your planned route or worse get into an accident because your tires cannot handle the conditions on the road.
Planning Your BC Winter Road Trip
Apart from signposts, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure website offers detailed maps of routes where winter tires are mandatory. Additionally, cities, private roads and ski hills may also have their own bylaws regarding the use of winter tires and chains.
It’s a good idea to plan your route carefully before setting out. If you have any doubts, the team at Ascent Car Rental is always here to help!
Ascent Car Rental Has You Covered
Most car rental companies provide all-season tires or require you to choose vehicles with winter tires at an additional cost. At Ascent Car rental, we do away with the need to choose by offering cars for hire with winter tires all throughout the cold season.
Whether you’re looking to rent an SUV with winter tires or to rent a car for the winter, you’ll find we:
- Prep our fleet before the October 1 deadline.
- Inspect every vehicle (and its tires!) before it’s delivered to you.
Although, BC regulations clearly put the onus of ensuring a car is compliant on the driver, Ascent Car Rental makes compliance effortless. Every car in our fleet is winter-ready, so you can drive confidently and safely all season long.
Contact us today or book your winter ride online.