Winter tires or chains are required on most routes in British Columbia from October 1 to April 30. For select highways not located through mountain passes and/or high snowfall areas, tire and chain requirements end March 31. These routes are marked with regulatory signs posted on highways throughout the province.
Are all season tires good for Vancouver?
All-season tires are designed to provide good traction and handling in a variety of conditions, including dry and wet roads, as well as in light snow. If you do a lot of driving in Vancouver, all-season tires are a good choice. They’ll help you stay safe on the road, while also providing a comfortable ride.
Are all season tires legal in BC in winter?
Both the all-season Mud and Snow (M+S) tires and the mountain/snowflake tires meet the requirements for winter tire designation in B.C. To be considered a winter tire, a M+S or a mountain/snowflake tire must also have at least 3.5mm of tread depth.
What happens if you don’t have winter tires in BC?
If drivers are caught without winter tires in good condition, they could be fined $121 and turned away from their route.
Are all season tires OK in BC?
All season tires have the M + S symbol, meaning mud and snow, and in B.C. they are considered the minimum acceptable winter tire. However, you could be turned away on some roads where only tires bearing the three peak snow flake symbol and the M + S are allowed.
Do you need snow tires for Coquihalla?
1, winter tires are mandatory for all vehicles on most British Columbia highways — including the Coquihalla and Trans-Canada highways that connect Kamloops to the Lower Mainland until spring.
Do I need winter tires to go to Whistler?
For safety in winter conditions, passenger vehicles are required to have winter tires installed to drive the Sea to Sky Highway between October and March.
Are winter tires really necessary?
Snow tires provide a lot more grip than regular tires, Lovegrove said, and when things are unpredictable on the road due to snow, high volumes of drivers and changing weather conditions, you’re better off safe than sorry. Snow tires are not only good for the snow, D’Arbelles said, but for really cold weather as well.
Can you get a ticket for not having winter tires in BC?
While winter tires are not mandatory provincewide, they are required on a majority of B.C. highways. Drivers without the proper winter tires in good condition driving on designated B.C. highways can receive a fine of $121. Rain, slush, snow, ice and cold temperatures are all part of winter driving.
Can I drive to Whistler with all season tires?
By law, passenger vehicles travelling along Highway 99 require winter tires with the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or the M + S (mud and snow symbol) with at least 3.5 mm of tread. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure provides winter driving recommendations.
Are winter tires worth it without snow?
Think again. Tests conducted by Canada’s Traffic Injury Research Foundation showed that winter tires provide superior traction, braking, and cornering in all cold-weather driving conditions compared to an all-season tire. We’re talking better traction whether the road surface is snow-covered, icy, wet, or even dry.
Do I need snow tires on Sea to Sky Highway?
Winter tires are now required on Sea to Sky Highway.
Can all season tires be used in winter?
ALL-SEASON TIRES CAN HANDLE SOME WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS
All season tires offer versatile performance and are designed to perform in a variety of conditions including wet roads and light winter driving. All season tires are designed to offer a combination of benefits from summer and winter tires.
What tires are best for Vancouver weather?
In BC, drivers are required to use M+S or 3PMSF tires for winter driving from October 31st to April 30th on designated routes.
What are 2 disadvantages to using all season tires?
Speaking of the disadvantages of all-season tires, it is worth noting the following nuances:
- They are constantly used, and therefore they are worn out.
- If the summer turns out to be too hot, the combined rubber just melts.
- Combination tires are not designed for aggressive driving and off-road use.
Do you need AWD in Vancouver?
Vancouver – the Canadian city – is a separate city from North Vancouver and West Vancouver, both of which are located north of the city. Years ago, a British Captain of the Royal Navy named George Vancouver got a bit carried away with naming things, so if this gets confusing, blame him. No. AWD or 4WD are not required.
Can I use chains instead of snow tires in BC?
We recommend drivers install 3-peaked mountain/snowflake tires for cold weather driving and, for extreme conditions, carry chains. Summer tires are not permitted for driving during designated winter months. Chains on summer tires are not an acceptable substitute for legal winter tires on signed B.C. highways.
Can I use chains instead of snow tires?
Snow tires and snow chains were created to help with maintaining traction on snow and ice-covered roads. However, snow chains should really only be used in situations where there is a thick layer of compacted snow or ice between your tires and the road.
What is considered a winter tire in BC?
To be considered a winter tire, a mountain snowflake or an M+S tire must also have at least 3.5 mm of tread depth across the whole tire. Both the mountain snowflake and M+S tires meet the minimum requirement for winter tires in BC.
Where in Canada is it mandatory to have winter tires?
Quebec
Quebec is the only jurisdiction in Canada where the use of winter tires is mandatory province-wide during the winter driving season. Under the MVSA, tire manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their tires meet TC’s minimum standards for winter performance.
Should you carry bear spray in Whistler?
Bears should avoid you, if they know you are in the area. Carry bear spray or another deterrent in an easily accessible yet protected area and know how to use it. Keep all dogs on leash. Dogs can provoke defensive behaviour in bears.