Oct. 1 is the day B.C. driver's need to switch to winter tires for most provincial routes, with larger vehicles also required to carry chains ahead of the winter driving season. (Dreamstime)

By Jordan Davidson

winter driving season

Suitable tires mandated on select highways as wintry conditions approach

Oct 2, 2024 | 1:58 PM

NANAIMO — The start of October also marks the beginning of the winter driving season in B.C.

Winter tires or chains are required on most provincial routes from Oct. until the end of March or April 30 for select routes, marked with regulatory signs posted along the highways.

Trace Acres with Road Safety at Work said this applies to most major roadways across the province.

“Several of them are on Vancouver Island. We’re talking about Hwy. 19 north to Port Hardy, Hwy. 28 westbound to Gold River, and Hwy. 4 as well between Parksville and Ucluelet, and even over the Malahat down to Victoria, there’s a winter tire mandate in effect there as well.”

But what exactly qualifies as a winter tire?

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Acres said all-season tires are still allowed, providing they are in good condition, with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 millimetres.

He recommends investing in a full set of winter tires for maximum performance and safety, marked by the three-peak mountain and snowflake emblem on the tire’s exterior wall.

“Those tires function better at lower temperatures than all-season tires do, and they have a better tread pattern to help with more slippery conditions and in snow as well.”

Drivers caught without the proper tires could be turned around by police and/or fined $121 for passenger vehicles.

Commercial drivers could be dinged with a $196 fine for not carrying chains when required, and a $598 fine if a commercial vehicle bypasses an active chain-up area.

Acres said it’s especially important to be cautious behind the wheel at this time of year even before the snow starts to fall.

“Temperature can change very quickly, and we know that in the mornings when there’s lots of frost, it can be very slippery, so it’s not just snow that we’re concerned about, but it really is cold temperatures, rain, lower light, and fog conditions that make this time of the year particularly hazardous.”

A full list of all the designated winter tire and chain routes is available here on the province’s website.

A detailed map showing which highways on Vancouver Island are designated as winter tire/chain routes. (B.C. Government)

— with files from Jon De Roo/97.3 The Eagle

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On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNOW