BC's winter tire requirements are now in effect

It is officially fall time and that means cooler temperatures and snow aren’t far behind.

It also means that British Columbians now need winter tires on their vehicles if they plan on driving on any highways in the province.

As of Oct. 1, winter tires are required on most of BC’s highways with a few exceptions in the Lower Mainland and southern part of Vancouver Island.

... the inevitable march of time towards the 1st of October ... Winter Tire Time can be less wearing after reading some wise words from our colleagues at @TranBC: https://t.co/mW8bwLUS4g pic.twitter.com/CS3f46GAFH

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) September 18, 2023

That includes highways across the northern part of the province, the Interior, the south coast like the Sea to Sky Highway (Hwy 99) and the Malahat on the Island.

According to the province, legal winter tires must have at least 3.5 millimeres of tread depth and must be labelled with the letters either M+S or have the mountain/snowflake symbol.

Failure to ensure you have appropriate winter tires can result in a fine of more than $120.

Drivers will need to keep their winter tires on until the end of March, but some highways with high mountain passes require them until April 30.

For more information, click here.

Thumbnail photo credit: 123rf