A true indicator that it is no longer summer is that British Columbia’s winter tire regulations have come back into effect as of Friday.
As of Friday, October 1, winter tires have once again become mandatory for all vehicles on most British Columbian highways.
Drivers are reminded that they will need winter tires on their vehicle for travelling certain BC highways including the Sea-to-Sky, Coquihalla and the Malahat here on Vancouver Island.
The government says the regulations are in place in order to increase travel safety throughout the winter months.
Winter tires are required for travel on:
- Sections of some highways on Vancouver Island, including the Malahat and highways 4, 14 and 28.
- All highways in the North.
- All highways in the Interior.
- Sections of some highways on the South Coast, including the Sea to Sky Highway.
According to the Province, appropriate winter tires are defined as those with either the M+S (mud and snow) or mountain/snowflake symbol, in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 millimetres.
Any driver without the proper winter tires driving on designated highways can receive a fine of $121.
Also starting Oct. 1, 2021, commercial vehicle operators are required to carry chains on most routes in B.C., as indicated by roadside signs, however, chains are not required on most of Vancouver Island.
The order is in effect until March 31, however, select highways, including mountain passes and rural routes in high snowfall areas, the date is extended until April 30 to account for early-spring snowfall.
More information regarding the routes and regulations can be found online by clicking here.
Graham Cox
