Winter tires required on most B.C. highways starting today through March 31
B.C. drivers heading into the Interior, Vancouver Island or northern regions must have winter tires with proper tread depth or face $121 fines and 2 demerit points.
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Winter tire requirements are now in effect on most B.C. highways outside the Lower Mainland and Greater Victoria, running from today through March 31 or April 30 depending on the route.
The regulation applies to highways including the Sea to Sky Highway past Horseshoe Bay, Highway 5, and Highway 3 past Laidlaw west of Hope. Highway 1 connecting Metro Vancouver with the Fraser Valley is exempt, as are eastern Vancouver Island key routes, due to more temperate winter conditions in those regions.
Commercial vehicles may use chains instead of winter tires. Valid winter tires must carry either a three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or the letters M and S on the sidewall, with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 millimetres. Summer tires require only 1.6 millimetres of tread.
Drivers without proper winter tires on required routes face a $121 fine and 2 demerit points. An additional $109 fine applies if tread depth falls below 3.5 millimetres. Non-compliant motorists may be turned away from highways, and enforcement is carried out by police, ministry staff, and other designated officials.
B.C. municipalities may impose their own winter tire bylaws differing from provincial rules. DriveSmartBC recommends checking specific highway requirements before travelling outside the Lower Mainland, particularly as routes vary by region and elevation.
The Government of B.C. maintains a designated Winter Tire & Chain Routes map to help drivers plan travel.
The facts
When do winter tire requirements take effect in B.C.?
Winter tire requirements are in effect from Thursday, October 1, 2026 through March 31 or April 30 depending on the route.
What is the penalty for driving without proper winter tires on required B.C. highways?
Drivers face a $121 fine and 2 demerit points. An additional $109 fine applies if tread depth is below 3.5 millimetres.
What tread depth do winter tires need on B.C. highways?
Valid winter tires must have a minimum tread depth of 3.5 millimetres and carry either a three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or the letters M and S on the sidewall.
