Winter tires will be required on most highways in B.C. as of Oct. 1, 2025. (Photo: Picsxl | Dreamstime.com)

By Haven Thibert

Winter tires required Oct. 1 on most B.C. highways

Sep 24, 2025 | 1:09 PM

If you are heading to B.C. as of next week, make sure you have your winter tires on.

British Columbia’s winter tire regulations are set to take effect Oct. 1, and safety officials are warning drivers that worn or damaged tires can be just as dangerous as having no winter tires at all.

“Winter tires are only as good as their condition,” said Trace Acres, spokesperson for Road Safety at Work’s Winter Driving Safety campaign.

Under provincial law, vehicles must be equipped with winter tires on most highways from Oct. 1 to March 31 — and until April 30 on certain mountain roads.

Tires must have at least 3.5 millimetres of tread and be free of cracks, bulges or uneven wear.

Road Safety at Work recommends tires with the mountain and snowflake symbol, which meet a higher performance standard than basic M+S (mud and snow) tires.

The agency also notes that all-season tires lose grip below 7 C, meaning early fall cold snaps can reduce traction even before the first snowfall.

Drivers are also encouraged to check tire pressure regularly, as it drops in colder weather and affects traction.

The drivers of passenger vehicles that do not have winter tires can be fined $121. Learn more here.

More information is available at Tires&Chains_SouthernInterior_Map_Mar17-2021.