No ESI data
Skip to main content
surex logo
Start a quote
  • Car Insurance
  • Home Insurance
  • Condo Insurance
  • Tenant Insurance
  • Bundle
  • More Insurance
    • Motorcycle
    • ATV
    • Snowmobile
    • RV/Trailer
    • Business
    • Farm
    • Boat
    • Travel
    • Landlord
  • Blog
  • MySurex
  • MySurex
  • Car Insurance
  • Home Insurance
  • Bundle
  • Condo Insurance
  • Tenant Insurance
  • Motorcycle
  • ATV
  • Snowmobile
  • RV/Trailer
  • Business
  • Farm
  • Boat
  • Travel
  • Landlord
  • Blog
Surex Blog
  • Auto
  • Seasonal Vehicles & Recreation
  • Home & Condo
  • Tenant & Landlord
  • Commercial
  • Travel & More
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Winter Tires Required by Law on British Columbia Highways
  • Auto
  • car insurance

Winter Tires Required by Law on British Columbia Highways

Sep 30, 2016
4 min. read
  • Auto
  • car insurance
  • Facebook
  • Linkedin
  • X
Winter Tires Required by Law on British Columbia Highways

Beautiful British Columbia can be home to some of Canada’s harshest, winter driving conditions. As of October 1, 2015, the vast majority of BC highways require, by law, the use of winter tires from October 1 – March 31 yearly.

The policy requires drivers of all vehicles (cars, trucks, vans, commercial, holiday, etc.) to have tires marked with the M+S sign or the mountain snowflake (see below). In addition, carrier vehicles and semis are required to carry tire chains.

Along with the proper tire symbols, tires need to have at least 3.5mm of tread depth.

Vehicles also need to have at least two matching winter tires on the primary drive axle, including on 4x4 vehicles. Mixing tread patterns compromises stability and while two matching winter tires are the minimum, having all four tires with matching tread patterns is recommended.

The benefit to using winter tires in the cold and snow, as opposed to summer or all-season tires, is in the compound of the rubber. The specialized compound has the ability to grip in snow and react favourably to the freezing temperatures.

Winter Tires

The law applies to most major highways and secondary highways throughout the province. For a complete list, the British Columbia government has provided maps.

If you choose to ignore the law, you are putting yourself and others at risk – as well as your wallet. Fines for not having the proper winter tires, during enforced times, start at $121.

Find the best insurance rates today.

START A QUOTE
Surex Logo
Share this article
  • Facebook
  • Linkedin
  • X

Helpful insurance guides

Explore helpful guides that explain how insurance works in Canada, including coverage basics, cost factors, and common policy terms.

car ownership paperwork
  • Auto

How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Ontario

To legally transfer vehicle ownership in Ontario via sale or gift, both parties need valid licenses, active insurance, and critically, the green vehicle ownership permit.

Aug 31, 2026
6 min. read
Read Article
person putting a licence plate on car
  • Auto

What To Do If Your Car's Licence Plates Are Stolen in Ontario

Ontario sees its share of vehicle-related crime, including stolen licence plates. Knowing how to replace one helps drivers stay prepared if it happens to them.

Aug 27, 2026
6 min. read
Read Article
change address on car insurance
  • Auto

How To Change Your Address On Your Car Insurance Policy

Updating your car insurance address when moving is critical but often forgotten. This guide explains how and why to change it to stay legally covered.

Aug 10, 2026
6 min. read
Read Article
go to blog
surex logo
  • Contact Us
    • support@surex.com
    • 1-855-MYSUREX
    • P.O. Box 100
    • Magrath AB T0K 1J0
  • Insurance
    • Auto
    • Home
    • Bundle
    • Business
    • Condo/Strata
    • Tenant
    • Farm
    • Travel
    • Motorcycle
    • Snowmobile
    • Trailer and RV
    • Boat
    • ATV
    • Landlord
  • Our Process
    • Why Surex?
    • How it Works
    • Find an Advisor
    • Carriers
    • File a Claim
    • FAQ
    • Our Insurance
    • Commission Disclosure
    • Payments
    • Valued Partners
    • Sitemap
    • Glossary
  • Company
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Blog
    • Experts
    • Contact Us
    • In the News
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reviews

Copyright © 2011 surexdirect.com Ltd. All rights reserved.
® INSURANCE MARKETPLACE is a registered trademark of surexdirect.com Ltd.

Surex
Start an insurance quote now
START FREE QUOTE NOW

Surex uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.