We receive a lot of questions from our customers who are looking for advice on how to choose the best winter tires, and a particular area of confusion is studded winter tires. Most people think that studded winter tires are still banned in Canada, so you might be surprised to learn that most of the time they are completely legal! The challenge is when and where studded tires can be used. We`ve put this resource together to help you get an idea of where and when studded winter tires are allowed. However, we recommend that you check with your province if you have any questions or want more details. Winter weather has arrived in much of Alberta, which means that for many drivers, it`s time to put on those winter tires. In fact, experts say you don`t have to wait for the white stuff. These provinces and territories have no restrictions on the use of studded tires, so you can use them at any time of winter at will, without incurring a fine. READ ALSO: Winter tires are important, but so are good rims Automotive journalist Lorraine Sommerfield agrees that winter tires are highly recommended for Alberta drivers, no matter what type of vehicle you drive. LISTEN: Lorraine Sommerfield joins The Morning News to talk about winter tires and winter driving The province and municipalities don`t have a law that explicitly prohibits the use of studded tires or tire chains, but a law that makes damage to the pavement a criminal offense. A peace officer in a community may be concerned about intentional damage to the roadway caused by snow chains on a tire. A peace officer could lay charges under section 51 of Alberta`s Road Improvement and Protection Act, which prohibits damage to roads. Several jurisdictions have restrictions on the use of studded tires. Motorists who use studded tires and travel to other jurisdictions should check this before their trip.
In British Columbia, the rules for using winter tires, studded tires and tire chains are very specific. In fact, in some areas, winter tires (or tire chains) are mandatory in some areas between October 1 and April 30, and if caught without them, it can result in a hefty fine. During this period, peaks of up to 3.5 mm are allowed, and for vehicles weighing less than 4,600 kg or 10,000 lbs, the maximum number of total peaks is 130 or about 30 per tire. If you want to use studded tires on the front wheels, you should also use them on the rear wheels. Quebec is the only Canadian province to have made the use of winter tires mandatory, reducing road accidents that cause injuries and weather-related collisions by 36%. Winter tires must be used between December 15 and March 15, and studded tires are allowed during this period as long as they are used at both ends of the axle. What distinguishes studded winter tires from normal snow tires? How do they work, are there any drawbacks to studded tires and are they even legal on public roads across Canada? Here is a detailed overview and explanation. www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2009_122.pdf READ MORE: Canadian Tire and other retailers don`t have an age guideline on tires sold “We`re seeing a huge increase in business as people are reminded that it`s time to put on their winter tires if they haven`t already and when they discover that their tires probably don`t have the traction they`re looking for in these road conditions.” PLEASE NOTE; Use the following list for information purposes only. Since laws and regulations change frequently (from year to year) and most provinces and territories have restrictions on the size, composition and number of peaks, it is a good idea to confirm the local regulations in place before deciding to use studded tires for winter traffic in your area or region. In Ontario, studded winter tires are available between September 1 and 31.
Approved for Northern Ontario drivers including Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Temiskaming.