Vehicles travelling on most B.C. highways outside of the Lower Mainland or Greater Victoria now require winter tires, or chains in the case of commercial vehicles.

The requirements start Oct. 1 every year, and depending on the highway, last until March 31 or April 30.

DriveSmartBC recommends that all drivers travelling routes outside of the Lower Mainland check requirements for the highway they will be taking.

Winter tires for the season must be labelled on the sidewall with either the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or the letters “M” and “S.”

DriveSmartBC reminds drivers that winter tires are worn out when they have less than 3.5 mm of tread, which is different from the summer tire minimum of 1.6 mm. Many vehicles do not send out alerts until the tires reach the summer minimum tread. 

There are two different fines a driver can receive for having improper tires on their car. If a car has no proper winter tires at all on a route that requires them, the fine is $121 and two penalty points on the person’s driver’s licence. If the tread depth is below 3.5 mm, the fine is $109.