Tire Requirements for Hillside Roads During Snow Events

In order to increase public safety in hillside areas during winter snow and ice storms, vehicles are now required to be equipped with winter rated tires when a vehicle is being driven on hillside roads during a winter storm event when those hillside roads are snow / ice covered.

During snow events the requirement to use winter rated tires will be clearly posted on digital message boards at the roadside on roads where this requirement is in effect.

When the snow event is over and roads have been sufficiently cleared and treated, the requirement to use winter rated tires will be cancelled and the digital message boards will be switched off.

FAQs

How do I know if I have the right tires?
Winter rated tires are defined as having at least 3.5mm of tread depth and either “M&S” or the mountain/snowflake symbol on them.

Do I have to use snow tires all winter?
The bylaw does not require snow tires to be used all winter, only on hillside roads during a winter storm event when the roads are snow / ice covered . The requirement to use winter rated tires will be clearly posted on digital message boards at the roadside when the requirement is in effect.

What if I don’t have snow tires?
The requirement is in effect only on hillsides during winter storm events when the road is snow / ice covered. Drivers need to be prepared for changing weather conditions. This may mean winter tires, or it may mean arranging alternate transportation such as transit or carpooling during winter storms when this requirement is in force.

What happens if vehicles without snow tires are driven on hillsides during a winter storm event?
A penalty of $300 could be issued if a vehicle becomes stranded on a snow- or ice-covered hillside road and is found to be stranded as a result of the vehicle being driven without appropriate tires.

For more information, please contact our Operations Department at 604.793.2810 or [email protected].