PRINCE GEORGE — BC’s annual winter tire regulations go into effect today.
Winter tires are required for travel on:
* all highways in the North;
* all highways in the Interior;
* sections of some highways on the South Coast, including the Sea to Sky Highway; and
* sections of some highways on Vancouver Island, including the Malahat and highways 4, 14 and 28.
In B.C., appropriate winter tires are defined as those with either the M+S (mud and snow) or mountain/snowflake symbol, in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 millimetres.
Drivers without the proper winter tires in good condition driving on designated B.C. highways can receive a fine of $121.
Also starting today, commercial vehicle operators are required to carry chains on most routes in B.C., as indicated by roadside signs. Chains are not required on the Lower Mainland and most of Vancouver Island.
Winter tires and chain requirements are in effect on most designated highways in B.C. from Oct. 1 to March 31. For select highways, including mountain passes and rural routes in high snowfall areas, the date is extended until April 30 to account for early spring snowfall. These highways are marked with regulatory signs.
