Winter tire rule now in effect for designated highways

NEWS — Winter tires are now required on many highways throughout the province.

The winter-tire rule came into effect Tuesday. Signs are posted on each of the designated highways to advise motorists where winter tires are required. These are generally located approaching high mountain passes and interior highways where conditions can change from rain to snow very quickly.

Maps showing which roads require winter tires can be found on the ministry’s web page at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/SeasonalDriving/winter-tires-chains/index.html.

As a result of the technical analysis completed during the Rural Highway Safety and Speed Review, winter tires have been defined as those labelled with either the winter mountain/snowflake symbol or the mud and snow (M+S) designation. Winter tires must also be in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm.

Winter tires are mandatory on designated highways from now until March 31.

Tires with the winter mountain/snowflake symbol provide the best level of traction and safety in severe snow and ice conditions.