Yes, BC Has Winter Tire Laws — and They Apply to More Roads Than You Might Think
If you drive in New Westminster or anywhere else in British Columbia, you have likely heard that winter tires are required on certain highways during the colder months. But the details can be confusing. Which roads are covered? What counts as a "winter tire" under the law? And do you really need them if you stick to city streets? Here is what every New Westminster driver should know before the snow starts falling.
Where Winter Tires Are Mandatory in BC
Under BC's Motor Vehicle Act, winter tires — or chains — are legally required on most provincial highways from October 1 through April 30. This includes major routes that connect New Westminster to the rest of the Lower Mainland and beyond.
The routes designated by the province include:
- Highway 1 (Trans-Canada) — the stretch through the Fraser Valley and up toward Hope is covered, meaning any trip east from New Westminster puts you on a designated route almost immediately.
- Highway 99 — from the US border through to Whistler and beyond, including the stretch many New Westminster residents use when heading to Vancouver or the North Shore.
- Highway 7 (Lougheed Highway) — a major connector for New Westminster drivers heading east toward Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, and Mission.
- Highway 91 and Highway 17 — key routes for anyone crossing the Alex Fraser Bridge or heading toward the Tsawwassen ferry terminal.
The rule applies regardless of whether snow is actually on the ground on a given day. If the calendar says October 1 to April 30 and you are on a designated highway, you must have compliant tires.
What Counts as a "Winter Tire" Under BC Law?
This is where many drivers get tripped up. Not every tire with an aggressive tread pattern qualifies. Under BC regulations, a compliant winter tire must carry one of these two symbols on the sidewall:
- The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) — a symbol shaped like a mountain with a snowflake inside it. This indicates the tire has passed a minimum snow-traction test.
- The M+S (Mud and Snow) symbol — as long as the tire also has at least 3.5 mm of tread depth remaining. M+S tires are the legal minimum; they do not need to be full dedicated winter tires.
Important: While M+S all-season tires meet the legal requirement, dedicated winter tires with the 3PMSF symbol perform dramatically better on ice and packed snow. In New Westminster, where winter conditions often mean wet, slushy roads that freeze overnight, the difference can be the length of your stopping distance — or worse.
Do You Need Winter Tires If You Only Drive in New Westminster?
Legally, if you never leave city streets and never set a wheel on a designated provincial highway between October and April, the winter tire law does not apply to you. But practically? It is a risky bet.
New Westminster's hills, combined with frequent winter rain that turns to ice when temperatures drop, create treacherous conditions even on local roads. Streets like Royal Avenue, 10th Avenue, and the steep grades around Queens Park can become nearly impassable without proper traction. And if you ever need to cross the Pattullo Bridge (Highway 1A) or take the Queensborough Connector, you are back on a designated route.
Penalties and Insurance Considerations
Driving on a designated highway without compliant tires can result in a $121 fine under the Motor Vehicle Act. But the real cost can be far higher. If you are in a collision on a highway where winter tires are required and your vehicle is not properly equipped, ICBC may find you partially or fully at fault — even if road conditions were a factor. That can affect your premiums for years.
When to Start Preparing
Waiting until the first snow is a mistake. Tire shops across the Lower Mainland get booked solid the moment a cold snap hits. October is the ideal time to have your winter tires inspected, mounted, or purchased. Even if you already own a set, checking tread depth and looking for cracking or uneven wear before the season starts is essential.
At Safari Auto Tires on Quebec Street in New Westminster, we help drivers across the Lower Mainland get winter-ready every year — from selecting the right winter tire for your vehicle and driving habits to checking that your existing set still meets BC's legal tread depth requirements. Give us a call at (604) 544-4040 or visit us at 1025 Quebec St, New Westminster to get ahead of the rush this year.
