With winter quickly approaching, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure would like to remind motorists that beginning today, Oct. 1, 2014, winter tires are required on many highways throughout the province.

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://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/winter-tires-and-chains/winter-tire-and-chain-up-routes

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.

There is also a new timeframe that winter tires are required on the high mountain passes. The new timeframe is October 1 to March 31 (it previously was October 1 to April 30).

The ministry encourages drivers to always drive to the road conditions and choose the best tires possible. Tires with the winter mountain/snowflake symbol provide the best level of traction and safety in severe snow and ice conditions.

The ministry has increased its commitment and funding in support of the multi-agency “Shift into Winter” campaign. In partnership with the ministry’s road safety partners, this safety initiative reminds motorists to prepare their vehicles, check DriveBC and to drive to road conditions. For more information go to: http://shiftintowinter.ca/

A high-resolution image of the new provincial winter tire highway signage is available at: http://ow.ly/yrx0Y

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241