Driving to BC in Winter

[darklord700]

Many interior BC areas require winter tires. My car has a new set of all season M+S tires. Someone told me M+S tires are classified as "winter tires" in BC but I couldn't find any confirmation on the web.

Anyone has experience driving to BC with a set of good all season? I'll drive there shortly and don't want to get caught not meeting this regulation.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

If the M+S tires don't meet the requirements, you can buy some tire chains and have them in the trunk. Look on Kijiji, often they are cheaper on there.

[burn_this_city]

Should be fine, just check the drivebc website before heading out.

[darklord700]

Originally Posted by GreatWhiteEbola

If the M+S tires don't meet the requirements, you can buy some tire chains and have them in the trunk. Look on Kijiji, often they are cheaper on there.

Great idea, never thought of it before.

[Shawnski]

About two thirds the way down on this link, you will find most of your answers.

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/faq.htm

These may appear at certain areas in BC:



If your tires have the following marking, they are considered "winter tires":



Lastly, 3.5 mm of tread is required (which is quite low IMHO)

[darklord700]

Thanks for your replies, I found the answer.

http://tranbc.ca/2013/10/29/shift-in...-winter-tires/

"What’s Legal: The legislation as written accommodates M + S tires. B.C. RCMP will continue with past practice of allowing either tires with a snowflake symbol or a mud and snow designation on highways where winter tires are required, as long as they are in good condition, with good treads (worth repeating)."

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by Shawnski

Lastly, 3.5 mm of tread is required (which is quite low IMHO)

That's stupid low. So their pass is just shy of being utterly useless?

[Shawnski]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

That's stupid low. So their pass is just shy of being utterly useless?

'Tis the government. Same basic philosophy as qualifications for getting a drivers license.

[bc-chris]

Originally Posted by darklord700

Thanks for your replies, I found the answer.

http://tranbc.ca/2013/10/29/shift-in...-winter-tires/

"What’s Legal: The legislation as written accommodates M + S tires. B.C. RCMP will continue with past practice of allowing either tires with a snowflake symbol or a mud and snow designation on highways where winter tires are required, as long as they are in good condition, with good treads (worth repeating)."

just a heads up - the local news did a story about this back in october and the rcmp and the gov't have different opinions on what they consider legal.

the rcmp were very adamant that the tires MUST have a snowflake (like the pic a few posts up) or you MUST carry chains.

[woob]

Make sure you check the drivebc site before you head on on the day you're leaving. Conditions can change fast.

[WCan_Kid]

Originally Posted by bc-chris

just a heads up - the local news did a story about this back in october and the rcmp and the gov't have different opinions on what they consider legal.

the rcmp were very adamant that the tires MUST have a snowflake (like the pic a few posts up) or you MUST carry chains.

I've been warned about having M+S, but no snowflake before, had to go back to Creston and buy a set of chains. It's only happened going over Kootenay Pass, though, never on the TransCanada through to Golden or Revy.

[19Yzerman19]

Why, why do people live here without winter tires. Driving from Canmore to SSV yesterday was a skating rink, multiple car tracks off the road, several in the ditch. People driving with their hazards on 20kph... give your head a shake.

[WCan_Kid]

Originally Posted by 19Yzerman19

Why, why do people live here without winter tires. Driving from Canmore to SSV yesterday was a skating rink, multiple car tracks off the road, several in the ditch. People driving with their hazards on 20kph... give your head a shake.

Meh. Half the cars in the ditch or at 20km/h were likely AWD with winter tires...

[darklord700]

Deleted.

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by 19Yzerman19

Why, why do people live here without winter tires. Driving from Canmore to SSV yesterday was a skating rink, multiple car tracks off the road, several in the ditch. People driving with their hazards on 20kph... give your head a shake.

Common excuses include:

- "We don't get enough snow/ice here" (said in the midst of a chinook, selectively forgetting the rest of the winter)
- "I drive a truck/SUV and don't need them" (yet the cars in the ditch on the highway include an assortment of vehicles, including these miracle machines that are immune to ice)
- "I'm a good driver and I get by fine without them" (as they buff up an intersection trying to get moving, holding everyone up)
- "They are too expensive" (Not really because your tires will now last twice as long)
- "It is a hassle to change them over" (If this keyboard jockey can do it in about an hour, anyone can)
- "It is a scam by the tire companies" (No, it really isn't)


This isn't directed at you specifically, Darklord, as M+S tires are in a bit of a grey area. The legislation does appear to classify M+S tires as winters:

208 (1) For the purpose of this section, “winter tire” means a tire that is (a) advertised or represented by its manufacturer or a person in the business of selling tires to be a tire intended principally for winter use, and that provides, or is designed to provide, adequate traction in snow or mud;

Source: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topi...m#winter_tires


However, if the RCMP don't see it that way, you could find yourself in a bit of a pickle. The roadside of a mountain pass isn't a great place to argue the word of the law vs. the enforcement of it. Although you may want to print it out just in case.