Gaining traction
As with their counterparts to the south, Canadian provinces and territories have created a patchwork of chain laws for truckers to navigate. Our annual compilation of chain laws helps to reduce the guesswork.
Below is a comprehensive roundup of chain- and studded tire-related laws in all 10 provinces and three territories. As with U.S. chain laws, Land Line updates this list annually. Although Land Line makes its best effort to ensure accurate information, always be on the safe side and have chains in your truck in preparation for a worst-case scenario. This is especially true the farther north you travel.
Alberta
No regulations require or prohibit the use of tire chains or studded tires. However, Alberta makes a point to let drivers know that any who damage roads through the use of chains could be cited.
British Columbia
Chains and studded tires are fine when needed. In fact, drivers can be fined for not having proper tires. The Ministry of Transportation will have signs posted saying, “Must carry tire chains, Oct.1-April 30.” The government also notes that public notices or signs may provide different information regarding dates, weather conditions or any other criteria deemed necessary.
In addition, the government states that commercial drivers who travel outside the greater Vancouver and greater Victoria areas in the winter are required to carry chains or other acceptable traction devices. Any vehicle found crossing those boundaries without proper tires is subject to a fine. Truckers need only to carry, not install, chains at this point. However, when encountering a sign or flashing amber lights with a message that indicates vehicles over a certain posted gross vehicle weight must use chains, then the chains must be installed. Chains on a typical tractor-trailer combination must be on all four tires of the main drive axle. There is no chain requirement on the trailer.
Drivers who bypass an active chain-up area without chains installed are subject to a $598 fine, while those who aren’t carrying chains when and where they’re required will be fined $196.
Manitoba
No regulations require or prohibit the use of tire chains. However, much like the boilerplate language in many states in the U.S., chains are acceptable when needed “for safety.”
New Brunswick
It is permissible to use tire chains and studded tires in cases of “exceptional weather conditions.” Studded snow tires are permitted any time except from May 1 through Oct. 15.
Newfoundland and Labrador
According to provincial regulations, “a person shall not operate a motor vehicle on a highway when there is snow or ice on the surface of the highway unless” snow tires or tire chains are fitted on the drive axle.
Northwest Territories
Essentially, tire chains are allowed during icy or snowy road conditions.
Nova Scotia
“It shall be permissible to use tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to slide or skid.”
Nunavut
Drivers may use tire chains in Nunavut as needed.
Ontario
Ontario is a bit trickier when it comes to studded tires. To start, they are allowed only from Sept. 1 through May 31. In order to use studded tires, the driver must be a resident of Northern Ontario (north of Parry Sound and Nipissing districts), own a business in Northern Ontario or have road authority having jurisdiction and control of a highway in Northern Ontario. Non-Ontario residents may use studded tires if the vehicle is in Ontario for no more than 30 days.
From there, Ontario has a list of regulations regarding size and placement of the studs. Essentially, studded tires are OK in Northern Ontario. A $1,000 fine can be given for using studded tires in Southern Ontario.
Prince Edward Island
Tire chains are allowed as long as they do not “injure” the highway.
Quebec
Chains may be used only by emergency vehicles, farm tractors or any road vehicle used for snow removal or winter maintenance from Oct. 15 through May 1. Studded tires are acceptable only on passenger vehicles from Oct. 15 through May 1. There are no regulations that specifically mention heavy trucks and winter tires. Per a conversation with a representative from the Ministry of Transportation, chains and studs are prohibited on heavy trucks.
Saskatchewan
No regulations for winter tires. Studded tires and chains are allowed.
Yukon
No regulations for winter tires. Studded tires and chains are allowed. LL