Winter Driving – Studded Tire Regulations and Guidelines by Province and Territory
Each Province and Territory within Canada has their own unique set of winter studded tire regulations and laws. The majority of regions govern their restriction for usage of studded tires based on specific time periods. In addition, they also limit the use of studded winter tire to the gross weight of the vehicle for which the tires are being installed. Listed below is a guideline by Province and Territory to help outline the rules.
PLEASE BE ADVISED; use the following list as a guideline only. Since laws and regulations change frequently (year over year), and most Provinces and Territories have limitations to the size, composition and quantity of studs, its recommend to confirm with current local regulations before choosing to use studded tires for winter driving in your area or region.
| Province/Territory | Dates Permitted | Comments |
| Alberta | No restrictions on use of studded tires. | |
| British Columbia | Studded tires permitted between October 1st and April 30th | Studs no higher that 3.5mm. Number of studs per tire varies by gross vehicle weight. For more information see British Columbia “About Winter Tires“. |
| New Brunswick | Studded tires permitted between October 15th and April 30th. | |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Studded tires permitted between November 1st and April 30th | For more information, see “Studded Tire Regulations“. |
| Nova Scotia | Studded tires permitted between October 15th and May 31th. | Some stud specifications apply. For more information, see “Studded Tires Regulations – Nova Scotia“. |
| Manitoba | Studded tires permitted between October 1st and April 30th. | Some stud specifications apply. For more information see “Manitoba Highway Traffic Act“. |
| Northwest Territories | No restrictions on use of studded tires. | |
| Nunavut | No restrictions on use of studded tires. | |
| Ontario | Between September 1st and May 31th. | Vehicles registered in Northern Ontario (North of Perry Sound and Nipissing Districts). Stud size and quantity restrictions apply. Visitors allowed for 30 days. For more information see, “Studded Tire Use in Northern Ontario“. |
| P.E.I. | Studded tires permitted between October 1st and May 31st. | |
| Quebec | Studded tires permitted between October 15th and May 1st. | A Vehicle whose total loaded mass does not exceed 3000kg. Other restrictions apply, see official site for more information. |
| Saskatchewan | No restrictions on use of studded tires. | |
| Yukon | No restrictions on use of studded tires. |
Assorted Winter Tire Studs
This article has not be updated since time of original post, so regulations and laws may have changed by individual Province or Territory. Please check local laws prior to installing winter studded tires.
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