Northern Ontario drivers can keep studded tires on longer

New provincial rules extend time span for tire studs

Northern Ontario drivers will be able to put on studded tires a month earlier this year, and keep them on an extra month, thanks to new rule changes from the province.

Northern Ontario residents can now use studded tires from Sept. 1 to May 31. Previously, studded tires were only allowed from Oct. 1 to April 30. The change is based on advice and recommendations from the Ontario Provincial Police.Studded tires can be used on vehicles that have an ownership address in Northern Ontario, which includes the districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Temiskaming.

They can also be used on out-of-province vehicles travelling in Ontario for less than a month.

Quick Facts:

• Studded tires are proven to be more effective than other tires on wet, icy road conditions.
• Only lightweight, Scandinavian studs can be used in northern Ontario.
• Last winter, the province added 50 combination snowplow-spreader units and five tow plows — 42 of them in northern Ontario.
• Check road closure information before you leave by calling 511, visiting Ontario.ca/511 or follow @MTORoadClosures on Twitter.

More information can be located on the Ontario MTO site.

Click this link for more Provincial and State Studded Tire Regulations.