Winter tires that meet the requirement of B.C.'s highways. (B.C. Government/Flickr)

By Liam Verster

includes Highway 97

Winter tire requirements start Saturday

Sep 28, 2022 | 6:30 AM

It’s time to change out the tires and pack the chains in the trunk.

Effective Saturday, Oct. 1, winter tires are required on select B.C. highways, including a majority of those in the Okanagan and the Interior like Highway 97.

Road Safety At Work, a program funded by WorkSafeBC and managed by the Justice Institute of British Columbia, is reminding people to prepare for winter conditions with its annual Shift Into Winter campaign.

The organization said in order to be safe and comply with the law drivers will need to switch off their summer tires for winter tires.

Legal winter tires that can be used for traveling B.C’.s highways include the three-peaked mountain/snowflake and the mud and snow (M+S) tires. The tires should be matching and in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 millimeters.

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Road Safety At Work noted tires with the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol provide the best traction in winter conditions, as they stay softer and more flexible than M+S tires, which become rigid once the temperatures drop to 7 Celsius or lower.

A map of the highways where winter tires are required can be seen below:

A map of the Interior highways requiring winter tires and chains. (Road Safety At Work/B.C. Government)

The highways above will be marked with regulatory signs.

Highway signage depicting the requirements for winter tires and chains (photo courtesy of Road Safety At Work / B.C. Government)

The winter tire requirement will remain in place until either March 31 or April 30.

The road safety organization also advises drivers keep chains in their vehicles in case conditions worsen.

The government notes using chains on summer tires are not an acceptable substitute on B.C. highways requiring winter tires.