(Image Credit: B.C. Government/Flickr)

By Liam Verster

Required Until April 30

Snow tires still needed on area highways: road safety advocates

Mar 27, 2026 | 2:47 PM

Safety advocates are urging Okanagan residents to not pack away their snow tires just yet.

Road Safety at Work reminded the public that winter-rated tires are required and most Interior highways through April 30, including Highways 97C, the Coquihalla, and parts of Highway 1.

The group said sudden snowfalls, compact snow, morning frost and black ice are still common for the early-spring, pointing to the recent snowfall on the Coquihalla.

It also said winter-rated tires perform better than all seasons or summer tires in temperatures below 7 C.

“Warmer days can give drivers a false sense of security,” Trace Acres, spokesperson for Road Safety at Work’s Winter Driving Safety campaign, said.

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“But in many parts of B.C., winter conditions can return quickly and without much warning.”

The agency also warned that early spring can be particularly risky for people who drive for work, and stated that employers and workers need to stay vigilant about road conditions through to the end of the season.

Motorists were urged to drive to conditions, be prepared for changing weather, allow extra travel time, and check DriveBC before getting behind the wheel.