Can I use studded tires?
Each province and territory have their rules regarding studded winter tires. We’ve put a list of resource to help you get an idea of where and when studded winter tires are allowed. This is provided on an informational basis only. We strongly advise our cutomers to understand local regulations before ordering studded tires.
Studded tires in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon
These provinces and territories have no restrictions on the use of studded tires, so you can use them as you’d like at any point throughout the winter without incurring a fine.
For Alberta see details
For Saskatchewan see details
Studded tires in British Columbia
In British Columbia, the rules governing the use of winter tires, studded tires and tire chains are quite specific. In fact, in some areas, winter tires (or tire chains) are mandatory in some areas between October 1st and April 30th, and being caught without them could result in a heavy fine. During this period, studs of up to 3.5mm are allowed, and for vehicles under 4,600kgs or 10,000lbs, the maximum number of total studs is 130, or around 30 per tire. Further, if you plan to use studded tires on the front wheels, you must also use them on the rear wheels see details
Studded tires regulations in Ontario
In Ontario, studded winter tires are permitted between September 1st and May 31st for drivers in northern Ontario, which includes as Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Temiskaming. Below these areas, the use of studded tires could incur a fine. For drivers from outside of Ontario, studded tires can be used while travelling in the province for up to a month. During this period, the only acceptable studs are Scandinavian-made lightweight studs see details
Studded tires regulations in Manitoba
In Manitoba, studded tires can be used between October 1st and April 30th. Beginning in 2014, Manitoba Public Insurance will offer a low-cost loan program, making it easier for all of the province’s residents to purchase winter tires. Manitoba has a particularly low rate of snow tire adoption and in order to improve safely, all residents are encouraged to use winter tires see details
Studded tires regulations in New Brunswick
New Brunswick allows studded tires between October 15th and May 1st, and recommends the use of snow tires. However, the only legislation governing the use of winter tires is specific to school busses, which must use them during this period see details
Studded tires regulations in Newfoundland
In Newfoundland, studded tires are permitted between October 31st and May 1st with the use of winter tires highly encouraged during this time see details
Studded tires regulations in Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, studded tires are permitted between October 15th and May 31st as long as they aren’t longer than ⅛ of an inch from the base of the tire or have a diameter of more than ½ an inch. Similar to B.C., for vehicles under 10,000lbs, or 4,600kgs, up to 130 studs in total are permitted see details
Studded tires regulations Prince Edward Island
Under the P.E.I Highway Traffic Act, studded tire use is normally permitted from November 1 to April 30 each year, and the provincial guidelines strongly recommends using winter tires during this period see details
Studded tires regulations in Quebec
Quebec is the only Canadian province that has mandated the use of winter tires. Winter tires must be used between December 1 to March 15, and studded tires are allowed during this period as long as they’re used on both ends of the axle. There may be specific regulations in some cities so we recommend you check with your municipality as well. See details
As you can see, regulations regarding studded tires are numerous. Make sure they are allowed in your area before making a purchase.