You have chosen to opt for studded winter tires. We will, in another text, get back on the reasons that should make you opt for this type of tires, or not. Because after all, tires, crampons or not, have specific missions, and you must know them before making a choice.
But back to our tires … You have chosen these studded tires, a little noisier certainly, but so effective on the ice that it looks like they bite into the road. Did you know, however, that the rules of use are not the same as for ordinary tires?
Depending on the province of your residence, you will have to comply with specific regulations. Even though in some of these areas, winter tires are not mandatory.
Take the case of British Columbia. Spiked tires or chains are mandatory in some very mountainous areas between October 30th and April 1st. In addition, you must absolutely use four studded tires, not just two on the drive wheels. But these rules are specific to certain sectors only.
There is no regulation in the Prairies (except for use that is prohibited after April 1). Surprisingly, regular winter tires are not regulated either.
In Quebec, winter tires are mandatory between December 1st (from 2019) and March 15th. However, you can keep your winter tires all year long if you wish, which we absolutely do not recommend, of course. On the other hand, studded tires must be removed by April 30, at the risk of being fined.
All other jurisdictions in Canada have spike tire usage rules, most of which end on May 1 of each year. But do some checks for your sector, because in some provinces, specific areas benefit from exceptions and longer delays.
So if you have studded tires, be careful. Keeping them too long may cost you dearly.
