MONTREAL (Nov. 24, 2014) — Quebec's law requiring winter tires on cars registered in the province during winter months gets even stricter starting Dec. 15.
After that date all winter tires in use must bear the “mountain snowflake” pictogram that is recognized by Transport Canada and tire makers as certifying that the tire meets or exceeds tire industry snow traction requirements, according to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada.
Tires bearing this symbol are specifically designed for the rigors of winter driving, TRAC said.
Quebec enacted its winter tire law — which requires all taxis and passenger vehicles registered in Québec be equipped with winter tires from Dec. 15 to March 15 — in 2008.
The law, which also applies to rental passenger vehicles in Québec, as well as mopeds, motorized scooters and motorcycles, provided for a phase-in period to give drivers time to acquire winter tires bearing the mountain snowflake pictogram.
Studded tires are still recognized as being specifically designed for winter driving in Quebec, if used in accordance with the regulation respecting the use of non-skid devices on the tires of certain road vehicles. The law allows their use from Oct. 15 to May 1.