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Winter tire season begins on Malahat, many other B.C. highways

Starting Sunday, winter tires are required on the Malahat and Highways 4, 14 and 28 on Vancouver Island
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A map of roads in the south coast region requiring winter tires or chains.

While snow may not be in today’s forecast, winter tires are now required on the Malahat as well as many other highways across B.C.

Starting Sunday, winter tires are required on the Malahat and Highways 4, 14 and 28 on Vancouver Island, all highways in the North and Interior regions, as well as sections of some highways on the South Coast until at least March 31, 2024.

Motorists without proper winter tires in good condition — defined as tires with an M+S symbol with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 millimetres — could receive a fine of $121 from the province.

Commercial vehicles are required to carry chains on most B.C. highway routes.

Operators could receive fines up to $598 for bypassing active chain-up areas in a commercial vehicle, though chains are not required on the Lower Mainland and most of Vancouver Island.

For select highways with mountain passes and in rural areas with high snowfall, the date is extended until April 30, 2024

The Winter Driving Safety Alliance has tips on winter driving available at shiftintowinter.ca.

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