As of October 1, BC law requires that all vehicles travelling on specific highways have winter tires. Along with the province, trucking associations are also reminding drivers to prepare for the winter conditions before it is too late. Gary McLeod is the manager of the Northern BC Truckers Association. A legal winter tire (on a standard passenger vehicle or a four-wheel/all-wheel vehicle) must have at least 3.5 mm of tread depth. Commercial trucks weighing between 5,000 kg to 27,000 kg GVW primarily use chains for additional traction, but may use tires with the 3-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or the M+S symbol if available for their vehicle class. It is recommended that commercial vehicles use steel link chains as they have been proven to provide superior traction and prevent lateral slippage. Cable style chains are permitted if used in conjunction with steel link chains which have been installed on the outside of a drive axle. Cable chains do not provide adequate traction on roads with banked curves on their own and can actually cause a vehicle to slide. From October 1st till March 31st all commercial trucks must carry tire chains. Studded Tires: these tires may only be used on BC highways from October 1 to April 30 and the studs should not protrude more than 2 mm from the tread or traction surface of the tire. Use of studded tires outside of this period may result in a fine.
If you are using studded tires, you should have them on all four wheels for even traction. If using studded tires on the front of the vehicle they must be used on the back of the vehicle as well.
Source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/about-winter-tires
Source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving
Source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/commercial
Source: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/loo70/loo70/11_30_78
