With warmer temps comes drier road conditions, meaning Quebec drivers can soon swap their winter tires for summer tires. Per Quebec law, vehicles must be equipped with winter tires that meet provincial standards and are in good standing condition as of December 1.
The transition from winter to spring is often a fickle one, considering snowfall throughout the month of March (and sometimes April) is still very much possible. Now, with spring only days away, you might be wondering when you can officially ditch your winter tires in Quebec.
The snow is well and truly here, meaning Montreal's road conditions won't be pleasant again for months. It also means we're officially in the beginning of winter tire season in fact, we're already past the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) suggested deadline for installing winter tires, which passed on November 10. But that's only a suggestion, so let's unpack the laws and some common questions Quebec drivers have about this changing of the seasons.
Starting December 1, the vast majority of drivers with vehicles registered in Quebec will need to have winter tires on their vehicles. Anyone subject to the requirement who doesn't have the appropriate tires risks $200 to $300 in fines, according to sections 440.1 and 510 of the Highway Safety Code.
As temperatures continue to drop, the time is drawing near for one of Quebec's annual winter chores: making time to change over your perfectly functional normal tires for hardy winter ones. Even in the bustling metropolis, Quebecers can't escape the chill hands of winter and the dangerous driving conditions they bring.