Quebec winter tire deadline, fines up to $300
Posted December 1, 2022 9:36 am.
Last Updated December 2, 2022 9:22 am.
Winter tires are mandatory in Quebec as of today. Drivers without them could be fined up to $300.
“Your vehicle must be winter-ready from December 1 to March 15. However, because spring conditions can be variable, it is recommended that you wait until a few weeks after the end of this period to install your all-season or summer tires,” according to the Quebec government.
“I’ve had it on for over two and a half weeks,” says one Montreal driver.
#WATCH: “I’ve had it on for over two and a half weeks,” says one Montrealer who installed his winter tires before Quebec’s Dec. 1 deadline.
Are your winter tires installed?
READ: https://t.co/vE4CK2aUoh pic.twitter.com/qREcArNmG9
— CityNews Montreal (@CityNewsMTL) December 1, 2022
The requirement applies to all motor vehicles registered in Quebec, including rental vehicles – but does not apply to trailers.
As for local tire shops like ProShop Auto Clinic in Montreal’s Saint Leonard says this year has been a lot smoother for tire changes.
“Last year was hectic. Tires were very, very hard to come across. Everybody was very disorganized, I guess, due to COVID short staff,” explained Anthony Piazza, owner of ProShop Auto Clinic.
CAA-Quebec told CityNews that tires got to distributors and customers on time – even receiving the tire models requested. Adding staff shortages are still a factor in some scheduling backlog for tire changes in the city.
Tire costs have increased – due to factors like the high price tag on shipping. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine one of the reasons for that.
The CAA-Quebec adds inflation is also a factor.
“The lowest we’ve sold tires this year would be maybe about $130 for a 15-inch. You know, and it goes all the way up to $450-$500 a tire, depending on the size,” said Piazza.
“Your appointment’s booked, you’re good, you’re safe. That’s all that matters.”
