Winter tire time! Quebec drivers with summer tires risk fines

Winter tires available at Bristol Auto Service in Quebec. (Dylan Dyson/CTV News Ottawa)

Those driving in Quebec with summer tires are now doing so at risk of picking up a fine.

Winter tires are mandatory in the province from Dec. 1 to March 15.

The only exception to this rule is heavy vehicles, tool vehicles and farm machinery.

“This requirement also applies to rental passenger vehicles in Quebec, as well as mopeds, motorized scooters and motorcycles,” Quebec says.

Fines for not swapping tires vary from $200 to $300.

There is a seven-day grace period for those who recently purchased a vehicle from a dealer.

The Quebec Transport Ministry (MTQ) says winter tires have deeper grooves and help with traction, reduce braking distance and provide for safe acceleration. The MTQ added that drivers should slow down and give greater distance between vehicles as the mercury drops.

Police regularly perform spot checks for winter tires as soon as the deadline hits. They’re looking for the snowflake pictogram or studded tires, the only tires allowed under the Highway Safety Code.

Street parking changes

Drivers who park on the street will benefit from relaxed rules as of Dec. 1, when the requirement to move vehicles for street cleaning pauses until April. 1.

Street parkers are also advised to download the Info-Neige app and pay close attention to street signs when there’s a snowfall, lest they interrupt snow removal operations, have their car towed and face a fine.

- With files from Amy Luft