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Winter tires law · Canada · Last checked

Winter Tires in Ontario

Quick answer: No. Ontario has no general winter tire requirement for cars. Winter tires are not required by law in Ontario. The province advises four matching winter tires and says you may get an insurance discount: ask your insurer. Today: No requirement.

Required?
No no province-wide rule
Right now
No requirement
Dates
No fixed dates

The rule

Winter tires are not required by law in Ontario. The province advises four matching winter tires and says you may get an insurance discount: ask your insurer.

What tires count

None required.

Snow chains

Not confirmed. Check the official source below.

Studded tires

Allowed on vehicles registered in Northern Ontario. Not allowed in Southern Ontario unless you are visiting from out of province or live in Northern Ontario. Dates: not confirmed.

Fine

None (no requirement).

Tips for visiting drivers

Ontario drivers going into Quebec are exempt from Quebec's rule, but the same roads are snowy: winter tires are the safe choice.

Source

Official source and last check

Government of Ontario: winter driving (updated 29 December 2022) · Official text, cited · last checked

Not confirmed on an official page: chains. We show "Not confirmed" rather than guess.

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and local signs always apply; check the official source before you travel. "Right now" is worked out from today's date and the dates above; where the rule depends on snow, ice or signs, it applies only when those are present.

Before you drive

Check the road and the weather

Questions

Winter tires in Ontario: FAQ

Are winter tires compulsory in Ontario?
No. Ontario has no general winter tire requirement for cars. Winter tires are not required by law in Ontario. The province advises four matching winter tires and says you may get an insurance discount: ask your insurer.
When do you need winter tires in Ontario?
No fixed dates. Today: No requirement.
What winter tires are accepted in Ontario?
None required.
Do you need snow chains in Ontario?
Not confirmed. Check the official source below.
What is the fine in Ontario?
None (no requirement).
Are studded tires allowed in Ontario?
Allowed on vehicles registered in Northern Ontario. Not allowed in Southern Ontario unless you are visiting from out of province or live in Northern Ontario. Dates: not confirmed.
Canada

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