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Winter tires law · Canada · Last checked

Winter Tires in Quebec

Quick answer: Yes. Winter tires are compulsory in Quebec from 1 December to 15 March (Quebec-registered vehicles). From 1 December to 15 March, every motor vehicle registered in Quebec, including rental vehicles, must have winter tires. Vehicles registered outside Quebec, heavy vehicles, trailers and a few others are exempt. Today: Not in force until 1 Dec.

Required?
Yes Quebec-registered vehicles
Right now
Not in force until 1 Dec
Dates
1 December to 15 March

The rule

From 1 December to 15 March, every motor vehicle registered in Quebec, including rental vehicles, must have winter tires. Vehicles registered outside Quebec, heavy vehicles, trailers and a few others are exempt.

What tires count

Tires marked with the winter pictogram (three-peaked mountain with snowflake, 3PMSF), or studded tires. Minimum tread 1.6 mm; at least 4.8 mm is recommended for winter.

Snow chains

Not covered by the winter tire rule.

Studded tires

Allowed 15 October to 1 May on passenger vehicles, taxis and some commercial vehicles.

Fine

CAD 200 to 300.

Lorries, buses and heavy vehicles

Heavy vehicles are exempt from the winter tire requirement.

Tips for visiting drivers

Cars registered in Ontario, other provinces or the US are exempt, but Quebec roads from December to March are snowy and icy, so winter tires are strongly advised. Rental cars picked up in Quebec must have them.

Notes: The SAAQ website redirected our checks to an error page; the quebec.ca page is the government's own.

Source

Official source and last check

Gouvernement du Quebec: requirements for winter tires (updated 5 October 2026) · Official text, cited · last checked

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

Will the roads be icy? Hour-by-hour check for your townWeather warnings in force todayDriving laws in Canada: speed limits, drink-drive limitLive road accident reports: CanadaRoad deaths in Canada by provinceStopping distance on snow and ice
Questions

Winter tires in Quebec: FAQ

Are winter tires compulsory in Quebec?
Yes. Winter tires are compulsory in Quebec from 1 December to 15 March (Quebec-registered vehicles). From 1 December to 15 March, every motor vehicle registered in Quebec, including rental vehicles, must have winter tires. Vehicles registered outside Quebec, heavy vehicles, trailers and a few others are exempt.
When do you need winter tires in Quebec?
1 December to 15 March. Today: Not in force until 1 Dec.
What winter tires are accepted in Quebec?
Tires marked with the winter pictogram (three-peaked mountain with snowflake, 3PMSF), or studded tires. Minimum tread 1.6 mm; at least 4.8 mm is recommended for winter.
Do you need snow chains in Quebec?
Not covered by the winter tire rule.
What is the fine in Quebec?
CAD 200 to 300.
Are studded tires allowed in Quebec?
Allowed 15 October to 1 May on passenger vehicles, taxis and some commercial vehicles.
Canada

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