Winter Tires in Québec: The Law, the Dates and When to Change Them

In Québec, driving with winter tires isn't a suggestion — it's the law. Since 2008, the Highway Safety Code has required every passenger vehicle registered in the province to be fitted with four winter tires during the cold season. Here's everything you need to stay compliant and, above all, drive safely.

What are the mandatory dates?

Winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15 inclusively. Outside that window you're free to run all-season or summer tires, but Québec weather often has other plans as early as late November.

What fine do you risk?

Driving without winter tires during the mandatory period exposes you to a fine of $200 to $300, plus fees. Your insurer may also reduce your compensation after an accident if your vehicle wasn't compliant.

How do you recognize a real winter tire?

A compliant tire carries the mountain-with-snowflake pictogram (the “3PMSF” symbol). The “M+S” (mud and snow) marking alone is not enough in Québec: those tires are not legally recognized as winter tires.

• Look for the mountain + snowflake pictogram on the tire sidewall.
• Check tread depth: below 4.8 mm (3/16 in), the tire loses its winter grip.
• Inspect wear: a winter tire lasts on average 4 to 6 seasons.

When should you switch back to summer tires?

In spring, wait until temperatures stay reliably above 7 °C, usually by mid-April. Running winter tires too long on warm asphalt wears them out prematurely and lengthens braking distances.

Should you have tires installed at a garage?

Mounting, balancing and pressure adjustment require specialized equipment. Poor balancing causes vibration and uneven wear. Having a local garage install your tires remains the safest option — and often the fastest when you plan ahead.

Instead of calling garages one by one, submit your need on UnyCars: describe your vehicle, choose your area, and available garages near you reach out directly with their availability.