Winter tire rules are back on Highway 99 as of October 1
Signed sections of the Sea to Sky Highway now require winter tires on passenger vehicles and chains on heavy trucks. The province's map shows the corridor's season running to March 31.
Winter tire and chain requirements took effect October 1 on designated B.C. highways, including Highway 99 north from Horseshoe Bay through Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton. The rules apply wherever the regulatory signs are posted, according to the province’s designated routes page.
How long it lasts
The province says most designated routes require winter tires or chains from October 1 to April 30. Some highways that don’t cross mountain passes or high-snowfall areas end on March 31. The province’s South Coast map shows the Sea to Sky section of the 99 in the October 1 to March 31 category. The posted sign on the road is what counts, and the province says it can restrict travel at any time of year.
What counts as a winter tire
- Passenger vehicles need tires marked with the M+S or three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol, per the province’s winter tire guidance and the route signs.
- Winter tires need at least 3.5 mm of tread.
- You need at least two matching winter tires on the primary drive axle, even on a 4×4. The province recommends four.
- Chains on summer tires are not a legal substitute.
- Studded tires are allowed on B.C. highways only from October 1 to April 30.
On the province’s signs, vehicles under 11,794 kg licensed gross vehicle weight need winter tires or must carry chains. Heavier commercial vehicles must carry chains.
Enforcement
The province’s enforcement page says police and commercial vehicle inspectors can turn drivers back and issue fines. The fine is $121 for a passenger vehicle without winter tires where they’re required, and $196 for a commercial vehicle not carrying chains.
Before you drive
Check DriveBC for current conditions and closures, and see our Highway 99 status page. North of Pemberton, the 99 becomes the Duffey Lake Road, a mountain route that the province has closed in past winters because of avalanche risk.
Sources
- Province of British Columbia: Oct. 1–Apr. 30 / Mar. 31 rule; signs; restrictions any time
- Province of British Columbia: South Coast designated routes map (Highway 99 shown Oct. 1–Mar. 31); sign wording and weight threshold
- Province of British Columbia: 3.5 mm tread, symbols, drive axle, chains on summer tires, studded dates
- Province of British Columbia: Fines $121 and $196; who enforces
- BC Gov News: Duffey Lake Road avalanche closure example (March 2025)
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