NEAR PEACHLAND, B.C. – Drivers heading over the Okanagan Connector Thursday were stopped by police as officers looked to ensure compliance with winter driving laws.
“We’re just at the onset of winter,” says Cst. Steve Holmes, Central Okanagan Traffic Services. “It’s more our concern to make sure people are equipping themselves with the equipment on their vehicles but also with the sensibilities, starting to prepare themselves mentally to be able to drive the conditions we’re going to be having.”
As of October 1st, passenger vehicles must have winter rated tires, while transports must carry tire chains on high elevation highways.
Failing to comply comes with a minimum $109 fine in B.C.
Winter tires have a snowflake and mountain symbol or a mud and snow rating symbol.
All season tires don’t make the cut.
“An all season tire at seven degrees and colder, the rubber actually gets a little bit harder,” says Kal Tire Zone Manager Tim Hildebrand. “So it doesn’t remain as flexible, so it can actually work against you in our Canadian winters.”
Tread depth must be at least 3.5mm.
Tire shops have already begun getting busy with changeovers, with expected waits of several hours to at least a day to switch out tires.
The high elevation winter tire law is in effect until March 31st.
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