With a nickname like the Great White North and nearly 40% of its land mass in the Arctic, you might assume Canada is very serious about its snow chain laws. However, Canada's chain laws are generally more relaxed than the laws you'll encounter in many U.S. states.
In most cases, winter tires (or snow tires) are usually sufficient to meet the requirements of tire traction laws throughout the country. The lone exception is British Columbia, where heavy commercial trucks and buses must use traditional chains on specific routes. Quebec and Ontario are the only provinces that restrict the use of tire chains for most vehicles.
In this guide, we'll explore the tire chain laws for both commercial and passenger vehicles in every Canadian province and territory. Additionally, you'll find important information regarding any winter tire mandates for each province, as well as the regulations and restrictions for studded tires. To make it easy, we'll simplify and avoid complex legal language whenever possible, letting you know exactly what's required or prohibited for each region.
Click on any province or territory below for more information. If you're traveling south of the Canadian border, be sure to check out our complete guide to Snow Chain Laws in the United States as well.
Disclaimer: While we aim to keep this information current, it may not reflect recent changes to laws in your area. Be sure to verify with local sources. Additionally, review local guidelines for any cities, towns, or regions you plan to visit, as municipal ordinances can differ from provincial laws. Finally, consult your vehicle's manual for compatibility, size, and proper fitment of tire traction devices before traveling.
Transport Canada recommends (and some provinces mandate) that drivers use winter or snow tires when traveling on snowy or icy roads. However, most provinces still advise drivers to carry snow chains for emergency situations or additional traction on snow- and ice-covered roads.
Tires marked with a three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (also known as all-weather tires) are recognized as winter tires in all provinces and territories. In some provinces, snow tires with an M/S (mud and snow) rating and studded tires also qualify as winter tires and meet minimum winter traction requirements.
Tire chains or snow tires are required on snowy and icy highways in Alberta's Banff and Jasper National Parks from November 1 to March 31.
Legality: Mandatory in Banff and Jasper National Parks
Law Code: National Parks Highway Traffic Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1126 § 40
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Commercial vehicles in British Columbia over 11,794 kg (26,000 lbs.) must carry chains from October 1 to April 30. Other vehicle types should be equipped with winter tires or other traction devices.
Legality: Mandatory for commercial vehicles depending on weight
Law Code:
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Tire chains are permitted in Manitoba when required for safety due to weather conditions, but they are not mandatory.
Legality: Allowed for safety
Law Code: Vehicle Equipment, Safety and Inspection Regulation, M.R. 31/2019 § 3.21
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Tire chains are permitted in New Brunswick when required for safety due to weather conditions, but they are not mandatory.
Legality: Allowed, not mandatory
Law Code: Motor Vehicle Act Chapter M-17 § 241(3)
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Tire chains or snow tires are required by law in Newfoundland and Labrador whenever there is snow or ice on the road surface.
Legality: Chains or winter tires mandatory
Law Code: Licensing and Equipment Regulations, CNLR 1007/96 §§ 27, 28
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Tire chains are permitted in the Northwest Territories when required for safety due to weather conditions, but they are not mandatory.
Legality: Allowed, not mandatory
Law Code: Motor Vehicle Equipment Regulations, R.R.N.W.T. 1990, c.12(Supp.) §§ 81, 82
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Tire chains are permitted in the Nova Scotia when required for safety due to weather conditions, but they are not mandatory.
Legality: Allowed, not mandatory
Law Code: Studded Tires Regulations, R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 293
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Tire chains are permitted in Nunavut when required for safety due to weather conditions, but they are not mandatory.
Legality: Allowed, not mandatory
Law Code: Consolidation Of Motor Vehicle Equipment Regulations, R.R.N.W.T. 1990, c.12(Supp.) §§ 81, 82
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Ontario prohibits tire attachments that may damage the highway, except for studded tires.
Legality: Ontario prohibits tire attachments that may damage highways, except for studded tires, which are subject to many regulations.
Law Code:
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Tire chains are permitted in Prince Edward Island when required for safety due to weather conditions, but they are not mandatory.
Legality: Allowed, not mandatory
Law Code:
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Tire chains are prohibited for most vehicles in Québec, but a seasonal winter tire mandate applies for lighter vehicles.
Legality: Prohibited, but winter tires are mandatory on some vehicles
Law Code:
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Tire chains are permitted in Saskatchewan when required for safety due to weather conditions, but they are not mandatory.
Legality: Allowed, not mandatory
Law Code: None
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Tire chains are permitted in the Yukon when required for safety due to weather conditions, but they are not mandatory.
Legality: Allowed, not mandatory
Law Code: None
Helpful Links:
The following questions pertain specifically to Canada. For general inquiries about tire chains, please refer to our complete Snow Chains FAQ page.
Which parts of Canada require tire chains?
If you do not have approved winter tires, you are required to use snow chains on certain routes in Alberta's Rocky Mountain national parks, British Columbia, and Newfoundland and Labrador when there is snow or ice on the road. In British Columbia, commercial vehicles weighing over 11,794 kg must equip traditional steel tire chains on designated routes.
Are there special tire traction rules for commercial vehicles in Canada?
In most provinces and territories, tire traction laws do not differ between passenger and commercial vehicles. However, British Columbia requires heavy commercial vehicles to use tire chains on designated routes, while lighter commercial vehicles may use chains or winter tires. In Nova Scotia and Ontario, the maximum number of metal studs allowed on a studded tire depends on the vehicle's weight class. For Québec, its winter tire mandate does not apply to heavy vehicles (weighing over 4,500 kg), trailers, or utility vehicles. Additionally, Québec prohibits studded tires on vehicles with a loaded weight exceeding 3,000 kg.
Do four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles need snow chains in Canada?
In general, there are no special rules or exemptions for 4WD and AWD vehicles in Canada. These vehicles must adhere to the chain laws or winter tire mandates established by their local jurisdictions. For 4WD passenger vehicles, that means having winter tires will always satisfy provincial tire traction laws. In Québec, while tire chains are typically prohibited on highways, there is a provision that permits off-highway vehicles to use chains.
Which areas in Canada have winter tire mandates?
Québec requires most passenger vehicles to have winter tires during the winter season. Additionally, you must have winter tires or snow chains when traveling on snow- or ice-covered roads within Alberta's Rocky Mountain national parks, select routes in British Columbia, and all roads in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Do tire traction laws in Canada have non-resident exemptions?
Québec's winter tire mandate only applies to vehicles registered within the province. In Ontario, non-residents may use studded tires if the vehicle does not stay in the province for more than 30 days.