Winter Tire Laws in Quebec
Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2014 6:19 am
SO, As some of you may know, winter tires are mandatory in Québec. However, no tire manufacturer makes a Certified Winter Tire in a 37inch or larger size. I know, I tired 6 different companies and they are said there was no demand...go figure!
SO, I checked with the MTQ and I got the following response;
De : Communications@mtq.gouv.qc.ca [mailto:Communications@mtq.gouv.qc.ca]
Envoyé : 16 août 2013 13:54
À : Gundry-White, Kevin
Objet : Ministère des Transports - Your request for information dated 2013-02-28 - Request no 124296
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your request for information about winter tires. Please accept our sincere apologies for the late response to your request.
Since 2008, the Highway Safety Code provides for the following: Between December 15th and March 15th, the owner of taxi or a passenger vehicle registered in Québec may not put the vehicle into operation unless it is equipped with tires specifically designed for winter driving, in compliance with standards prescribed by government regulation.
The regulation defines tires specifically designed for winter driving as those that meet one of the following criteria prior to December 15, 2014: Tires on which one of the following inscriptions appear: Alaska, Arctic, A/T or AT, AT/S, AT-S, Blizzard, Cresta, Ice, INSA T1, INSA T2, INSA TT770, LT, Nordic, Snow (but not mud and snow), Stud, Studdable, Studded, Studless, TS, Ultra grip, Ultratrac tion or Winter, or the icon representing a mountain with a superimposed snowflake or tires that are equipped with studs and used in accordance with the Regulation respecting the use of non-skid devices on the tires of certain road vehicles.
Starting on December 15, 2014, tires will have to bear icon or be equipped with studs and be used in accordance with the Regulation respecting the use of non-skid on the tires of certain road vehicles.
The implementation of this new measure was intended to increase road safety. A 2005 study revealed that 38% of accidents that occurred in winter involved at least one vehicle equipped with all season tires. These vehicles were grossly over-represented considering that 90% of passenger vehicles were already fitted with winter tires. Moreover, the number of accidents due to loss of control was greater when the vehicles were equipped with all season tires.
Analyses show that for nearly all passenger vehicles sold in Québec, winter tires of the specified original tire size or tires of the same size are readily available. As such, there is no list of vehicles that are exempt from the obligation of being fitted with winter tires for lack of availability.
Regarding Hummer vehicles, it should be noted that the H1 model has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 4,500 kg and is therefore considered a heavy vehicle. Heavy vehicles are not covered under the requirement to be fitted with winter tires. As for the H2 model, these vehicles may be equipped with studded tires; however, the tires must have been specifically created for this purpose and have pre-molded holes for the studs. Studs can only be installed on new tires. Once tires have driven on the road, they are no longer considered new and consequently, can no longer be fitted with studs even if they have pre-molded holes.
Please accept our best regards.
Transports Québec
Mathieu Carbonneau
Ministère des Transports
www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca
511 (within Québec)
1 888 355-0511 (throughout North America)
So, Just to be Clear, ALL H1s are exempt! ALL H2s and H3s MUST have Winter Tires or Studded Tires in order to be legal.
Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs would be the best choice at present!
There are Certified Winter Tires for the H2 315/70R17 and again many to choose from, with the Goodyears being a top choice again.
But once you step up to 37inch...there is NOTHING!
So, since my truck is geared for 37inch tires and I had no desire to step down to the puny 315/70R17 I got a set of Cooper Discoverer S/T MAXX in a 37x12.50R17 and I got them studded. Not a big fan of studs, but I am always in favor of being legal!!!
So make sure you check your tires BEFORE Dec. 15th, 2014 and make sure you are legal!
I would encourage you all to print a copy of this Post and keep it in your glove box...especially H1 owners that are exempt! Really good to have written proof!
Have a Safe Winter!
Kev
SO, I checked with the MTQ and I got the following response;
De : Communications@mtq.gouv.qc.ca [mailto:Communications@mtq.gouv.qc.ca]
Envoyé : 16 août 2013 13:54
À : Gundry-White, Kevin
Objet : Ministère des Transports - Your request for information dated 2013-02-28 - Request no 124296
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your request for information about winter tires. Please accept our sincere apologies for the late response to your request.
Since 2008, the Highway Safety Code provides for the following: Between December 15th and March 15th, the owner of taxi or a passenger vehicle registered in Québec may not put the vehicle into operation unless it is equipped with tires specifically designed for winter driving, in compliance with standards prescribed by government regulation.
The regulation defines tires specifically designed for winter driving as those that meet one of the following criteria prior to December 15, 2014: Tires on which one of the following inscriptions appear: Alaska, Arctic, A/T or AT, AT/S, AT-S, Blizzard, Cresta, Ice, INSA T1, INSA T2, INSA TT770, LT, Nordic, Snow (but not mud and snow), Stud, Studdable, Studded, Studless, TS, Ultra grip, Ultratrac tion or Winter, or the icon representing a mountain with a superimposed snowflake or tires that are equipped with studs and used in accordance with the Regulation respecting the use of non-skid devices on the tires of certain road vehicles.
Starting on December 15, 2014, tires will have to bear icon or be equipped with studs and be used in accordance with the Regulation respecting the use of non-skid on the tires of certain road vehicles.
The implementation of this new measure was intended to increase road safety. A 2005 study revealed that 38% of accidents that occurred in winter involved at least one vehicle equipped with all season tires. These vehicles were grossly over-represented considering that 90% of passenger vehicles were already fitted with winter tires. Moreover, the number of accidents due to loss of control was greater when the vehicles were equipped with all season tires.
Analyses show that for nearly all passenger vehicles sold in Québec, winter tires of the specified original tire size or tires of the same size are readily available. As such, there is no list of vehicles that are exempt from the obligation of being fitted with winter tires for lack of availability.
Regarding Hummer vehicles, it should be noted that the H1 model has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 4,500 kg and is therefore considered a heavy vehicle. Heavy vehicles are not covered under the requirement to be fitted with winter tires. As for the H2 model, these vehicles may be equipped with studded tires; however, the tires must have been specifically created for this purpose and have pre-molded holes for the studs. Studs can only be installed on new tires. Once tires have driven on the road, they are no longer considered new and consequently, can no longer be fitted with studs even if they have pre-molded holes.
Please accept our best regards.
Transports Québec
Mathieu Carbonneau
Ministère des Transports
www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca
511 (within Québec)
1 888 355-0511 (throughout North America)
So, Just to be Clear, ALL H1s are exempt! ALL H2s and H3s MUST have Winter Tires or Studded Tires in order to be legal.
Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs would be the best choice at present!
There are Certified Winter Tires for the H2 315/70R17 and again many to choose from, with the Goodyears being a top choice again.
But once you step up to 37inch...there is NOTHING!
So, since my truck is geared for 37inch tires and I had no desire to step down to the puny 315/70R17 I got a set of Cooper Discoverer S/T MAXX in a 37x12.50R17 and I got them studded. Not a big fan of studs, but I am always in favor of being legal!!!
So make sure you check your tires BEFORE Dec. 15th, 2014 and make sure you are legal!
I would encourage you all to print a copy of this Post and keep it in your glove box...especially H1 owners that are exempt! Really good to have written proof!
Have a Safe Winter!
Kev