BC Regulations: Winter Tire and Chain Requirements

[knh208]

Planning to travel to McBride, BC from SK February 9th to 13th. I am curious what the regulations are with regards to winter tires and chains. I am running Hankook Dynapro MTs on my 2009 Duramax and will be pulling a 4 place deck.

As a visitor, am I required to have studs or chains? Where would you recommend buying chains if required? The biggest set I have is for my snowblower

What do you guys do?

 

[HuskyPower]

BC has no mandatory requirements for winter tires or chains yet for the average motorist, unlike some other provinces. However, the police can ticket you for failing to have 'proper' tires for the conditions (think vancouver drivers on summer slicks when it snows). I've never used my chains, however getting into some of the parking lots can be tricky with the trailer. Chains help there but its a cost issue. I've always just run mud and snow tires and have never had an issue.
Have fun while you're here!

 

[Flange]

There are signs on Hwy. 1 eastbound and westbound out of Golden, BC that say snow tires or tire chains are mandatory.

 

[red]

Yrs ago was close to Rogers Pass, snowing really good. Dumb cop caused semi to spin out on hill. So we came along with 1ton & trailer, he was stopping people. He asked us where are chains are? Told us its the law in BC when towing a trailer must have chains with you, in the winter time. But the chances are not that great that you will get stopped & asked for them. I have no proof its law, just what he was yapping.

 

[roughrider99]

x2 on the city people with summer slicks in winter time. you got good tires your fine.

 

[customfarmer]

You'd probably be fine as long as no chain up requirements are encountered to climb a hill. I know from my years driving truck and hauling sulphate out of Warfield B C, that BC has some interesting chain requirements for "trucks with trailers". I don't know where they draw the line between trucks and pickups.
You should be able to find chains at a tire store though. Always better to have and not need.