Press Release Direction des communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CNW CODE 01
Purchase of tires designed for winter driving DRIVERS: LOOK FOR THE PICTOGRAM IDENTIFYING A WINTER TIRE Québec City, October 8, 2010 ― The Ministère des Transports du Québec recommends that drivers who have to buy winter tires for their passenger vehicles look for the pictogram prescribed in the Regulation respecting the use of tires specifically designed for winter driving. Since December 15, 2004, a winter tire must bear the pictogram representing a mountain with a superimposed snowflake. We should specify that a studded tire is also recognized as a tire specifically designed for winter driving if it is used in accordance with the Regulation respecting the use of non-skid devices on the tires of certain road vehicles. Before 2014, a tire which bears the pictogram or one of the following inscriptions is considered to be a winter tire: Alaska, Arctic, A/T or AT, AT/S, AT-S, Blizzard, Cresta, Ice, INSA T1, INSA T2, INSA TT770, LT, Nordic, Snow (excluding the inscription M+S for “mud and snow”), Stud, Studdable, Studded, Studless, TS, Ultra Grip, Ultratraction, Winter. Gains in road safety Since 2008, to drive in Québec between December 15 and March 15, all tires of a passenger vehicle or a taxi registered in Québec and all tires of passenger vehicles offered for leasing in Québec must be specifically designed for winter driving. Offenders are liable to a fine ranging from $200 to $300, but no demerit points are added to their driving record. After two seasons of application, the accident data show that this measure has had a positive effect on the accident toll. For Québec as a whole, an 18% reduction is observed in the number of road accident victims during the period of the year when winter tires are compulsory, compared to 13% for the rest of the year. These results represent a 5% net improvement and mean that the obligation to use winter tires allowed 547 people a year to avoid becoming accident victims.
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700 Boul. René-Lévesque Est, 29th floor Québec, Québec G1R 5H1 Telephone: 418-644-1537 Fax: 418-646-0160 www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca
500 Boul. René-Lévesque Ouest Suite 4.010 Montréal, Québec H2Z 1W7 Telephone: 514-864-2934 Fa: 514-864-9939
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Vigilance remains essential Winter tires have proven their value in road safety. But they must be in good condition. Winter tires in good condition assure a vehicle of better stability during braking, allowing a shorter stopping distance and helping the vehicle stay on course while turning. At the beginning of the winter, drivers should always ensure that the tires have grooves at least 4.8 mm deep. The deeper the grooves, the better the tire’s traction on a snow-covered surface. On an icy surface, a winter tire’s softer rubber is the main factor allowing a good grip. Remember that winter tires retain their elasticity down to -40oC. Finally, once a month, it is important to check (or have a check done) that all four tires have the pressure recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. A plate indicating the optimum pressure is fastened to the door on the driver side. For more information on the provisions applicable to tires designed for winter driving and preparing for winter, you can visit the Ministère des Transports website at: www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca.
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Source and information:
Media Relations Direction des communications Ministère des Transports du Québec Tel.: Québec City: 418-644-4444 Montréal: 514-873-5600 Toll free: 1-866-341-5724