The Legality of Tire Chains

The Legality of Tire Chains

Tire chains are chains that are fitted on vehicle tires to help the vehicle drive through areas that have heavy snow.

These chains increase traction and grip, making it safer and reducing the chances of accidents. Vehicles whose tires are fitted with chains are less likely to lose control on snow.

These chains are not permanently fitted on the tires. They are usually tightly fitted so that they don’t get dislodged when the vehicle is moving. They vary with different provinces and they are determined by the weather condition. We will discuss these laws according to every Province and territory.

Alberta In this Province, there are no rules concerning the usage or prohibition of tire chains. This means that you can use them or decide not to. However, if you use them to damage the roads, you can be prosecuted for the damages you've caused.

British Columbia In British Columbia, tire chains are used when needed and in most routes during winter. The Ministry of Transport sometimes limits the citizens to use tire chains on some roads. Violation of the requirements will cause the police to ticket you. These, tire chains are mostly allowed from Oct to April. There are road signs near mountains where weather changes occur unexpectedly. Commercial drivers are required to carry tire chains especially during winter.

New Brunswick In New Brunswick, the usage of tire chains is required throughout except May to Oct during summer.

Manitoba In Manitoba, using tire chains is not mandatory. However, if you feel you want to fit them on your tires because of your safety, you can use them.

Ontario In Ontario, chain tires are only allowed from Sept to May. The regulations in this Province are a bit tricky because a driver must: ď ľ Be a resident of Ontario ď ľ Have a business in Northern parts of the Province ď ľ Have authority to use them For you to use the tire chains in Ontario and you are not a resident, your vehicle must have been in the Province for the past 30 days.

Quebec In Quebec, the regulations of the road are a bit different from other provinces. In this Province, the emergency vehicles, snow removal vehicles, and tractors are the only vehicles to use tire chains.

As for the other vehicles like passenger vehicles, they are allowed to have the chains from Oct to May. Whereas when handling heavy vehicles, the Province has not set any regulations.

Nova Scotia In Nova Scotia, you’re permitted to use the tire chains if the road is icy or the weather condition is snowy which may cause the vehicles to slide.

Nunavut Drivers in Nunavut can decide to use or not to use the tire chains.

Northwest Territories In this Province, tire chains are only used during snow and icy conditions.

Saskatchewan There no existing regulations addressing the use of tire chains Saskatchewan. However, the drivers can use the chains when needful.

Yukon In this Province, there are no laws concerning tire chains so drivers can use or decide not to. However, it is recommended that a driver uses tire chains on the snowy highway for safety.

Prince Edward Island Chains are permitted as long as they don’t damage the roads.

Newfoundland and Labrador In Newfound, the provincial regulations demand that no vehicles can be driven on the highway, which has snow without tire chain being fitted on the axle. The minister may order those vehicles that are not equipped with the chains to desist from using the highway during winter. Failing to use tire chains on highways that have snows can attract a fine.

Benefits of Tire Chains 

They increase traction in snow. Tire chains are very efficient during heavy snow conditions, and the traction they offer cannot be found in regular tires.

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Tire chains are so powerful that they help to breakdown the ice when on transit.

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Tire chains give the vehicle grip when turning. It's easy to drive through the snow when moving in a straight line, as opposed to turning. The chains, therefore, ensure safety when the vehicle is turning.

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Tire chains are beneficial because they reduce driving time. It can take you more extended hours to drive through the snow, but with the chains, the driving period is shortened.

Conclusion Tire chains are not used under all weather conditions, but only when weather conditions have changed drastically or when there is torrential snow downpour. If you live in areas where there is snow throughout and you don't have the tire chains, you may consider buying them.

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