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Quebec winter tire law: dates and countdown
In Quebec, winter tires are required from December 1 to March 15 on every motorized road vehicle registered in the province, rental vehicles included. Heavy vehicles, tool vehicles, farm machinery and trailers are excluded. See today's status below, or pick a date and a vehicle type to see what the rule says.
Winter tire status
Loading today's date.
Checked November 5, 2026. The dates are set by Quebec's Highway Safety Code.
Source: Gouvernement du Québec, Requirements for winter tires (page updated October 5, 2026): quebec.ca/en/transports/traffic-road-safety/winter-road-safety/requirements-for-winter-tires.
Why the dates matter for a fleet
A driver without compliant winter tires during the period is liable to a fine of $200 to $300. For a fleet, every light vehicle counts at once: cars, pickups and vans registered in Quebec all need winter tires by December 1. Planning the changeover vehicle by vehicle keeps the whole fleet compliant on the first day of the period.
Plan the changeover for the whole fleet
The High Point GPS platform can send maintenance reminders for each vehicle, so tire changes come up before December 1 and again after March 15. FleetZap, our maintenance software, schedules the maintenance work orders for the whole fleet.
Get a quoteTips for winter tire season
Plan tire changes for the whole fleet ahead of time: the rule applies from December 1, whatever the weather that day.
Check the marking: only tires with the pictogram of a mountain and a snowflake, or studded tires, count as winter tires in Quebec.
Studded tires are allowed from October 15 to May 1 on passenger vehicles, taxis and commercial vehicles with a total loaded mass of 3,000 kg or less.
Wait a few weeks after March 15 before switching back, as the Quebec government recommends, because spring conditions vary.
Winter tire questions
- When are winter tires mandatory in Quebec?
- Winter tires are mandatory in Quebec from December 1 to March 15. The rule covers every motorized road vehicle registered in Quebec, including rental vehicles. Installing them before December 1 is not required, and the Quebec government recommends waiting a few weeks after March 15 before switching back, since spring conditions vary.
- Do heavy trucks need winter tires in Quebec?
- No. The Quebec government lists heavy vehicles among the exceptions to the winter tire obligation, along with tool vehicles, farm machinery, trailers and vehicles registered outside Quebec. Light vehicles registered in Quebec, such as cars, pickups and vans that are not heavy vehicles, are covered from December 1 to March 15.
- What marking must a winter tire have in Quebec?
- To count as a winter tire under Quebec rules, a tire must carry the pictogram of a mountain with a snowflake, or be studded. Retreaded or remoulded tires on passenger vehicles must meet the same requirement. A tire without that pictogram and without studs does not meet the obligation from December 1 to March 15.
- What is the fine for no winter tires in Quebec?
- A driver who does not comply with the winter tire obligation is liable to a fine of $200 to $300, according to the Quebec government. The obligation runs from December 1 to March 15. In specific situations, the SAAQ can issue a seven-day winter tire exemption certificate, through SAAQclic or at a service centre.
- When can I use studded tires in Quebec?
- Studded tires are allowed in Quebec from October 15 to May 1 on passenger vehicles, taxis and commercial vehicles whose total loaded mass does not exceed 3,000 kg. Outside those dates, studs are not allowed on those vehicles. Studded tires also count as winter tires for the obligation that runs from December 1 to March 15.