Permis PrêtWinter tires in Québec: what are the mandatory dates?
The legal period, which vehicles it covers, and what counts as a winter tire.
Short answer: from December 1 to March 15, a motor vehicle registered in Québec must have tires designed for winter driving. Rental vehicles offered in Québec are covered too. Nothing stops you from putting them on earlier, and that is recommended.
What the Code says
From December 1 to March 15, the owner of a motorized road vehicle registered in Québec may not put it on the road without tires designed specifically for winter. The same applies to anyone renting such a vehicle in Québec. Heavy vehicles, tool vehicles and farm machinery are left out of this general rule (Code de la sécurité routière [Highway Safety Code], s. 440.1).
Watch out for older documents: some still mention December 15. December 1 is the date that applies now; the SAAQ’s Driving a Passenger Vehicle guide notes the change.
What counts as a compliant winter tire?
According to the Government of Québec, a compliant tire carries the regulatory winter-tire pictogram, or it is studded. Retreaded or remoulded passenger-vehicle tires must also carry the pictogram or be studded (Québec.ca, “Requirements for winter tires”). The SAAQ also recommends four identical tires and choosing four winter tires over all-season tires (Conduire un véhicule de promenade, ch. 1 and 5).
Studded tires
They 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. Studs must be on both ends of the same axle, and if the front axle has them, the rear axle must too (Guide de la route, ch. 2; Québec.ca).
Exceptions
| Case | Winter tires required? |
|---|---|
| Car registered in Québec | Yes, December 1 to March 15 |
| Rental vehicle in Québec | Yes |
| Trailer | No |
| Vehicle registered outside Québec (not rented in Québec) | No |
| Vehicle bought from a dealer | 7-day grace period after the purchase |
| Special situation | The SAAQ can issue a 7-day exemption certificate |
Sources: Québec.ca, “Requirements for winter tires”; Code de la sécurité routière, s. 440.1. An owner who doesn’t comply can be fined.
Why they make a real difference
According to the SAAQ, winter-tire rubber stays flexible in deep cold, while all-season tires start to harden and lose grip somewhere between −8 °C and −15 °C. Deeper grooves clear snow better, and winter tires cut braking distance considerably (Conduire un véhicule de promenade, ch. 5). In spring, the SAAQ suggests switching back to summer or all-season tires, because winter tires wear quickly in the heat.
Before you leave in winter
You may not drive a vehicle covered with snow or ice that could fall off and endanger other road users (Code de la sécurité routière, s. 498.1). Clear the windows, roof and hood.
Key points for the test
- Mandatory period: December 1 to March 15.
- Regulatory pictogram or studs.
- Studded tires: October 15 to May 1.
- Clear all snow and ice from the vehicle before driving.
Original questions with explanations and sources, “Highway Safety Code” section.
Practise for free
See also
Official sources
- Code de la sécurité routière (Highway Safety Code, CQLR c. C-24.2), ss. 440.1 and 498.1
- Government of Québec, “Requirements for winter tires” (checked 2026-10-28)
- SAAQ, Guide de la route (driver’s handbook, French 4th ed., 2024), ch. 2, “Les pneus” and “Conduite hivernale”
- SAAQ, Conduire un véhicule de promenade (Driving a Passenger Vehicle, 2022), ch. 1, “Le choix des pneus”, and ch. 5, “Les pneus d’hiver”
General information page, current as of 2026-10-28. If in doubt, the official text prevails. Rules can change: check saaq.gouv.qc.ca and legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca.