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winter tires quebec

There are a few key signs that signal that spring is on its way in Quebec — snow starts melting, families hit up the closest Cabane à sucre, and drivers start swapping out their winter tires.

But while Quebec's mandatory winter tire law runs from December 1 to March 15, that doesn't mean you should rush to make the switch.

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It's that time of year again — temperatures are dropping, and it's time to think about getting those winter tires put on. But when exactly should Quebecers make the switch in 2024?

Quebec is one of only two provinces in Canada with mandatory winter tire laws. You'll need to have them on from December 1 to March 15 inclusive or risk a hefty fine, according to the Highway Safety Code. However, it's smart to put them on even earlier, as temps typically start plummeting across the province and snow begins to appear in October and November.

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Montreal weather is warming up (quicker than expected, but who's complaining?), giving us all a preview of what's to come this spring.

With warmer temps comes drier road conditions, meaning Quebec drivers can soon swap their winter tires for summer tires. Per Quebec law, vehicles must be equipped with winter tires that meet provincial standards and are in good standing condition as of December 1.

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The transition from winter to spring is often a fickle one, considering snowfall throughout the month of March (and sometimes April) is still very much possible. Now, with spring only days away, you might be wondering when you can officially ditch your winter tires in Quebec.

According to the provincial government, cars driving on Quebec roads should have winter tires as early as December 1 and as late as March 15. Drivers who fail to have winter tires installed on their vehicles up until the March 15 date can be subjected to a fine of $200 to $300.

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The first snow has come and gone, meaning Montreal's road conditions will be just fine for a few more precious days. It also means we're officially in the beginning of winter tire season — in fact, we're already past the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) suggested deadline for installing winter tires, which passed on November 10. But that's only a suggestion, so let's unpack the laws and some common questions Quebec drivers have about this changing of the seasons.

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Starting December 1, the vast majority of drivers with vehicles registered in Quebec will need to have winter tires on their vehicles. Anyone subject to the requirement who doesn't have the appropriate tires risks $200 to $300 in fines, according to sections 440.1 and 510 of the Highway Safety Code.

There are a handful of specific exceptions, however.

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As temperatures continue to drop, the time is drawing near for one of Quebec's annual winter chores: making time to change over your perfectly functional normal tires for hardy winter ones. Even in the bustling metropolis of Montreal, Quebecers can't escape the chill hands of winter and the dangerous driving conditions they bring.

Now is the time to get ahead of the rush and make sure you have your winter tires, especially if your tire needs are particular, according to CAA-Quebec. This year, the organization is warning of a potential scarcity of certain brands and tire types due to reduced supply and a lack of skilled workers, CAA-Quebec said in a press release.

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Even if we refuse to believe it — winter is around the corner. Although the official deadline for putting on winter tires in Quebec is December 1, CAA-Quebec is advising that we change our tires much earlier this year.

In collaboration with MétéoMédia, the association has determined realistic dates to prepare your car for the cold season in each region of the province. According to the recommendations, you should do so as soon as the temperature drops below 7 C for a few consecutive days. It's the temperature, not just the snow, that significantly reduces tire traction.

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