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Winter tires in Québec 2026-27, the dates, the law and when to book

Winter tires are mandatory in Québec from December 1 to March 15, but on Routes 321 and 309 the first snow often arrives earlier. The dates, the fine, the symbol to look for and the right time to book an installation.

By La Petite Nation · · Who we are

A winter tire on a snow-covered road at sunrise
AI-generated illustration (ChatGPT), La Petite Nation

This article is intended in particular for drivers travelling from Ottawa or Montréal to their cottage. Québec has had a winter tire law for many years, it also applies to rental vehicles, and the first snow on Routes 321 and 309 often arrives before the legal date. Here is what you need to know for this winter.

The 2026-27 dates

Winter tires are mandatory in Québec from December 1 to March 15. Québec.ca updated its page on October 5, 2026, and no changes have been made for this season.

  • Vehicles covered: all motorized road vehicles registered in Québec, including rental vehicles. For a car or taxi, the requirement applies to all four wheels.
  • The fine: $200 to $300. According to CAA-Québec, the offence carries no demerit points, but the fine remains significant.
  • Exclusions: trailers, vehicles registered outside Québec, heavy vehicles and farm machinery, the spare tire and motorhomes. A vehicle purchased from a dealer benefits from a seven-day grace period upon presentation of the bill of sale.

This last point is relevant for Ontario cottage owners: vehicles with Ontario plates are not subject to the Québec law. Road conditions, however, are just as icy on this side of the river.

If your vehicle is stored for the winter and you need to move it once, the SAAQ issues a 7-day exemption certificate through SAAQclic or at a service centre. CAA-Québec notes that a maximum of four certificates may be obtained per vehicle per season.

The symbol to look for

A compliant winter tire carries the three-peak mountain and snowflake symbol. Studded tires are also compliant.

CAA-Québec points out an important distinction: the snowflake indicates only that the tire passed a traction test in moderately deep snow. It provides no information about grip on ice or in slush, or about the rubber stiffening in extreme cold. It is recommended that you consult comparative tests before buying, especially if you travel a lake road every day.

Studded tires

Studded tires are permitted from October 15 to May 1 on cars, taxis and commercial vehicles of 3,000 kg or less.

Tread wear: the quarter test

  • Legal minimum: 1.6 mm (2/32 in.).
  • Québec.ca recommendation for winter: at least 4.8 mm.
  • CAA-Québec recommendation: begin the winter with at least 6/32 in. and check the tread in three places (inside, centre and outside).

Québec.ca and CAA-Québec suggest a simple test: slide a 25-cent coin into the grooves. CAA-Québec also advises against using tires more than six years old, even if tread remains, because the rubber cracks.

According to Québec.ca, good tread reduces braking distance by about 25%.

When to install and when to book

CAA-Québec recommends installing winter tires when the temperature remains around 7 °C for several consecutive days. There is no need to wait until December 1, and an installation in early October does not damage the tires.

It is advisable to book early. You will have a wider choice of appointment times and of models in stock, which is important if your vehicle uses a less common tire size. In La Petite-Nation, it is best to call in October, before the first snowfall.

Before calling, we suggest noting your tire size, which appears on the sidewall or on the driver's door frame. The garage will then be able to tell you immediately whether it is in stock.

Garages and tire dealers in the area

Body shops & windshields

Bastien Collision

Bowman

Garage offering towing and impound, body repair, general mechanics, used parts and snow removal.

Body shops & windshields

CarrXpert Thurso

Thurso

Body shop offering dent repair, located on rue des Pins.

Garages & mechanics

Garage Pierrot Rodgers

Ripon

Garage offering mechanical repairs and a 24-hour tow truck service.

Garages & mechanics

Garage Ultra

Val-des-Bois

Car repair shop in the village.

Garages & mechanics

Mécanique 725

Montebello

Mechanic at the east end of rue Notre-Dame.

Garages & mechanics

Mécanique Avantage

Montpellier

General repair garage in the Tech-Net network, also handling tires, brakes, suspension and steering. Reviews mention fair prices and travellers…

Garages & mechanics

Mécanique D.S.

Val-des-Bois

Mechanical repair shop on chemin du Huard.

The full list by village is available in the directory. Opening hours change in the fall; we recommend calling before you travel.

Please note: snow on the roof can result in a fine

Québec's Highway Safety Code prohibits driving a vehicle covered with snow or ice that could come loose. The fine is $60 to $100, plus fees. An obstructed windshield or windows result in a fine of $100 to $200. The SAAQ asks drivers to clear the entire vehicle, including the roof, headlights and licence plate.

Sources

ThursoPapineauvilleSaint-André-AvellinRiponChénévilleVal-des-BoisMontebello

Sources

The facts in this story come from these public sources. Every place and event mentioned has its own page, with its sources and the date it was checked. Legal notice

Links cited in the story

Sources for the places and events mentioned

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