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Winter tires a good idea, but won't become law in Ontario: province

The Ministry of Transportation says it wants to promote safety but also not impose burdens on consumers and businesses who don't drive often in winter

Driving
Dec 07, 2020  •  May 4, 2021  •  2 minute read  •  Join the conversation
This Toronto Sun file photo shows cars overlooking the Gardiner Expressway.
This Toronto Sun file photo shows cars overlooking the Gardiner Expressway. Photo by Toronto Sun /Toronto Sun

Ontario drivers are encouraged but unlike their counterparts in Quebec, they will not be forced to put snow tires on their vehicles.

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Ministry of Transportation spokesperson Lee Alderson said the goal is to promote road safety without imposing unwarranted burdens on consumers and businesses.

“After careful consideration, winter tire use remains at the discretion of Ontario’s vehicle owners due to effective snow-clearing operations and the fact that not all vehicles need to be operated every day under winter weather conditions,” Alderson said in an email.

“The additional cost of two sets of tires, their interchange twice yearly, storage requirements and the impact on the environment are all factors that have influenced our decision to not require winter tire use on vehicles.”

Quebec drivers are liable for fines up to $300 if they fail to put snow tires on their vehicles between December 1 and March 15.

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While not following that province’s path, Ontario has since January 1 required all Ontario automobile insurers to offer a discount for snow tire-equipped vehicles.

“Proper use of winter tires is only one aspect of safe winter driving,” Alderson said. “Many other aspects are important, including overall vehicle preparedness and defensive driving techniques.”

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Raymond Chan, of CAA South Central Ontario, said the automobile association has not advocated for mandatory snow tires but offered the first discount for equipped vehicles by a provincial insurer.

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“Winter tires aren’t the substitute for safe driving,” Chan said. “But when combining that together with safe driving practices, winter tires really offer the best defence against those harsh winter conditions.”

Past surveys with CAA members show a majority practice the seasonal tire change.

Winter tires provide better traction on snow and ice than all-season tires, he said.

“Depending on the speed and the weather conditions, winter tires can actually reduce your breaking distance by up to 25 per cent or two vehicle lengths compared to all-season tires,” Chan said. “That right there, I think, says a lot — that if you have winters installed, it’s actually a lot safer.”

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