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Quebec's winter tire requirement kicks in Thursday

Motorists still driving without snow tires can face a fine of $200 to $300 plus fees.

Jason Lespoir installs winter tires at Gordon's Tires in 2016.
Jason Lespoir installs winter tires at Gordon's Tires in 2016. Photo by Peter McCabe /Montreal Gazette files

As of Thursday and until  March 15, nearly every motorized vehicle in Quebec is required to be equipped with snow tires. The exceptions are for heavy vehicles, tool vehicles and farm equipment.

The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec notes the requirement also applies to rental cars, motorized scooters and motorcycles.

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Only tires fitted with studs or those displaying a logo of a snowflake in front of a mountain are recognized as snow tires by the Highway Code.

Motorists still driving without snow tires can face a fine of $200 to $300 plus fees.

Once the temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius, or if there is ice or snow on the roads, the rubber of summer or four-season tires hardens and does not adhere to the road surface. The grooves on summer and four-season tires are not designed to retain snow.

The rubber of winter tires is designed to respect flexibility criteria to a temperature of minus-40 C, which allows the car to have much better grip on the road.

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