Winter is coming once again, and it's time to start shopping for your winter tires, if you haven't already.

We remind you that there's a new law in Quebec that obligates every passenger vehicle to be equipped with winter tires. That includes cars, pickups, SUVs and other vehicles driven by the general population.

The period covered by this law is from December 15th to March 15th, every year. If you get stopped during that time with all-season or summer tires, you get a fine varying between $200 and $300, according to the SAAQ.


For those who will be leaving south, know that it is possible to obtain an exemption certificate that will be valid for seven (7) days. Here's what that means:

If you leave for Florida on January 15th, for example, your vehicle must be mounted with winter tires from December 15th. By planning to obtain your exemption certificate that would be valid from, say, January 10th to the 17th, you'll have time to get all-season tires installed on your vehicle between the 10th and the moment you'll cross the border on the 15th.

Studded tires and snow chains are allowed from October 15th to May 1st.

If you don't have your winter tires yet, it would be wise to start shopping pretty soon to avoid shortage and busy schedules at the local tire shop. If you already have winter tires but they're not yet installed, get an appointment ahead of time.



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