Are winter tires mandatory in Quebec from 1 December?

When does Quebec require winter tires?

The requirement begins on 1 December 2026 and runs through 15 March. The date matters even when the road is clear. A driver cannot treat a dry day in December as an exception to the rule.

If a learner shares a family car, agree in advance which vehicle will be used during the winter period. A vehicle that was suitable for a supervised drive in autumn may need a tire change before the next drive. The same check matters when choosing the car for a road test.

Which vehicles have to follow the Quebec tire rule?

The government applies the requirement to motor vehicles registered in Quebec, including rental vehicles. It is the registration of the vehicle that matters for this rule, not where the person driving it holds a licence. A borrowed Quebec registered car is still covered.

Vehicles registered outside Quebec and trailers are not covered by this provincial winter tire requirement. Heavy vehicles, utility vehicles and farm machinery also appear on the government exception list. A visitor should check the vehicle registration before assuming the rule applies.

When collecting a rental vehicle registered in Quebec, check the tires fitted to the particular car you receive. A booking description does not tell you whether its tires carry the required marking. If you plan to practise in the rental, make this check before the learner gets behind the wheel.

What makes a winter tire compliant in Quebec?

The government says a tire designed for winter driving must display the official winter tire pictogram or be studded. Look for the mountain and snowflake pictogram on the tire itself. A tire described as all season does not qualify simply because it has plenty of tread. The marking or studs answer the compliance question.

Condition matters too. The government says tire grooves should not be less than 1.6 mm deep and recommends at least 4.8 mm during winter. The 4.8 mm figure is a recommendation, not the winter tire marking rule.

To check wear, the government suggests putting a quarter into several grooves with the caribou nose pointing down. If its snout remains visible, the tire will have poor grip in deep snow. Check more than one spot, because wear can differ across the tire.

Who can drive without winter tires during the required period?

Quebec lists narrow exceptions. For a vehicle bought from a dealer, the exception lasts seven days from the acquisition date, and the driver must carry the bill of sale or a copy. For a lease lasting a year or more, there is an exception during the seven days before the agreement expires, with the agreement or a copy in the vehicle. These are specific periods, not a general grace period for drivers who have not arranged a tire change.

A valid temporary registration certificate may also give an exception for its stated period, no longer than seven days after issue. Vehicles with a dealer plate, motor homes permanently used as homes, spare tires and motorcycles used as emergency vehicles are on the list. Check the government list before relying on an exception.

The SAAQ can issue a seven day winter tire exemption certificate. The government says to request it through SAAQclic or at a SAAQ service centre, and directs drivers to the SAAQ for the situations that qualify. Obtain the certificate before relying on it.

What should a Quebec learner do before a winter test?

Check the tires on the vehicle you will actually drive, whether it belongs to your family, your accompanying driver or a rental company. Ask to see the winter tire marking or confirm that the tires are studded. Look at the grooves and raise any concern about wear before leaving. The government page describes a vehicle equipment rule; it does not announce a change to either test format.