Winter tires required on most B.C. highways starting Oct. 1

B.C.'s annual winter tire and chain rules kick in on Sunday, which means drivers could be fined if they don't have winter tires in good condition on the majority of the province's highways.

The rules are in place every year starting on Oct. 1, and last until March 31 or April 30, depending on the location. Many highways in the Lower Mainland and southeastern Vancouver Island are exempt because of the more temperate climate along the South Coast.

The annual winter tire requirement covers:

• All highways in the North;

• All highways in the Interior;

• Sections of some highways on the South Coast, including the Sea to Sky Highway;

• Sections of some highways on Vancouver Island.

Trucks and heavy vehicles weighing more than 11.78 tonnes will also have to carry chains on those routes.

A full map of the highways that require winter tires can be found on the Transportation Ministry's website. Drivers of passenger vehicles who break the rules face fines of $121.