Snow tires or chains are a requirement on some B.C. roads
Winter struck the Yellow Lake pass on Highway 3A suddenly last Thursday. Heavy snow was falling on 3A during the morning commute. About three centimetres of snow had accumulated by eight o’clock in the morning. Snow covered the highway from the top of the S curves to about one kilometre east of Olalla. Motorists were struggling to make it up the west side of the Yellow Lake pass, with several vehicles stuck on the hill. Argo Road Maintenance had a snowplow at Green Mountain Road and Highway 3A by eight o’clock, too late for the morning commute.
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As the South Okanagan and Similkameen begin feeling the effects of winter weather, motorists are experiencing some confusion with respect to traction requirements on B.C. highways.
The Motor Vehicle Act (Section 208 (2)) states that, “The Minister of Transportation and Highways may, by public notice or by placing signs, prohibit vehicles from being driven or operated on a highway that are not equipped with chains, winter tires or sanding devices, or a combination of these the minister considers adequate and necessary in view of the prevailing road conditions.”
In short, if you plan to travel on B.C. roads when winter conditions are a possibility, you should carry chains and be prepared to install them if needed.
When you come to a posted sign on the highway stating “Use winter tires or carry chains beyond this point, October 1 - April 30,” you must be ready to install chains or have proper winter tread tires before proceeding. Should you go beyond that point without the proper equipment, you may be subject to a fine.
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