Winter Tires & Ontario Law: What Drivers in Ontario Need to Know

When the temperatures drop and Ontario’s roads turn slick with snow and ice, many drivers ask the same question: Are winter tires required by law in Ontario? No, there is no legal requirement to have winter tires installed on your vehicle, but there are other implications–for your safety and for insurance purposes–that you shouldn’t ignore. 

At McNally Gervan LLP, we’ve seen firsthand how winter driving conditions contribute to serious collisions and insurance disputes. We’ve also seen how simple choices—like installing winter tires early—can reduce the risks of an accident and even affect your legal options in the unfortunate event of a crash.

If you’re looking for seasonal driving guidance from the province, the Government of Ontario’s winter driving tips are a useful resource. But if you’re after a deeper understanding of the legal side of winter tires in Ontario, you’re in the right place.

 

Are Winter Tires Required by Law in Ontario?

No, winter tires are not mandatory in Ontario. Unlike in Quebec, where drivers must have snow tires installed from December 1 to March 15, Ontario currently has no legal requirement for passenger vehicles to use winter tires during the winter season.

That said, Ontario does encourage winter tire usage. The government and insurers recognize that winter tires improve vehicle control, traction, and braking in cold temperatures. Summer tires and all-season tires are made from different compounds, which is why they don’t perform nearly as well as winter tires in cold weather conditions. Some insurance companies offer discounts on insurance premiums for drivers who install four winter tires during the colder months.

So while Ontario hasn’t followed other provinces like Quebec, British Columbia or Prince Edward Island in implementing a winter tire law for all drivers, the practical safety measure of using winter tires is supported both publicly and financially.

 

What’s Considered a Winter Tire?

Not all tires are created equal. A true winter tire is one that carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol on its sidewall. This symbol indicates that the tire meets specific industry standards for use in severe snow conditions.

Winter tires are made with a softer rubber compound that remains flexible at low temperatures, allowing the tire to grip slippery surfaces more effectively. The tread pattern on winter tires is also designed to channel snow, slush, and water, improving traction in snowy and icy conditions.

By contrast, regular all season tires begin to harden as the temperature drops below 7°C, which affects their ability to maintain grip. That’s why many experts advise installing winter tires in early November, before the cold weather fully sets in.

 

The Risks of Skipping Winter Tires

In Southern Ontario, drivers often assume that all season tires are good enough—especially during a milder winter. But statistics and personal injury case law suggest otherwise.

When drivers head out on icy roads or snowy surfaces with tires not rated for winter conditions, their braking distances increase, steering becomes less responsive, and accidents are more likely to occur.

If you’re involved in a winter-related accident and weren’t using winter tires, it could impact your insurance claim. While not having winter tires won’t automatically make you “at fault,” an insurance company may argue that your choice contributed to the crash—or that you failed to take reasonable precautions given the weather.

This matters not just for your own vehicle damage but for any potential injury claims. In a motor vehicle collision, your actions—such as tire choice—can affect how your case is evaluated.

If you’re navigating this kind of issue after a crash, it’s worth speaking to a seasoned Ottawa car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

 

Insurance Benefits of Using Winter Tires

Beyond safety, there’s a financial benefit: lower insurance premiums.

Many Ontario insurance providers offer a winter tire discount (usually around 2–5%) to drivers who install four winter tires between a set range of dates, often from November to April.

To qualify, you may need to provide:

• A receipt for buying winter tires
• Documentation showing your tires were installed professionally
• Photos or proof of tire installation

This might seem like a minor discount, but over several years, it adds up—especially when combined with other clean-driving rewards.

 

Studded Tires in Ontario: Legal but Restricted

If you live in Northern Ontario, you have another option: studded tires.

Studded tires are legal in Northern Ontario (north of Parry Sound and Nipissing), but they’re restricted in Southern Ontario. Exceptions apply for vehicles registered in the north or for visitors from out of province.

It’s important to understand that studded tires can damage road surfaces, which is one of the reasons they’re limited in urban areas. Still, in rural or northern communities like Thunder Bay or Sudbury, they’re commonly used during the harshest parts of the winter season.

 

Legal Consequences After a Winter Accident

We’re often asked: Can I be held liable if I get into an accident and wasn’t using winter tires?

The short answer is: possibly—but not automatically.

Ontario law doesn’t mandate winter tires for most drivers, so simply not having them doesn’t make you negligent. But if it’s proven that your lack of winter tires contributed to the accident—or made your injuries worse—you might see reduced compensation in a personal injury lawsuit if the condition of your tires is poor or not appropriate for safe operation of your vehicle in the conditions

Courts often look at whether a driver took reasonable precautions based on the conditions. If the roads were icy and everyone else had winter tires but you didn’t, that may be factored into the decision.

This is where legal advice becomes critical. If you’re unsure how your choices might affect your motor vehicle claim, or if you’ve been injured in a crash and need guidance, our Ottawa personal injury lawyers can help clarify your rights and options.

 

When to Change Tires—and How It Affects Claims

A good rule of thumb is to install winter tires once daily temperatures drop below 7°C, and to remove them in the spring once temperatures consistently rise above that point.

Waiting too long to change can also affect your tire pressure, tread depth, and overall performance. More importantly, it can affect the strength of any claim you might need to make later.

In some cases, particularly where insurance coverage is disputed or fault is shared, legal representatives will review everything—including tire choice and condition. Something as simple as proving you took the time to change to appropriate tires can strengthen your case significantly.

Final Thoughts: A Practical Step With Legal Weight

Ontario may not have a winter tire mandate, but the law—and common sense—both recognize the risks of cold weather driving.

Whether you’re driving in Northern Ontario’s heavy snow or facing surprise ice in Southern Ontario, using four winter tires is more than just a smart choice. It’s a practical safety measure with real implications for your insurance, your vehicle control, and your legal protection if something goes wrong.

If you’ve been injured in a collision during the winter season, or if you’re unsure how your tire use may affect a current or future claim, our experienced team is here to help.

At McNally Gervan LLP, we advocate for drivers and accident victims across Ottawa and beyond. We handle all types of motor vehicle claims, and we’re ready to help you navigate your options—starting with a free consultation.

Drive safely. Be winter ready. And when in doubt, know where to turn.