In Québec, every passenger car must have four winter tires from December 1 to March 15 inclusive, and skipping them costs $200 to $300 plus fees. Tires are only the start: Montreal winters change how you brake, steer, park and plan every trip.
Winter tires: the rules
- Dates: mandatory December 1 to March 15 inclusive for cars registered in Québec, rentals included.
- What counts: tires with the three-peak mountain and snowflake pictogram, or studded tires.
- Studded tires are allowed from October 15 to May 1.
- Install early. The SAAQ recommends putting them on before December 1, since snow often arrives first. Below about 7°C, summer and all-season rubber hardens and loses grip.
- Book now. Garages fill up in November.
Driving on snow and ice
- Double your following distance or more. Stopping on snow takes far longer than on dry pavement.
- Be gentle. Brake, accelerate and steer smoothly. Sudden moves cause skids.
- Brake firmly with ABS. Press and hold, don't pump. A pulsing pedal is normal.
- If you skid, look and steer where you want to go, and ease off the pedals.
- Watch for black ice on bridges, overpasses and shaded spots, especially around freezing and at night.
Before you drive
- Clear the whole car: windows, mirrors, lights and the roof. Snow sliding off your roof can blind you or the driver behind.
- Keep the essentials in the car: brush and scraper, winter washer fluid, a small shovel, gloves and a blanket.
- Keep at least half a tank in case you're stuck in traffic.
Montreal-specific: snow removal
When the city clears snow, temporary no-parking signs go up and cars left on the street are towed. Read the signs on your street after every snowfall, and follow the City of Montreal's snow-removal updates for your borough.
Learning in winter
Winter driving is one of the situations covered in the in-car sessions of the SAAQ program. Learning with an instructor in real snow is the safest way to build these skills before you drive on your own. Many of our students say their winter sessions built the most confidence.
Frequently asked questions
When do winter tires become mandatory in Québec?
December 1, until March 15 inclusive.
What's the fine for not having winter tires?
$200 to $300, plus fees.
Are all-season tires allowed in winter?
Only if they carry the three-peak mountain and snowflake pictogram.
Can I take driving lessons in winter?
Yes. Omega runs in-car sessions year-round, and winter practice is part of learning to drive in Montreal.
Learn to drive in real Montreal conditions
Omega Driving School has taught Montrealers to drive since 1984, with certified bilingual instructors at Sherbrooke-NDG (514-908-2580) and Guy-Concordia (514-989-2121). Register online.