Short answer : In Québec, winter tires are required from December 1 to March 15 on passenger vehicles registered in Québec, according to the SAAQ. The tires must carry the mountain-and-snowflake pictogram.
What the rule says
The mandatory period runs from December 1 to March 15. It covers passenger vehicles and taxis registered in Québec, including rentals.
A compliant winter tire carries the pictogram of a three-peak mountain with a snowflake. Details, exceptions and fines are on the SAAQ page (link below).
When to swap
The law sets a deadline, not an ideal date. Once temperatures stay cold, a summer tire loses grip; many drivers swap as soon as the cold sets in.
November is the busiest month for Montréal garages. Booking in October or early November avoids the wait.
Before you put your winter tires back on
Look at tread wear and tire age (DOT code on the sidewall). A worn or cracked tire grips less.
Check cold pressure against the label in the driver's door frame. Pressure drops when it is cold.
At MRY Pro Services
A tire change is from $40 (prices may change: please call or text us to confirm the price before your visit). We also do tire rotations.
Questions
What are the winter tire dates in Québec?
December 1 to March 15, according to the SAAQ.
Are all-season tires allowed?
Only if they carry the mountain-and-snowflake pictogram. Check the sidewall or ask us.
Sources
This guide is general information. For your vehicle, rely on the owner's manual and a mechanic who has seen it.
Need a garage?
Tires: change and installation · 12050 Laurentien Blvd., Montreal, QC H4K 1M9