Resources > Chain Up Rules for British Columbia

Tire chains on a commercial vehicle tire | Credit: Todd McCann

Takeaways:

• Chain-up season in BC runs from October 1 to April 30, and applies to all commercial vehicles over 5,500 kg GVW.

• Drivers must carry steel chains on designated mountain routes, including the Coquihalla, Highway 1 (Kicking Horse and Rogers Pass), Highway 3, and Highway 97C.

• When chain-up signs or flashing amber lights are active, chains must be installed before continuing through the pass.

• Fines for non-compliance range from $121 for not carrying chains to $598 for failing to chain up when required.

• Always check DriveBC and TranBC updates for road and weather conditions before travel.

Introduction

Every fall, as temperatures drop and snow begins to blanket British Columbia’s mountain passes, the province’s annual chain-up season begins. These rules aren’t optional. They’re designed to keep truck drivers, cargo, and other motorists safe on BC’s most challenging winter roads.

From October 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, all commercial drivers operating in designated regions of the province must carry and, when instructed, use tire chains to maintain traction. If you’re driving through BC this winter, here’s everything you need to know about where, when, and how to comply.

When Chain-Up Rules Apply

Chain-up regulations are in effect each year from October 1 to April 30, covering most of BC’s highways outside the Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island.

On routes with milder conditions (such as parts of the South Coast) the requirement may end earlier, on March 31, 2026. However, drivers should always follow posted signage, as the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure can extend enforcement based on weather conditions.

When you see roadside signs like “Commercial Vehicles Must Carry Chains” or “Carry Chains, Oct 1 – Apr 30,” the rule applies. During snowstorms or when electronic signs and flashing amber lights are active, chain-up becomes mandatory before you can continue through certain passes.

Where Chain-Up Rules Apply

BC’s chain-up and winter traction regulations apply to most high-elevation routes, especially through the Interior, Northern BC, and the Coast Mountains. Below are the key highways and zones where you must carry and potentially install chains.

Southern Interior and Mountain Passes

These are the highest-risk routes in BC for snow and ice, and they see the most consistent enforcement:

• Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) – From Sicamous to Golden, including Rogers Pass.
• Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway) – Between Hope and Princeton, and from Osoyoos to Castlegar, including Allison Pass and Kootenay Pass.
• Highway 5 (Coquihalla Highway) – Between Hope and Kamloops. Chain-up points include Box Canyon, Coquihalla Summit, and Britton Creek.
• Highway 5A (Merritt to Princeton)
• Highway 97C (Okanagan Connector) – Between Merritt and Kelowna, including Pennask Summit.

Northern and Interior BC

Conditions in Northern BC can be unpredictable, with long stretches between service areas:

• Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) – From Prince George to Terrace.
• Highway 97 North – From Prince George to Dawson Creek, especially through Pine Pass.
• Highway 37 (Stewart–Cassiar Highway)

Coastal and Vancouver Island Routes

• Highway 4 – Between Port Alberni and the Tofino/Ucluelet junction, drivers should carry chains past Kennedy Hill.
• Highway 19/19A – North of Campbell River.
• Highway 99 (Sea-to-Sky Highway) – From Squamish to Whistler, chains or winter tires are required; between Whistler and Pemberton, heavy commercial vehicles must carry and install chains when necessary.

High Enforcement Corridors

BC’s Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) officers conduct regular checks and have authority to turn vehicles around or issue fines if chains aren’t carried or used properly.

These areas have designated chain-up pullouts, flashing signage, and frequent weather patrols.

Notable enforcement locations include:

• Coquihalla Summit (Highway 5)
• Kootenay Pass (Highway 3)
• Rogers Pass (Highway 1)
• Pennask Summit (Highway 97C)
• Pine Pass (Highway 97)
• Allison Pass (Highway 3)

Chain Requirements by Vehicle Type

Not all commercial vehicles face the same requirements. BC’s Motor Vehicle Act distinguishes between heavy, medium, and light commercial classes.

Heavy Commercial Vehicles (Over 11,794 kg GVW)

• Must carry steel link chains from October 1 to April 30 on designated routes.
• When chain-up signs are active, chains must be installed on the drive axle tires before entering the control zone.
• Cable chains and non-metal traction aids are not considered compliant substitutes for heavy vehicles.
• Minimum requirement: two drive tires chained (outer tires on each side). Multi-axle setups may require additional chains on both drive axles for safe traction.

Medium Commercial Vehicles (5,000 kg – 11,794 kg GVW)

• Must carry approved winter tires (M+S or 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake) or chains at all times during the season.
• Vehicles without winter tires must chain up when instructed by signs or enforcement officers.

Light Commercial and Delivery Vehicles

• Required to use winter tires or carry traction devices such as AutoSock or steel link chains.
• These vehicles may be turned around at checkpoints if not properly equipped.

Enforcement, Penalties, and Fines

Failing to follow BC’s winter traction rules can be costly and dangerous.

CVSE officers and RCMP have authority to inspect vehicles and issue fines on the spot.

Penalties include:

• $196 fine — for not carrying chains when required.
• $598 fine — for failing to install chains when signs or officers indicate mandatory use.
• Turnarounds or road closures — officers can deny passage to unprepared vehicles.
• Possible towing or impoundment — in cases where non-compliance leads to road obstruction or collisions.

Beyond fines, unchained or poorly equipped trucks often cause major highway closures and can be held liable for resulting delays or damages.

Best Practices for Drivers and Fleets

Preparation is key to staying compliant throughout BC’s chain-up season.

Here’s how drivers and carriers can get ready:

• Practice installing chains early. Don’t wait until you’re stuck on the side of the Coquihalla.
• Inspect chains regularly. Replace broken or worn links and keep spares on board.
• Install before climbing steep grades. Chain-up areas are designed for safety and are made for a reason.
• Monitor DriveBC and TranBC. Get live updates on weather, road conditions, and chain-up alerts.
• Remove chains promptly once the road is clear to prevent tire and pavement damage.

How Fleets Can Prepare for 2025

Fleet operators play a crucial role in winter safety. Proactive preparation reduces downtime, fines, and accident risks.

• Conduct a pre-season equipment audit. Confirm each truck has compliant chains by October.
• Update company policies. Document procedures for when and where chains must be used.
• Train all drivers. Include hands-on chain installation in fall safety meetings.
• Plan alternate routes. Identify low-elevation detours for severe weather.
• Use compliance technology. Tools like Nutech Comply can help carriers track driver record and dangerous goods load.

Conclusion

BC’s chain-up rules are a shared responsibility that protects everyone on the road.

From Rogers Pass to the Coquihalla, carrying and using tire chains keeps highways open and accidents down during the province’s harshest months.

For fleets, preparation starts now. Make sure your team and trucks are ready for a safe, compliant 2025–2026 winter season.

Sources

• Government of British Columbia: Winter Driving for Commercial Vehicles
• DriveBC: Winter Tire and Chain-Up Routes
• TranBC: Do I Need to Chain Up? Yes, and Maybe
• Safety Driven BC: Proper Chain-Up Skills Key to Surviving BC Winter