Put your studded tires on Monday. If you want

NEWS RELEASES

DAVID ORAZIETTI/MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION

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The province is extending the time frame for the use of studded tires for residents in Northern Ontario from September 1 to May 31, announced David Orazietti, MPP.

Previously, studded tires were allowed from October 1 to April 30.

“Ontario is extending the time period to use studded tires in the North in order to help keep drivers safe in winter weather and icy road conditions,” said Orazietti. “Difficult driving conditions start earlier and last longer in the North, so we are ensuring Northern drivers have the option to make use of studded tires for a greater portion of the year.”

Studded tire use is permitted for vehicles with an ownership address in Northern Ontario, as defined by the Territorial Districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Temiskaming, and to out-of-province vehicles travelling in Ontario for less than a month.

Ensuring Ontario's roads and highways are safe and improving transportation infrastructure in the North are both part of the government's economic plan to create jobs and support an innovative business climate in Northern Ontario.

Earlier this month, the province announced an investment of $527 million this year for highway rehabilitation and expansion projects across the North.

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Ontario Government Committed to Keeping Drivers Safe

Drivers who live in northern Ontario can now put on studded tires earlier and keep them on longer, providing motorists with more options to stay safe during severe or extended winter weather.

Northern Ontario residents can now use studded tires from September 1 to May 31.

Previously, studded tires were only allowed from October 1 to April 30.

The change is based on advice and recommendations from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

“By extending the season and allowing northern Ontario residents to use studded tires from September 1 to May 31, our government is making winter drivng safer for the countless families and businesses that rely on our northern highway system each year,” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines.

Studded tires can be used on vehicles that have an ownership address in northern Ontario, which includes the districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Temiskaming.

They can also be used on out-of-province vehicles travelling in Ontario for less than a month.

Ensuring Ontario's roads and highways are safe is part of the government's plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.

“Ontario’s roads are among the safest in North America. We are always looking for ways to make them safer. Winter weather conditions in northern Ontario can make driving particularly challenging and dangerous. Allowing the use of studded tires for a longer period of time will help keep drivers safe on those highways,” said Steven DelDuca, Minister of Transportation.

Quick Facts

• Studded tires are proven to be more effective than other tires on wet, icy road conditions.
• Only lightweight, Scandinavian studs can be used in northern Ontario. 
• Last winter, the province added 50 combination snowplow-spreader units and five tow plows - 42 of them in northern Ontario.
• Check road closure information before you leave by calling 511, visiting Ontario.ca/511 or follow @MTORoadClosures on Twitter.

Learn more:

Studded Tire Use In Northern Ontario

Safe winter driving videos

Winter tires video quiz

Winter Driving Brochure