Police enforce winter tire rules

Oct 24, 2022 | 4:45 PM Pete McIntyre

Police were emphasizing the importance of having proper winter tires during a traffic enforcement campaign in West Kelowna.

The project, held on Oct. 17, also targeted drivers speeding in a construction zone.

The operation was set up on Highway 97C near Hwy 97 and during the course of the operation the following were issued:

50 Violation tickets, (mostly for speeding in a construction zone)
46 Warnings, (most of which were for excessive speed in a construction zone but also for drivers not displaying their “N” and/or failure to produce a license)
12 Commercial vehicle inspections (all inspections passed)
9 Commercial vehicle tire checks resulted in appropriate tires/chains
5 Commercial vehicle tire checks did not have the appropriate tires or did not have chains (they were ordered to fix/repair immediately)
42 Personal vehicle tire checks resulted in appropriate tires
11 Personal vehicle tire checks turned up inappropriate tires for winter conditions

When it comes to winter tires, drivers should be aware of the following rules.

Winter tires or chains are required on most highway routes in British Columbia from October 1 to April 30. For select highways not located through mountain passes and/or high snowfall areas, tire and chain requirements end March 31.

These routes are marked with regulatory signs posted on highways throughout the province. The RCMP and BC Highway Patrol reserve the right to restrict travel at any time of the year depending on road conditions.

These signs are enforced by the police, ministry or other enforcement officials. Motorists who are not compliant may be turned away and fined.

“There is a heighten concern for traffic safety particularly during the winter months. The Okanagan has extreme changes in weather and with our high mountain passes it’s always important to have the right equipment and be prepared for a worse case scenario” said Cst. Mike Della-Paolera, Kelowna RCMP media relations officer. “When driving in town watch for children bundled up as they walk which may make it difficult to see and hear the vehicles on the roadways.”