NEWS RELEASE
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION
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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.
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