Whereas winters in many parts of British Columbia are subject to icy road conditions and snowfall accumulation; And whereas most rental vehicles are only equipped with all season tires rather than winter tires: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province of BC to make it mandatory that winter rated tires be installed on rental vehicles during the winter months in BC.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure The Motor Vehicle Act requires vehicles to be equipped with winter tires or chains when directed by a sign or public notice. Signs are posted on roads or in advance of highway routes throughout the province where adverse snow conditions can reasonably be expected during winter, typically from October 1 to April 30. The Ministry has worked with the Automotive Retailers Association and car rental agencies to encourage education and adoption of winter tires for rental vehicles. Most rental agencies now offer vehicles equipped with winter tires for a nominal daily fee. The Ministry has also worked with safety partners to develop educational campaigns such as Shift into Winter, to promote awareness about safe winter driving equipment and practices. While the Ministry is not considering further regulations surrounding the use of winter tires at this time, staff will continue work with local government and relevant stakeholders to promote expanded use of winter tires, expand signage requiring use of winter tires or chains where appropriate, and continue to improve winter driving awareness education.