BC Highway Patrol wants to remind you that from October 1 to at least March 31, you are required to have winter tires on most BC highways. It’s also a good idea to obey the speed limit.
Those rules also apply to supercars.
On October 13 at 1:55 p.m., on Highway 99 in Porteau Cove, a BC Highway Patrol motorcycle unit clocked a Lamborghini at 165 km/h in an 80 zone.
“Excessive speed is dangerous any time, but in winter conditions, roadways can get unexpectedly icy even when the air temperature is above zero,” says Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “You are legally required to have winter tires, which have better tread and compounds that grip the road even in cold temperatures.”
The Lamborghini driver, a 34-year-old North Vancouver man, faced expensive consequences for disobeying the winter driving requirements:
- Fail to obey traffic control device (requirement for winter tires on Highway 99), for a fine of $121;
- Fail to display front licence plate ($109);
- Excessive speed (in excess of 60 km/h) ($483);
- The cost of a seven-day impound and a tow truck;
- At least three years of high-risk driver premiums and escalating insurance that will bring the total costs to at least $2,500.
As conditions worsen in winter, motorists are reminded that:
- A winter tire must have at least 3.5 mm of tread depth and feature the letters “M” and “S” (mud and snow) or the three-peaked snowflake symbol;
- You may be turned away from a highway if your vehicle is not properly equipped.
Studded tires are permitted, but only from October 1 to April 30, and the studs should not protrude more than 2 mm.
