What Are Studded Winter Tires & Are They Legal in Canada?

First, winter conditions warrant the right set of tires

Canadians are no strangers to snow. According to Environment Canada, more than 65% of the country receives snowfall for over 6 months of the year (essentially the winter months in many regions). And yet, when it comes to driving in those same snowy and icy conditions we’re all so familiar with, it seems we could use a little extra help.

On average, there are around 160,000 car accidents in Canada each year—30% of which occur during snowy or icy conditions. In December and January (the core winter months), car accidents typically increase by 3 or 4% Canada-wide.

With conditions and statistics like these dominating winter driving life in Canada, it’s no wonder so many Canadians put winter tires on their vehicles every fall. But are winter tires enough? What about studded tires? Are they better than regular winter tires? And are they legal in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and the rest of Canada's provinces and territories?

Here’s a quick rundown on everything you need to know about using studded tires in Canada. If you’re buying new winter tires, here are some simple tips to keep in mind.

What are studded tires and how do they work?

Studded tires are specially designed winter tires that have dozens of small metal studs embedded into each tire’s tread (often around 80–100 studs per tire, depending on the tire size). Each stud only protrudes about 1/32 of an inch from the tire’s surface, but under the full weight of the car, these studs claw at ice and snow on the road like tiny pickaxes.

As the tires rotate, the studs break into layers of ice on the road and grip into packed snow. This gives the tires greater traction and control than studless tires on slick surfaces. In essence, the metal studs provide biting edges that dig into ice, improving grip where even the best non-studded winter tires might struggle.

Pre-Studded vs. Studdable Winter Tires

Not all studded tires are the same. Some winter tires come pre-studded from the factory (also called factory-studded tires), meaning they arrive with the metal studs already installed. Other winter tires are studdable – they are manufactured with small openings in the tread blocks where studs can be inserted by a tire professional if you choose. In the case of studdable tires, the studs are usually added when the tires are new (before they’ve been driven on), ensuring a secure fit.

Both types serve the same purpose, but pre-studded tires save you the step of installation and guarantee an optimal stud pattern as designed by the manufacturer. With studdable tires, you have the flexibility to use the tire without studs or have studs added if your driving conditions call for it. For example, tire manufacturers like Nokian and Pirelli offer winter tire models in both studded and studdable versions. Nokian’s studded tires (such as certain Hakkapeliitta models) and Pirelli’s Ice Zero studded tire line are engineered for extreme ice performance, featuring carefully placed studs for maximum grip. Whether you opt for a factory-studded tire or a studdable tire with the studs installed later, the goal is the same: to dramatically increase traction on ice when compared to a standard winter tire.

Studded Tires vs. Non-Studded Winter Tires

Aside from snow and ice, the biggest risk factor in winter driving is the cold itself – especially when it comes to tire traction. Standard summer or all-season tires are made from rubber compounds that stiffen in low temperatures, which lessens their ability to grip the road. Winter tires, by contrast, are made from special rubber compounds that don’t stiffen in low temperatures, allowing them to stay more elastic and maintain their grip in cold weather.

What’s more, winter tires (also known as snow tires) feature specially designed tread patterns that improve flexibility and traction on snow. They are often identifiable by the mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall, which indicates the tire meets winter performance standards. Non-studded winter tires rely on these advanced rubber compounds and tread designs to provide grip on snow and ice. Studded winter tires take it a step further by adding metal studs for biting traction on icy surfaces.

If your winter driving is all done on paved and well-maintained streets that are regularly plowed and salted, a set of good non-studded winter tires is a great choice and likely all you need. Modern winter tires without studs can handle most snowy or slushy conditions effectively. (Here’s a breakdown of the differences between all-season, all-weather, and winter tires.)

What conditions are studded tires best suited to?

If you live outside major cities or urban areas—or regularly find yourself driving on less-travelled roads that aren’t always fully paved, plowed, or salted—standard winter tires may not fully cut it. In these conditions, especially in extreme winter weather (like frequent black ice or freezing rain), you might want to consider studded tires.

Icy roads in particular are where studded tires really shine. The metal studs can break through the thin, slick layer of ice on the road to deliver superior grip and traction that far exceeds anything a set of studless winter tires can provide. On hard-packed snow, studs also add traction by biting into the compacted surface. If you frequently encounter glazed ice or hard snow (for example, rural backroads or highways in frigid weather), studded tires can provide a noticeable safety boost.

On the other hand, in light snow or wet cold-weather conditions, the benefits of studded tires are more marginal and can sometimes even result in reduced traction (more on that below). For most city drivers dealing with plowed roads and intermittent snow, quality winter tires without studs usually suffice. Studded tires truly show their value in consistently icy, unmaintained, or extreme conditions where every bit of traction counts.

Two main downsides of studded tires

Studded tires are extremely effective in the proper conditions, but they also have their drawbacks. Here are two big ones to keep in mind:

1. Reduced traction on clear, dry roads: If you’re using studded tires in the wrong conditions—such as on a clear, dry road with no ice or hard-packed snow—they can actually deliver reduced traction. This is because the metal studs become the primary points of contact with the pavement, and they prevent the tire’s rubber tread from fully gripping the road. On bare asphalt, a studded tire may even have a slightly longer stopping distance than an equivalent winter tire without studs. You’ll also experience more road noise with studs. In short, when the weather is clear or the roads are merely wet, studded tires offer no advantage and may perform worse than regular winter tires.
   
   
2. Damage to paved roads: Studded tires can take a considerable toll on paved roads. Just as they can break through layers of ice, they can also grind against bare asphalt and concrete, wearing down the road surface over time. Heavy use of studs leads to divots and rutting in the pavement, which is costly to repair. Because of this potential damage, many provinces restrict the use of studs to the winter months or prohibit them altogether on public roads. In fact, using studded tires on dry pavement for extended periods not only wears out the studs faster, but also contributes to road deterioration. These factors are a big reason why there are laws around where and when studded tires can be used in Canada (as we’ll outline below).
   
   

Are studded tires legal in Ontario?

In Ontario, studded tires are allowed between September 1st and May 31st each year (as per provincial law), but only on vehicles that are registered in Northern Ontario. This “Northern Ontario” area includes the districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Temiskaming.

In Southern Ontario, studded tires aren’t allowed on any vehicles, except those visiting from out-of-province (who are just passing through). It is illegal for a Southern Ontario resident to use studded tires in the south, and drivers can be fined up to $1,000 for doing so. So, unless you live in the designated northern region of the province, Ontario’s tire regulations prohibit you from using studs on your tires.

Are studded tires legal in Alberta?

In Alberta, there are no restrictions at all on the use of studded tires. They can be used by any vehicle at any time of year. Alberta’s provincial regulations impose no seasonal timeframe for studded tire use. However, there is legislation in place that makes damage to roads by studs or tire chains an offence (so if studs were to cause unusual road damage, a driver could theoretically be held liable).

Generally, the province of Alberta recommends the use of studded tires only when conditions warrant their use. In practice, many Albertans only install studs if they regularly face icy or hard-packed snow conditions, since using them on clear roads can be counterproductive. But legally speaking, you are free to run studded tires year-round in Alberta if you so choose.

Are studded tires legal in British Columbia and the rest of Canada?

In British Columbia, the rules for studded tires are very specific. Studded tires are only allowed on public roads in B.C. between October 1st and April 30th each year. Outside of that period, driving with studs in B.C. is not permitted. As well, if you’re using studded tires on the front of your vehicle, you must also have studded tires on the back – studded tires need to be installed in sets of four for safety.

Each province and territory in Canada has slightly different rules around the use of studded tires. In some regions they’re not allowed at all, while in others they’re permitted only during certain months of the year. (Some provinces, such as Quebec, also have specific regulations for commercial vehicles or weight limits when using studded tires.) Across Canada, studded tire regulations vary by province and territory. Below is a quick summary of how different regions approach studded tire use:

• Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador): These provinces allow studded tires only during the winter months. For example, New Brunswick permits studs from October 15 to May 1, Nova Scotia from October 15 to May 31, Prince Edward Island from October 1 to May 31, and Newfoundland & Labrador from around November 1 to April/May (seasonal end dates can be extended in late winters).
  
  
• Manitoba: Studded tires can be used only between October 1 and April 30 each year. Outside of this period, using studs is not allowed on Manitoba roads.
  
  
• Saskatchewan: There are no seasonal restrictions in Saskatchewan – studded tires can be used year-round in this province.
  
  
• Quebec: Studded tires are allowed from October 15 to May 1 for passenger vehicles (under a certain weight). Quebec law also makes winter tires (those with the snowflake symbol) mandatory during the winter months – all passenger vehicles must have winter tires by law from December 1 to March 15 (studded tires meet this requirement as long as they are on all wheels).
  
  
• Ontario (Southern Ontario): As noted above, studded tires are completely banned in Southern Ontario. Only Northern Ontario residents are allowed to use studs, and only during the fall-to-spring period (Sep 1–May 31). Southern Ontario drivers face fines if they use studded tires in violation of the law.
  
  
• Territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut): None of Canada’s northern territories impose time restrictions on studded tires – they can be used at any time of year in the Yukon, N.W.T., and Nunavut. Given the severe winter weather in these regions, year-round use is permitted in case it's needed (though of course, during the short summer season most drivers switch to regular tires to avoid unnecessary road wear).
  
  

Before you consider purchasing a set of studded tires, be sure to check the specific studded tire regulations in your province or territory (local laws can change, and there may be fines for misuse). Even if studded tires are permitted where you live, they should only be used in conditions where they truly provide greater traction. In many parts of Canada, a good set of non-studded winter tires will be sufficient for winter safety, with studs only being necessary for the most extreme icy conditions.

How to Care for Studded Tires & Their Lifespan

While studded tires can provide incredible traction in icy conditions, maintaining them properly is crucial for their effectiveness and longevity. One key maintenance practice is regularly rotating your tires, as this helps ensure even wear across all tires, extending their life. Additionally, proper inflation is essential for both safety and performance, as under- or over-inflated tires can lead to uneven wear and reduce the lifespan of the studs.

It's also worth noting that studded tires can wear out faster if used in the wrong conditions, such as on clear, dry roads. The studs can become dull or even dislodge over time, reducing their effectiveness. Most drivers find that studded tires last about 2 to 4 winter seasons, depending on usage and the type of road conditions they face regularly. Using them only during the months they are needed (and swapping to regular tires once the ice and snow are gone) will help prolong their usable life.

Proper storage is another important factor. After the winter season, it’s best to store your studded tires in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This helps prevent the rubber from degrading and keeps the studs in good condition for the next winter season. If your tires are on rims, store them flat or hanging to avoid flat spots; if they’re off rims, stand them upright and rotate their position periodically.

By caring for your studded tires properly, you can ensure they provide optimal performance when you need them most. You’ll also save money in the long run by extending their lifespan — studded tires aren’t cheap, and getting a few extra seasons out of them is a nice bonus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do studded tires perform on dry pavement?
A: Studded tires are not ideal on dry pavement. In fact, on clear dry roads (or even wet roads without ice), studded winter tires tend to have less grip and longer stopping distances compared to regular winter tires. This is because the metal studs reduce the amount of rubber tread contacting the road, which can lead to reduced traction. Driving on dry pavement also wears down the studs faster and creates a lot of road noise. In short, you should avoid using studded tires on dry or bare roads whenever possible – they perform best only on ice or hard-packed snow.

Q: How many studs are in a studded tire?
A: The number of studs per tire varies by tire size and design. Most passenger car studded tires have somewhere around 80 to 100 studs in them. Some larger winter tires (for trucks or heavier vehicles) can have more – for example, certain provincial regulations allow up to about 130 studs per tire on cars and even more on heavier vehicles. The studs are distributed across the tread for even coverage. When buying studded tires, the exact stud count isn’t usually advertised, but it will be within the range that provides optimal traction for that tire’s size and purpose.

Q: What are factory-studded winter tires?
A: Factory-studded winter tires are tires that come with the studs pre-installed by the manufacturer. When you buy these tires, they already have metal studs embedded in the tread, so you can mount them on your vehicle and go – no need for a tire shop to add studs later. In contrast, some winter tires are sold as studdable, meaning they have holes designed to accept studs, but the studs have to be installed separately. Factory-studded tires save you the extra step and ensure the studs are inserted in the optimal pattern as engineered. These tires can be used immediately in winter weather conditions that warrant studs. Brands like Nokian and Pirelli offer factory-studded versions of certain models (e.g., the Nokian Hakkapeliitta or Pirelli Ice Zero lines) for drivers who know they need maximum ice traction. If you opt for studdable tires instead, remember to have a professional install the studs (usually at the time of purchase) before using them on icy roads.

Q: Are studded tires legal in Prince Edward Island?
A: Yes, studded tires can be used in Prince Edward Island during the winter months. In P.E.I., studded tires are permitted from October 1 through May 31 each year. After May 31 (through the summer months), using studded tires on public roads is not allowed due to the potential road damage they cause. Always ensure you remove or switch out your studded tires by the deadline, as driving with them beyond the allowed dates can result in fines. Also note that while not mandatory, P.E.I. strongly recommends using winter tires (studded or not) during the winter season for safety.

Q: Are studded tires legal in Nova Scotia?
A: Yes, Nova Scotia allows studded tires in winter as well. Studded tires can be used in Nova Scotia from October 15 up to May 31 of the following year. This extended timeframe (mid-October through the end of May) recognizes that winter conditions in N.S. can persist well into spring. It’s important to adhere to these dates – driving with studs outside of Oct 15–May 31 is not legal. Nova Scotia’s laws also specify some technical details (such as limits on how far studs can protrude and how many studs per tire are allowed), but the average driver simply needs to remember the permitted season and swap their tires accordingly. If you’re unsure, Nova Scotia’s tire regulations are available through the provincial Motor Vehicle Act for reference.

Q: Are studded tires legal in New Brunswick?
A: Yes, New Brunswick permits studded tires during winter. In N.B., studded tires can be used between October 15 and May 1. This means you can put your studded tires on in mid-October, and you should remove them by May 1 (essentially by the end of April) at the latest. Using studded tires after May 1 is not allowed. New Brunswick’s timeframe is designed to cover the core winter and early-spring period when snow and ice are common. If you’re driving in New Brunswick, make sure your studs are off for the summer – running them past May 1 could get you a ticket due to the province’s tire regulations.

Q: Are studded tires legal in Manitoba?
A: Yes, Manitoba allows studded tires, but only during the winter season. In Manitoba, studded tires can be used from October 1 to April 30. After April 30, you’ll need to switch back to all-season or summer tires (or non-studded tires) because studs are not legal on the roads during the warmer months. Manitoba does not have a law requiring winter tires in general (they are not mandatory by law), but the use of studs is confined to that October–April window. The province even offers a low-interest Winter Tire Program to help encourage drivers to use winter tires (studded or unstudded) during the cold months for safety. Just remember to remove the studs once the winter conditions are over, as Manitoba’s law expects drivers to be stud-free in the summer period.

Q: Are studded tires legal in the Northwest Territories?
A: Yes, the Northwest Territories (NWT) allow studded tires, and in fact studded tires are legal year-round in NWT. There are no seasonal restrictions on stud use in the territories. In that territory’s harsh climate, winter conditions can arrive early and stay late, so authorities do not impose date limits – drivers can use studs whenever needed for safety. The same goes for the Yukon and Nunavut: all three Canadian territories permit studded tires at any time of year. Of course, during the summer months when the roads are clear, most people will remove their studs to minimize unnecessary road wear and noise. But legally speaking, in the Northwest Territories you can run studded tires whenever you deem it necessary, unlike some southern provinces that have strict cut-off dates.

Q: Which provinces have mandatory winter tire laws?
A: The only province with a broad mandatory winter tire law is Quebec. Quebec requires all passenger vehicles registered in the province to be equipped with winter tires (marked with the mountain snowflake symbol) from December 1 to March 15 by law. Studded tires qualify as winter tires under this law, but you don’t have to use studs – you simply must have tires that are rated for winter (studded or unstudded) during those winter months. Failing to do so in Quebec can result in fines. British Columbia is the other region with a form of mandatory winter tire requirement, but it’s more limited: B.C. mandates winter tires or chains on certain designated highways during the winter months (generally October 1 to April 30, with signs posted on those routes). Outside of Quebec and those specific B.C. highway requirements, no other province or territory in Canada makes winter tires strictly mandatory by law. However, even in places where it’s not legally required, using winter tires is strongly recommended when the weather gets cold and snowy. Many insurance companies in provinces like Ontario and Manitoba offer discounts for using winter tires during winter, underlining how important they are for safety even when not mandated.