Regulations

The Province of BC Load Restrictions Can be found here. They have a new email subscription service for load restrictions also.

In British Columbia (BC) Under the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, tires with studs up to 3.5 mm high can only be used between October 1 and April 30. The regulations limit tires to 130 studs each for vehicles weighing less than 4,600 kg, or 175 studs each for vehicles weighing more than that. It’s important to note you can only use studded tires on the front wheels if you’re using them on rear wheels also (at least one studded tire per rear wheel). This means if you have a rear wheel drive vehicle you usually only use the studded tires on the rear wheels; however if you have a front wheel drive vehicle and use studded tires on the front wheels you must mount studded tires on the rear wheels also.

Alberta

In Alberta there are no provincial regulations requiring the use of either snow tires or chains. These tires are “needed when conditions warrant it.” Generally, this implies the routes to ski resorts. While it is legal in Alberta to use snow road technology such as chains and studded tires, these are usually only needed for extreme driving conditions on highways. The Rubber Manufacturers Association follows a standard in making snow tires. Any tire marked, “Snow tires,” “Mud and snow,” or “M/S” meets the standard

Washington

Studded tires are only legal Nov. 1 – Mar. 31. Motorists using studded tires after the deadline could incur a $124 fine from the Washington State Patrol.

Montana

Studded tires are are permitted in Montana from October 1 – May 31.

Because of the many different road and weather conditions throughout our state, MDT along with the local tire industry wants motorists to know there is a variety of snow and studded tire alternatives available so they can choose appropriately. Since different types of winter tires provide varied performance under different road conditions, tire dealers can assist motorists to select the best option for them.

Alaska

Studded tires are permitted Sept. 15-May 1 north of 60 degrees N.; Sept. 30-April 15 south of 60 degrees N.

Remember to keep your tires in good condition and properly inspected see Maintain your tires for a safe ride

All boat operators in Canada must have a Boat Operator Card or they risk expensive fines. Write your Boat Exam Boat Licence Tests. There is no minimum age to get certified and no age exemption. The length of the boat does not matter anymore, or the size of the engine. The pleasure craft operating (licence) card is good-for-life and is recognized across Canada.

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card regulations exist to encourage boaters to evaluate their capabilities and limits, to prepare themselves adequately before heading out, and to be responsible on the water.

As of 2006 – all boaters are required to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card in order to operate a powered watercraft. There is no grandfather clause or age exemption – this law applies to all boaters. Powered watercraft includes watercraft fitted with any size motor — even an electric trolling motor.

Whether you plan on boating in the ocean, the river or in one of BC lakes you will need to hold a boat operators card/ bc boating licence. If you plan on renting a boat in BC we advise you to get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. I am not aware of what the insurance companies are doing however if you have the pleasure Craft Operator Card and are involved in a claim you as an operator with a licence look a lot more responsible than an operator who boats infrequently, is unlicensed and has completed the minimal rental checklist

If you need the study guide you can download it by ‘right clicking’ on this link BC Boating Study Guide and select ‘save target as’. Write your Boat Exam Boat Licence Tests.

Here is a link if you have a sailboat and would like to obtain a Boat operators card for Sailboats and or Boating Operator Licence’s for USA.