Mandatory Winter Tires: When to Put Them On in Sainte-Agathe

31 October 2026

 

In Quebec, the law makes winter tires mandatory from December 1 to March 15. In Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, however, the snow doesn’t wait for the calendar: it often arrives as early as November. So here’s what the law says, when to put on your winter tires in Sainte-Agathe and the Laurentians, and how to tell if they’re still good. For installation, book a service appointment at Nissan Ste-Agathe.

Mandatory winter tires: what Quebec law says

According to the Government of Quebec, the rule applies to all passenger vehicles registered in Quebec, including rental vehicles. It applies from December 1 to March 15 inclusive.

• The pictogram: a tire complies if it bears the mountain and snowflake pictogram, or if it has studs. This means the law also accepts “all-weather” tires that bear this pictogram.
• The fine: $200 to $300, plus costs.
• Studs: allowed from October 15 to May 1 on passenger vehicles.
• Exceptions: on the other hand, the rule excludes trailers and vehicles registered outside Quebec.

When should you put on winter tires in Sainte-Agathe and the Laurentians?

In fact, December 1 is a deadline, not a recommendation. Between Sainte-Agathe, Val-David, Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré and Mont-Tremblant, the first snow often falls in November, and Route 117 can freeze well before the legal date.

As a result, the most common rule of thumb is simple: put on your winter tires as soon as the temperature stays below 7°C. Below that threshold, the rubber in a summer or all-season tire hardens and grips less well. A winter tire, on the other hand, stays flexible.

Also, if you often drive up to the cottage or to Saint-Donat, don’t wait until late November: appointments fill up fast as the deadline approaches.

How can you tell if your tires are still good?

Before installation, start by checking three things:

• Tread depth: the Government of Quebec recommends at least 4.8 mm for winter. Below that, the tire doesn’t clear snow and slush well.
• Tire age: even with little wear, an old tire hardens over the years. In fact, the sidewall shows its date of manufacture.
• Uneven wear: wear on one side only can signal an alignment problem that needs to be corrected.

In short, not sure? Our technicians measure your tires during installation and tell you honestly whether they’ll make it through another winter.

Winter tires and all-wheel drive go hand in hand

All-wheel drive helps you get moving and climb hills in the snow. However, it doesn’t help you brake or turn: that’s your tires’ job. An all-wheel-drive Rogue with good winter tires is unbeatable in the Laurentians. Without them, though, it slides like any other vehicle.

To learn more about our SUVs, read our guides to the used Nissan Rogue, Nissan Kicks and Nissan Qashqai.

Winter tires in Sainte-Agathe: installation at Nissan Ste-Agathe

Our service department, at 301 rue Léonard, handles the installation, balancing and inspection of your winter tires in Sainte-Agathe. While you’re here, have your alignment, brakes and battery checked before winter. For the full checklist, read our guide on how to prepare your Nissan for winter. See our tire change service for prices.

Need new tires? Order your tires online: we receive them and install them on site. We also offer tire storage, at an extra cost: your summer tires stay with us until spring, with nothing to haul around or store in your garage.

Finally, we’re just minutes from Val-David, Val-Morin, Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré and Mont-Tremblant.

FAQ: mandatory winter tires in Sainte-Agathe

What is the deadline in Quebec?

December 1. Winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15 inclusive.

Are all-weather tires accepted?

Yes, if they bear the mountain and snowflake pictogram. Without this pictogram, however, the law does not accept them in winter.

When can I take off my winter tires in Sainte-Agathe?

After March 15. In the Laurentians, however, it’s better to wait until the risk of snow has passed, often in mid-April.

Do you offer tire storage?

Yes. Nissan Ste-Agathe stores your summer tires over the winter, then your winter tires over the summer. This service is available at an extra cost; ask for it when you book your appointment.

Is all-wheel drive enough?

No. First, the law applies to all vehicles. Second, all-wheel drive doesn’t replace the grip of winter tires when braking.

Live in Saint-Donat or elsewhere in northern Lanaudière? We’re about 30 minutes away via Route 329. See our Nissan dealer near Saint-Donat page. We also serve customers in Val-David and Sainte-Adèle.

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