Winter Driving

Winter Driving Options

Snow Tires

We currently have snow tires installed on a limited number of our vehicles. There will be an additional $15 a day charge on top of the normal rental rate for any vehicle equipped with snow tires. To make a reservation that includes snow tires, give us a call at 1-800-668-9833 or email us at reserve@budgetvictoria.com.

*Available while supplies last

Snow Chains

We also have snow chains available for rent on our vehicles. To add snow chains to your rental, there will be an additional $9.95 a day charge on top of the normal rental rate of the vehicle. We also require that snow chain bookings are made 48 hours in advance of pickup. To make a reservation with snow chains, give us a call at 1-800-668-9833 or email us at reserve@budgetvictoria.com.

*Available while supplies last

Winter Driving FAQ

What kind of tires do we have equipped on our vehicles

All our vehicles are equipped with at least mud & snow (M+S) rated all season tires. For an additional cost, we have some vehicles equipped with snow tires or chains.

Is a Mud & Snow (M+S) All Season Tire a legal winter tire?

To the best of our understanding coming from discussions with representatives of the Ministry of Transportation and the RCMP; an All Season Mud & Snow rated tire is a legal winter tire in the Province of British Columbia. For the official statement, visit the Ministry of Highway’s website here.

Where are winter tires and chains required on BC highways?

Road and weather conditions are the primary factors used by law enforcement officials in determining which type of tires are acceptable for travel at that time and place. There are Regulatory Signs (R047) posted in various locations on numbered highways throughout the province. There are 4 highways/passes that have signs posted on Vancouver Island. They are Campbell River to Port Hardy, Campbell River to Gold River, Parksville to Port Alberni & Tofino, and The Malahat to Victoria. For travel off Vancouver Island, all interior points are only accessible through mountain passes.

The R-047 Regulatory sign “Use Winter Tires or Carry Chains – Beyond This Point – October 1st – April 30th“ when placed upon a highway, the police, ministry, or other enforcement officials will prohibit vehicles from being driven on that highway if they are not equipped with winter tires or chains.

The W-041 Warning sign when placed upon a highway is to inform motorists that winter driving conditions can be expected on provincial highways from Oct 1st -Apr 30th.