Canada: Winter tires regulation amendment

 

Transport  Canada  is  seeking  public  feedback  on  proposed amendments to the winter tire requirements through a public consultation. These items would require a complete regulatory process, therefore TC wants stakeholders to provide their feedback, comments and research data to justify moving forward with any of these proposals.  The  proposed  changes  include  Updating  the  Definition  of  a  Winter  Tire, Removing  the  Snow  Traction  Testing  Requirement  for  SRTT14”,  Incorporating  an  Ice SymbolStandard, Adopting the UN r.117 Tire Standard Alternative for Compliance and Parasitic Tread Block Chunking.

1. Updating the Definition of a Winter Tire

Currently, a tire is not classified as a “winter tire” if it fails to meet winter tire traction requirements. However, some tires bearing the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMS) logo do not meet these standards, potentially misleading consumers. To address this, Transport Canada proposes requiring manufacturers to use the 3PMS logo only on tires that meet the snow traction testing requirements. This would involve revising the definition of a winter tire under Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 139.

2. Removing the Snow Traction Testing Requirement

Since 2021, the definition of a “winter tire” has included snow traction testing using either a 14” Standard Reference Test Tire (SRTT14) or a 16” Standard Reference Test Tire (SRTT16). However, SRTT14 production has ceased, and supplies will soon be exhausted. Transport Canada proposes updating regulations to mandate testing solely with the SRTT16, ensuring continuity in self-certification for winter tires.

3. Incorporating an Ice Symbol Standard

Transport Canada is considering the introduction of an optional ice symbol for tires meeting specific ice grip test requirements. This symbol would indicate that a tire delivers sufficient traction on icy and snowy roads, enhancing consumer clarity and improving road safety during winter months. The measure aims to reduce weather-related accidents by promoting the use of high-performing winter tires.

4. Adopting the UN R.117 Tire Standard as an Alternative

Many manufacturers use the European UN Regulation 117 (R.117) standard, which includes snow traction testing and an optional snow braking test with equivalent performance criteria. Transport Canada is evaluating the adoption of this standard as an alternative to the current Canadian requirements. Harmonizing with R.117 would facilitate the importation of tires certified under European regulations, streamline certification processes, and broaden the range of winter tires available to Canadian consumers. Transport Canada is seeking data to confirm that R.117 provides equivalent safety to the existing Canadian standard.

5. Addressing Parasitic Tread Block Chunking

Manufacturers have raised concerns about endurance test requirements for passenger car tires, particularly regarding “tire chunking,” where pieces of tread detach during testing. For winter tires, this phenomenon—known as parasitic tread block chunking—occurs at test temperatures much higher than those encountered in real-world conditions and is not indicative of structural integrity.

Transport Canada is exploring amendments to these requirements, aiming to eliminate unnecessary barriers that prevent the import of higher-performing winter tires. The agency seeks research and testing data to support potential modifications to the standard.

Conclusion

These proposed updates are designed to enhance winter tire safety, improve consumer confidence, and align Canadian regulations with international standards. Transport Canada is actively gathering data and input from stakeholders to ensure these changes deliver equivalent or improved safety performance while facilitating innovation and trade.

Feedback to the consultation is possible till 18 February 2025.

To find out more about automotive regulations in Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the Institute for Global Automotive Regulatory Research.