February 18, 2025
In the Province of Quebec, winter tires are mandatory during winter months. Ontario has no such law.
There is no question that snow tires reduce collisions. Some insurers offer discounts if you install winter tires.
There do not appear to be any court decisions in Ontario in which the failure to install snow tires was given as a reason why a driver was at fault in an accident. But not all cases are available online to search. In particular, most personal injury claims these days proceed as jury trials, which are only reported if there is an appeal.
What we do know is that judges periodically suggest that the presence of snow tires is a factor in denying liability. This suggests that the absence of snow tires could be a factor in assigning blame for an accident.
Winter brings with it an increase in accidents. Snow and ice; reduced visibility; too high snowbanks can all play a role. As a driver or car owner, you can drive with more caution, slow down, or stay off the roads if they are especially bad. Choosing snow tires is another factor in your control.
So, although snow tires are not required in Ontario, we recommend them as a sound investment in your safety, the safety of passengers, and safety of others on the road. They may coincidentally help you avoid blame for an accident, but although liability for not having snow tires might be a tough argument in Ontario, safety ought to be your primary concern.
And you don’t want to be the test case where the absence of snow tires is determined to be a factor blaming you for the accident.
WHAT WEILERS LLP CAN DO TO HELP YOU
We do not sell or install snow tires. What we do is represent people involved in winter accidents, whether involving automobiles or a slip and fall injury.
Where road or property conditions are a factor in causing an accident, short time limits apply to give notice of your claim. So, contacting a lawyer promptly is particularly important if you have a winter related injury.
If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, give us a call. We might be the right lawyers for you.