When the temperature drops and snow starts falling, it’s time to prepare for winter driving.
Snow tires required in Ontario and Quebec
City of Toronto and City of Mississauga: As part of the City of Toronto and City of Mississauga’s ridesharing bylaw, all Uber partners who drive in Toronto and Mississauga must have snow tires (also called winter tires) or all-weather tires installed on their vehicle. The tires must be installed on all 4-wheeled vehicles from December 1 until April 30. If you only deliver with UberEATS and do not drive riders from place to place with Uber in Toronto and Mississauga, snow tires are not required by law.
Quebec: From December 1 to March 15 inclusively, all passenger vehicles registered in Quebec must be equipped with winter tires, as required by SAAQ.
Pro tips for winter roads
- Use waterproof mats: Winter brings not only snow and ice, but also rain and salt. Use waterproof mats to keep your floors dry and clean.
- Keep these winter items in your trunk in case of a storm: Snow brush or ice scraper, a light shovel, winter windshield washer fluid, battery jumper cables, traction aids, extra mittens, a blanket, and a flashlight.
- Find a safe pickup location: If the requested pickup or drop-off location is not accessible, try coordinating with the rider to find a safe place to meet.
- Drive at a safe speed: Visibility and road conditions can vary widely. Maintaining a safe speed can help prevent accidents.
- Leave extra space between cars: In case of unpredictable driving by others on the road, leave extra space between you and the car in front of you to allow for more reaction time. Remember, not everyone on the road has experience driving in winter weather.
- Use your headlights: During poor weather conditions, like a blizzard, keep your headlights on so others can see you on the road.
Driving in extreme winter weather
By living in Canada, you’re no stranger to winter driving conditions. Winter snowstorms and cold temperatures are a part of our lives—especially from December to March.
Here’s what you can expect when driving with Uber during extreme winter weather:
- More riders will be requesting rides and surge is frequently in effect. Enjoy the earnings, but be safe on the roads.
- Riders will be requesting rides to work earlier (6am) and leaving work sooner (3pm) to go home. By starting to drive earlier in the day, you can catch the full high demand period.
- Traffic will be moving slower than usual. Be patient and travel at a safe speed.
To get notified of severe weather warnings, download the Weather Network App. Keep an eye on when the storm will start and how long it will last for.
Download Weather App
Frequently asked questions
- Why are snow tires required?
The City of Toronto and the City of Mississauga’s bylaw for ridesharing requires Uber partners to have snow tires on their vehicle during winter months.
In Quebec, SAAQ requires all passenger vehicles to be equipped with winter tires. - When do I need to have the snow tires installed?
City of Toronto and City of Mississauga: From December 1 until April 30.
Quebec: From December 15 until March 15. - What type of snow tires are required?
Snow tires or all-weather tires are required. All season tires do not meet requirements. - How can anyone tell if snow tires are installed?
Snow tires can be identified by the snowflake image on the outside of the tire. - What happens if I do not install snow tires?
You could receive a fine if you do not install snow tires. - Are snow tires required for partners who only deliver UberEATS?
City of Toronto and City of Mississauga: No, snow tires are only required for rideshare partners who drive in the City of Toronto. If you deliver with UberEATS only and do not drive passengers in Toronto, snow tires are not required.
Quebec: Yes, all passenger vehicles registered in Quebec, must be equipped with winter tires.
Posted by Jennifer Everett
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