When Can You Use Studded Tires in Newfoundland? (2025 Winter Tire Changeover Guide)

When Can You Use Studded Tires in Newfoundland? (2025 Winter Tire Changeover Guide)

If you’ve lived through a Newfoundland winter, you already know how unpredictable it can be. One day it’s pouring rain, and the next morning the roads are a sheet of ice. That’s exactly why so many drivers ask the same question every fall:

When can I put on my studded tires?

Here’s everything you need to know about studded tire season in Newfoundland, how to stay legal, and when it actually makes sense to swap them over.

When Studded Tires Are Allowed in Newfoundland

In Newfoundland and Labrador, you can legally use studded tires from November 1st to April 30th each year.

That means you can have them installed starting November 1st, 2025, and they must be removed by April 30th, 2026. These dates apply across the entire province, whether you’re in St. John’s, Gander, Corner Brook, or Labrador City.

If you drive with studded tires outside of those dates, you could be fined. The studs can damage dry pavement once the temperatures warm up, so it’s important to stick to the legal window.

Why Studded Tires Make Sense in Newfoundland

Newfoundland roads are some of the toughest in the country once winter hits. Between ice, slush, and steep hills, traction is everything. Studded tires use small metal pins in the tread to bite into the ice and give you better control when the roads freeze up.

You’ll notice a big difference in three main areas:

  • Shorter stopping distances on icy roads

  • Better control on sharp turns or steep hills

  • More confidence when driving early in the morning or during a storm

If you live in a rural area or drive on untreated roads, studs can make a big difference in safety and control.

When to Switch to Studded Tires

Even though you’re legally allowed to install them on November 1st, the best time to switch depends on the temperature. Once the weather stays below about 7°C, regular all-season tires start to harden and lose grip.

As a general rule:

  • Around mid to late November for the Avalon Peninsula

  • mid to Early November for Central Newfoundland

  • mid to early November for Western Newfoundland and Labrador

When spring arrives, remove them once the snow and ice are mostly gone. Mid-April is usually a safe time to make the switch back.

Studded vs. Regular Winter Tires

Here’s how studded tires compare to regular winter tires:

Feature Studded Tires Regular Winter Tires
Ice traction Excellent Good
Snow traction Very good Excellent
Noise Louder Quieter
Pavement wear Higher Lower
Best for Icy rural roads City and highway driving

If most of your driving is around town or on the highway, a good studless winter tire like the Haida HD677 or Nexen Winguard Ice Plus can handle almost anything a Newfoundland winter throws at it.

But if you live in areas that get constant ice or rough back roads, studs are absolutely worth it.

Best Studdable Tires for 2025

At True North Tires, we carry several high-performing studdable options that fit local conditions perfectly:

  • Haida HD677 – Great value, strong winter grip, and ready for studs

  • Nexen Winguard Ice Plus – Dependable and durable without the premium cost 

  • Cooper Evolution Winter – Durable and dependable on icy pavement

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Studded Tires

  • Always use four studded tires, not just two

  • Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during cold snaps

  • Rotate your tires every 8,000 km to prevent uneven wear

  • Drive gently on dry roads to keep the studs from wearing down too quickly

Back to blog