CanadaAre there federal safety standards for tires sold in Canada?
Yes, federal safety standards for tires sold in Canada are set under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and apply to all tires manufactured or imported into Canada.
What the Law Says
The federal government sets mandatory safety requirements for tires sold in Canada through the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Under section 13 of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, prescribed safety standards apply to tires that are manufactured or imported into Canada. This means no new tire may be sold, offered for sale, or imported unless it meets the applicable federal safety standards.
These standards are detailed in the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1038), which include performance, labeling, and testing requirements — such as tread depth minimums, load and speed ratings, and resistance to heat and wear.
Statutory TextPrescribed safety standards apply to tires manufactured or imported into Canada.
— Motor Vehicle Safety Act, s. 13 — Tire safety standards
What to Do
Verify that tires bear the National Safety Mark (a 'DOT' or 'CMVSS' label) indicating compliance with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS).
Check for required markings: size, load index, speed rating, maximum inflation pressure, and date code.
Only purchase tires from licensed dealers or importers who confirm CMVSS compliance.
Report non-compliant tires to Transport Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Directorate.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.