Nobody's bugged me yet, 35 x 12.5's, with wheel spacers, and tube fenders. And my bumper definitely does NOT come down the centre of my wheel's diameter as per CSA/DOT legal requirements. Heard the same thing about McLean, but I think that was just during May Long when the fuzz is pulling guard duty and keeping people reasonable out there. In BC your tires can't stick out past your fenders AT ALL.
Your problem with wider tires on a JK is going to be ripping the stock fenders off. Your tires will hit the lip when you flex and pop the clips unless you've got at least a TRUE 3" lift. If it's sagging below that POP, and they're annoying to get back on. I think you should be able to drive around town without too much problem though. Feels like I JUST said this the other day somewhere on this board..... deja vu.