2022 Ontario Winter Frost/Spring Thaw Laws and Seasonal Weight Restrictions
Restrictions During Winter Frost and Spring Thaw Law Months
All annual and project heavy haul trucking permits are not valid on any highways unless otherwise specified on the permit during frost or thaw months:
- March and April in Southern Ontario
- March, April and May in Northern Ontario
For the purposes of this restriction the Province of Ontario is divided, west to east, by:
- A line formed by the Severn River to Regional Rd. 169
- Regional Rd. 169 from Washago to Hwy. 12
- Hwy. 12, from Regional Rd. 169 to Hwy. 7, north of Sunderland
- Hwy. 7, from Hwy. 12 to Regional Rd. 7B at Carleton Place
- Regional Rd. 7B to Hwy. 15
- Regional Rd. 29 to Arnprior
Single trip permits for transporting heavy haul shipments on highways not designated in Schedules 1, 2 and 3, may be issued but are subject to axle weight controls established by the Ministry of Transportation.
Pursuant to The Highway Traffic Act, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation will impose reduced load weight limits for designated parts of the provincial highways between March 1 and April 30, for Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 roadways, and from March 1 to June 30 for Schedule 3 roadways.
Spring Frost/Thaw Law Weight Maximums (restrictions) for Ontario:
Reduced Loads
Schedule 1.
Pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act, the ministry will impose reduced load limits for those designated parts of the King’s Highways listed in Schedule 1, when appropriate, between March 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020: Verification.
Schedule 2.
Pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act, the ministry will impose reduced load limits for those designated parts of the King’s Highways listed in Schedule 2, when appropriate, between March 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020.
When signs are posted, the following Highways will have a Reduced Load Limit for their ENTIRE length: Verification.
Schedule 3.
Pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act, the ministry will impose reduced load limits for those designated parts of the King’s Highways/Roads listed in Schedule 3, when appropriate, between March 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019.
When signs are posted, the Highway/Roads within the following Territories will have a Reduced Load Limit: Verification.
Source: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/load-restrictions.shtml
It is important for truck drivers and trucking company dispatchers to make certain they are operating in accordance with the Ontario posted frost/thaw laws and seasonal weight restrictions. Changes to these restrictions is subject to change hourly during the winter and spring months. You are expected to be aware of these changes and operate accordingly. It is possible that heavy fines may be levied as well as your truck being ordered out of service and not permitted to travel. We suggest you bookmark this page for future reference.
Seasonal weight restrictions limit the maximum weight of vehicles allowed to travel on certain roads as a way to help prevent damages to public assets and protect public investment in the roadways.
See also:
Tire chain laws.
Tire chain laws by location.
Trucking regulations.
Trucking regulations in Ontario.
Federal bridge formula.
