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2024 Ontario Oversize Load Shipping Regulations

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2024 Ontario Trucking Regulations, Permits, Limitations, Rules, and Laws for the Trucking of Oversize and Overweight Loads 

The oversize rules, laws, and regulations for Canada consist of a lot of pages and a lot of information on all of these pages. We’ve been working on consolidating all of this information in order to supply the best of it to our web viewers but as you can see it still needs work. Hopefully, you can find what you need by right-clicking on the page and then clicking “find” or “locate in the page” depending on which browser you are using. Credit is due here to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation as most of this material has been extracted from their (source) shipping guide.

The following are the maximum weight and dimensions you can transport in Ontario and the exceptions. 

  • Maximum width:

Vehicle including load – 2.6 m

  • Exceptions:

Raw forest products (en route) – 2.8 m
Road service vehicles as defined in Part X of the HTA and such vehicles while they are traveling to and from a maintenance site or repair center – no specified limit
Loose fodder (including rectangular and round bales of hay – no specified limit.

  • Maximum Length:

Single vehicle including load – 12.5 m

  • Exceptions:
    A fire apparatus
    A semi-trailer
    An articulated bus
  • Maximum Length:

Semi-trailer including load – 14.65 m

Definition of semi-trailer: A vehicle that is towed by another vehicle and is so designed and used that a substantial part of its weight and load rests on, or is carried by, the other vehicle or a trailer converter dolly through a fifth wheel assembly.

Note: This does not include any extension in length caused by auxiliary equipment or machinery not designed for carrying a load.

  • Maximum Length (Combination):

Combination vehicles and loads – 23 m

  • Maximum Height:

Vehicle and load – 4.15 m

  • Maximum Weight:

Maximum shipping weight allowances are determined using axle configurations and spacings. A permit is required if the axle and/or gross vehicle weight exceeds the limits set out in the HTA.  See e-Laws: Highway Traffic Act Regulation 413/05 – Vehicle Weights and Dimensions — for safe, productive, and infrastructure-friendly vehicles.

Oversize Load  Shipping Rules and Regulations in Ontario

Over dimensional farming tractors, harvesters, planters, machinery, farm tractors, and self-propelled implements of husbandry (SPIH) carried on a plated motor vehicle or plated trailer drawn by a motor vehicle is subject to the need for an over-dimensional permit.

When is an Overweight Permit  Required in Ontario?

The province of Ontario issues permits for overweight vehicles and/or loads when the dimensions and/or weight exceed the limits set out in the Highway Traffic Act. Permits are issued for indivisible vehicles and/or loads when, if separated into smaller loads or vehicles, would:

  • Compromise the intended use of the vehicle or load, i.e. make it unable to perform the function for which it was intended.
  • Destroy the value of the load or vehicle, i.e. make it unusable for its intended purposes.
  • Require more than 8 (eight) work hours to dismantle using appropriate resources and equipment.
  • The load must not be made up of articles loaded or mounted one on top of the other in a manner that will create additional height.

Permit is issued for the movement of overwidth however:

The load must not be made up of articles loaded or mounted side by side or crosswise in a manner that will create additional width.

Permit is issued for the movement of overlength however:

The load must not be made up of articles loaded or mounted one behind the other that will create additional length, and any overhang to the rear must not exceed 4.65 m from the center of the rearmost axle.

Permit is issued for the movement of overweight however:

The load must not be made up of more than one article. When crossing bridges, vehicles over 45,000 kg gross weight must be operated at the lowest practicable speed. Bridge postings and load restrictions pursuant to Part VII of the HTA apply.

Bulldozers: An exception may be made in the case of bulldozer blades. Permits are issued for the movement of bulldozers with blades attached up to, and including, 4.27 m in width. The blade must be angled to reduce the overall width of the load when attached to the bulldozer. The blade must be removed when the blade is greater than 4.27 m in width. Bulldozers with blades attached that are 4 m to 4.27 m in width require a private escort warning vehicle.

Oversize and Overweight Load Permit Application in  Process in Ontario

  1. Application forms must be completed in full and may be submitted by fax, e-mail, mail or in person at an Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Permit Issuing Office.
  2. Permit application forms and guidelines for completing the application are available on the ministry website. You can also visit an Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Permit Issuing Office.
  3. Incomplete applications will be returned.
  4. Prior to obtaining an overdimensional permit, there may be other requirements that must be met in order to travel in Ontario, e.g. CVOR, National Safety Code (NSC), etc. Contact MTO at 416-246-7166 ext 6302 or 1-800-387-7736 ext 6302 (Ontario only) to find out about the requirements for operating in Ontario.
  5. It is the operator’s responsibility to comply with registration, fuel tax, and other federal and provincial/state regulations and procedures.
  6. For registration in the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), contact the Ministry of Finance, Motor Fuels and Tobacco Tax Branch at 1-800-263-7775 for service in English or 1-800-668-5821 for service in French.
  7. To obtain a US DOT (Department of Transportation) operating number, or an operating authority in the USA, call 1-800-832-5660.
  8. To contact municipalities in order to obtain municipal overweight permits, visit the Association of Municipalities of Ontario website: Your Local Government.
  9. To register in the International Registration Plan (IRP), contact MTO at one of the following offices:
  10.  
  • Barrie (978) 92 Commerce Park Drive, Unit 4, Barrie ON L4N 8W8
    Tel: (705) 739-6368 Fax: (705) 739-6300
  • Port Hope (959) 138 Hope Street Norht, Port Hope, ON L1A 2P1
    Tel: (905) 885-8318 Fax: (905) 885-4268
  • Toronto (991) (Downsview) 2680 Keele Street, Building E, Room 159, Downsview, ON M3M 1G7
    Tel: 416-235-4774 Fax: 416-235-5299
  • Windsor (932) 150 Ouellette Place, Suite 210, Windsor ON N8X 1L9
    Tel: (519) 972-0237 or (519) 972-8866 Fax: (519) 972-8341

Superloads or Extreme Moves in Ontario

It’s possible that Ontario may require that a bond, or other security, sufficient to cover the cost of repairing possible damage to the highway be posted before issuing the permit.
A permit grants the movement of overweight loads on highways under provincial jurisdiction. Municipalities may accept ministry permits or issue their own for highways under their jurisdiction. The carrier must contact the appropriate municipalities to ensure compliance with local laws.

Types of Shipping Permits in Ontario

The ministry issues four types of permits; Annual, Project, Single Trip, and Special Vehicle Configuration. Each overweight permit will have specific conditions attached and these must be strictly adhered to. The permit may be terminated for breach of any condition and the permit holder may be subject to prosecution.

Permits must be carried out and produced on demand by a police officer or an officer appointed to carry out the provisions of the Highway Traffic Act. Permit holders accept responsibility for all damage caused to overhead wires, structures, highways, encroachments, or railways. Permits are terminated at the discretion of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles for the breach of permit conditions.

If travel on Highway 407/ETR is planned, you must supply the transponder serial number and plate number(s) of the vehicle(s) planning to travel on Highway 407/ETR. In addition, when applying for a single trip or project permit, you must indicate the specific entry and exit points from Hwy 407/ETR when specifying your route. Annual permit holders are permitted to travel on Hwy 407/ETR, provided that the carrier complies with the requirement for a transponder. For more information on Highway 407/ETR, visit their website.

Annual Permits in Ontario

An annual permit is valid for 12 months from the issue date on all King’s highways. The annual permit also allows travel on Highway 407 ETR provided that the commercial vehicle has a valid transponder. The maximum dimensions permitted on an annual permit are as follows:

Single vehicle
  • Length: 12.50 m, including a maximum rear overhang of 4.65 m
  • Weight: as per the Highway Traffic Act
Combination vehicles
  • Length: 25 m, including a maximum rear overhang of 4.65 m
    to obtain overweight privileges up to 63,500 kg, contact an MTO office

NOTE: rear overhang may be greater than 4.65 m with the Weight & Load Engineer’s approval.

  • Width: 3.70 m on two-lane highways and 3.85 m on multi-lane highways (standard for both single and combination vehicles)
  • Height: 4.26 m (standard for both single and combination vehicles)

Annual permit applications are processed within 10 to 15 business days of receipt. To avoid delays in obtaining an annual permit, please ensure the permit request is submitted a minimum of 30 days before the requested start date of the permit.

Oversize and Overweight Load Permits in Ontario

A project permit is issued to allow contractors to move similar loads, objects, and structures over the same specified route for up to 6 months, depending on the duration of the contract.

Applicants for project permits must attach a copy of the contract to the application. The letter of contract must be written on company letterhead and include the following information:

  • Name and address of the carrier
  • Contract number (if available)
  • Duration of the contract
  • Description of the product being transported
  • Origin of load and destination with complete route specified including municipal roads

Once the required documentation is received, traffic and construction concerns are assessed before the approval and issuance of a permit.

The weights and dimensions provided must be load specific. Therefore, the weights and dimensions specified on the actual permit are those of the load and not the maximum allowable limit. The maximum dimensions permitted on a project permit are as follows:

Combination vehicles

Length up to 36.75 m, including a 4.65 m rear overhang, no height limit provided that the load is on a float type trailer (heights of 4.30 m or greater require a route clearance), and height up to 70,000 kg

Single vehicle
  • Length: 12.50 m, including a 4.65 m rear overhang
  • Height: up to 4.26 m
  • Weight: as per the Highway Traffic Act
  • Width: up to 4.30 m (standard for both single and combination vehicles).
    NOTE: escort vehicles may be required

Single Trip Permits in Ontario

A single trip permit is issued to facilitate an overweight move for a one-way trip along a specified route for a limited period. Some applications may require review by the Permit Issuing Office (Head Office) in St. Catharines.

The following dimensions are permitted on single trip permits:

  • Length: combination vehicles from 23 m to 45.75 m
    over 45.75 m (must be submitted to the St Catharines Permit Issuing Office)
    single-vehicle 12.50 m
  • Width: from 2.61 m to 5 m (any permit office)
    over 5.00 m (must be submitted to the St Catharines Permit Issuing Office)
  • Height: 4.16 m or greater maximum height permitted on a flatbed trailer is 4.26 m

Weight: up to 120,000 kg subject to Weight & Load Engineer’s approval
Single vehicle: maximum length is 12.50 m, including an overhang up to 4.65 m
maximum height is 4.26 m
Metric Conversion: Ontario measurement standards are in metric. To convert the imperial measurement to metric:
Convert measurement to inches and multiply by 0.0254, e.g.,
9’6″ = (9′ x 12) + 6″
= 108″ + 6″
= 114″
114″ x 0.0254 = 2.89 metres
Convert weight from pounds to kilograms, divide pounds by 2.205,e.g., 154,000 lbs ÷ 2.205 = 69,841 kgs
When applying for a single trip permit, a carrier should apply at a minimum of 24 hours prior to the proposed move date but MTO suggests applying 2 to 3 days prior to the move to allow the Permit Issuing Office sufficient time to process the permit request.


When applying for a single trip permit, a carrier should apply at a minimum of 24 hours before the proposed move date. However, MTO suggests applying 2 to 3 days before the move to allow the Permit Issuing Office sufficient time to process the permit request.
When applying for a permit with exceptional dimensions over 5 m in width, and/or 45.75 m or greater in length, and/or over 120,000 kg, a carrier should submit their application to St. Catharines Permit Issuing Office at least 5 days before the proposed move date due to the more involved approval process. The approval process requires a minimum of 72 hours and may take up to 14 days before processing.
Loads over 120,000 kg, gross vehicle weight, and/or 6 meters in width intending to travel on two-lane highways or 7 meters in width if traveling on multilane highways, and/or 45.75 meters in length, are considered to be “superloads.” “Superloads” are not considered routine applications and will require additional time for consideration and processing. Applications for “superloads” will require supplementary documentation and be subject to a thorough review by the Ministry of Transportation’s Weight and Load Engineer and various senior Ministry management personnel as circumstances may warrant.
Documentation must demonstrate the requirement to make the intended move on the province’s highways; that’s done through a Project Justification. The Project Justification would normally include, but is not limited to the following:

  • Alternate means of transportation (e.g., rail, water, or possibly air) must have been thoroughly investigated, and documentation outlining why these methods are not being pursued is provided.
  • A detailed description of the load and engineering drawings, where applicable. To illustrate the item’s construction and indicate why it can’t be reduced in size or weight.
  • A detailed description of the project the item is intended for, including – the construction schedule, consequences of late delivery, and economic benefits associated with the project.

Based on the Project Justification documents submitted, the ministry will consider the necessity of permitting the move. Upon satisfactory justification of the project, the applicant will need to provide:

  • For gross vehicle weights over 120,000 kg, the Ministry of Transportation requires the applicant to hire a designated consultant engineer to evaluate the bridges on the route and approve the evaluation. A list of approved bridge consulting engineers is available from the MTO, St Catharines Permit Issuing Office.
  • A Traffic Management Plan defining in detail all aspects of the intended move.
    Detailed escort requirements and procedures identifying the responsibility of all units involved (OPP and private).
  • Detailed route survey indicating all appropriate locations for road closures, pull-over areas, emergency parking, fuel stops, significant turning movements, and any anticipated roadside-related activities such as restricting roadside parking.
  • Contingency plans for breakdowns.
  • Municipalities requiring separate permits.

All documentation is subjected to review and approval by MTO before issuing permits. Consideration will only be given to the move if it can be satisfactorily proven to be necessary.
Special Vehicle Configuration

Special Vehicle Configuration permits are issued for vehicles that vary from the requirements of the HTA and regulations. Special Vehicle Configuration permits harmonizing configurations, weights, and dimensions applicable to a class of vehicles with those of any other jurisdiction; to allow for a trial of a vehicle or allow for a variance from a limit within a specific geographical area.

Contact the St. Catharines Permit Issuing Office for special vehicle configuration permits.

Permit Fees in Ontario

The following fees have been effective since January 1, 2013.

  • Annual Permit: $400
  • Project Permit: $260

Single Trip Permit: prices vary, see below

  • Oversize: $65
  • Overweight : weight up to 120,000 kg, travel on provincial highways
    up to 100 km: $125
    from 101 km to 500 km: $200
    over 500 km: $260
  • Overweight over 120,000 kg, regardless of travel distance: $700
  • Oversize and overweight:
    the same prices as for the overweight permits listed above.
    Special Vehicle Configuration: refer to HTA s110.1 (10)

Method of Payment

  • Credit card (VISA, MasterCard or American Express)
  • All personal cheques must be certified unless payment is sent by mail
  • Cash for walk-in clients only

Night Moves in Ontario

Night moves are allowed for all permit types with certain restrictions, provided that all conspicuity requirements are met.

Criteria 1:  Overlength/Overwidth

Moves allowed: Night moves are allowed for vehicles and loads up to, and including, 3.05 m wide and 25 m long.
Routes: Night moves are restricted to multi-lane controlled access highways with a median. The lane width on these types of highways is 3.75 m.

Criteria 2:  Overheight/Overweight

Moves allowed: Night moves are allowed for vehicles and load up to 4.26 m high and 63,500 kg.

Routes: All King’s highways.

Conditions For Both Criteria

Conspicuity Requirements: Conspicuity requirements must be met during a night move. These requirements consist of the extremities being marked with a solid amber lamp(s) visible in the front and rear, conforming to SAE Code P2 or P3 with markings to appear on the lamp(s), and a retro-reflective “D” sign must be present.

Weather Conditions: Night moves are restricted when inclement weather conditions prevail. Inclement weather is described as the following:

“No travel is allowed when road conditions, weather conditions, or visibility make traveling hazardous to the operator or the driving public. Conditions shall be deemed hazardous upon any accumulation of ice or snow on the roadway or if the continuous use of windshield wipers is required. Vehicles underway when inclement weather occurs shall exit the road at the first available location and park in a safe place until the weather and road conditions clear.”

NOTE: overweight moves are allowed for all permit types on statutory holidays, and the preceding day of a statutory holiday, with restrictions.

Statutory Holidays:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Family Day – very nice!
  • Good Friday (Easter)
  • Victoria Day
  • Canada Day
  • August Civic Holiday
  • Labour Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day
  • Boxing Day 

Overweight moves are allowed between ½ hr before sunrise and noon on a statutory holiday for dimensions that do not exceed:

  • Width: 3.70 m on two-lane highways and 3.85 m on multi-lane highways
  • Length: no greater than 25 m for combination vehicles and 12.50 m for single vehicles
  • Height: maximum of 4.26 m
  • Weight: no greater than 63,500 kg.
Restrictions

Movement of vehicles and/or loads in excess of the dimensions listed above is not permitted to travel on a statutory holiday.

Preceding Day

Preceding day means the day before a statutory holiday restriction. If the statutory holiday is a Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, the preceding day is a Friday. If the statutory holiday is on any other day of the week, the preceding day is the day before the holiday.

Moves Allowed

Overweight moves are allowed all day on the preceding day of a statutory holiday for dimensions that do not exceed the following dimensions:

  • Width: 3.70 m on two-lane highways and 3.85 m on multi-lane highways
  • Length: no greater than 25 m for combination vehicles and 12.50 m for single vehicles
  • Height: maximum 4.26 m
  • Weight: no greater than 63,500 kg.
Restrictions

Vehicles and/or loads in excess of the dimensions listed above are only allowed to travel between ½ hour before sunrise and noon on the preceding day of a statutory holiday.

Weekend Moves

Weekend moves are allowed for all permit types with certain restrictions on dimensions. Weekend moves also have restrictions during the summer months.

Saturdays and Sundays

Moves Allowed

Overweight moves are allowed all day Saturday and Sunday for dimensions that do not exceed the following dimensions:

  • Width: 3.70 m on two-lane highways and 3.85 m on multi-lane highways
  • Length: no greater than 25 m for combination vehicles and 12. 5 m for single vehicles
  • Height: maximum 4.26 m
  • Weight: no greater than 63,500 kg.
Sunday Restrictions in Summer Months

Sunday travel is not permitted between noon and midnight during the restricted summer months of June, July, August (Southern Ontario) and July and August (Northern Ontario) for any overweight vehicles and/or loads.
Fridays:

Moves Allowed

Over-dimensional moves are allowed all day for all dimensions except during summer restrictions.

Friday Restrictions in Summer Months

Travel is not permitted between 3:00 pm and midnight during the restricted summer months of June, July, August (Southern Ontario), and July and August (Northern Ontario) for any overweight vehicles and/or loads.

Exceptions

Travel between 3:00 pm and midnight on Fridays during summer restrictions may be permitted for vehicles and/or loads with heights up to, and including, 4.26 m and overall weight not exceeding 63,500 kg.

Long Wheelbase Tractors

Ontario Regulation 413/05 has reaffirmed Ontario’s preference to restrict tractor units’ wheelbase to the 6.20-meter national standard. The wheelbase dimension is measured from the center of the steer axle to the center of the drive axle group (typically the middle of the drive axles). Carriers specialized in the transportation of overweight (O/O) indivisible loads will frequently operate over-length tractors to accommodate additional axles, heavier-duty suspensions, and sliding fifth wheel assemblies for proper weight distribution. Our Ministry generally acknowledges these requirements, and these carriers are routinely authorized to operate this fleet of specialized vehicles for routine “permitted” transportation of lighter O/O loads. This accommodation, however, is not intended to inadvertently authorize the operation of overlength tractors equipped with large sleeper berths or living quarters, frequently utilized in other jurisdictions.

Permit issuing staff have been instructed to verify tractor wheelbase dimensions. Should they suspect that a carrier is unnecessarily utilizing an over-length tractor, they are to ask for clarification and support documentation defining the requirements for the over-length tractor. Rationales such as onboard generators are frequently unjustified due to their compact size and abundant availability of portable rental units suitable for most applications. Carriers should expect to provide a photograph of the combination to support their justification.

Congested Traffic

Vehicles and/or loads travelling under a single trip or project permit are subject to a congested traffic condition when travelling in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The condition below applies to all single trip and project permits with dimensions that exceed the following dimensions:

  • Width: 3.70 m on single highways, and 3.85 m on multi-lane highways
  • Length: exceeding 25 m
  • Height: exceeding 4.26 m
  • Weight: in excess of 63,500 kg.
 
Condition

This permit is not valid for vehicles traveling in the directions entering the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) between the hours of 7:00 am to 9:30 am and vehicles traveling in the directions exiting the GTA between the hours of 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm in the area described as being west of Thickson Rd (Hwy 401); south of King Road (Hwy 400) or Stouffville Road (Hwy 404); and east of Trafalgar Road (Hwy 401), Hwy 8 (Hwy403) to junction 403/407ETR/QEW (QEW).

This permit is not valid for vehicles traveling in the directions exiting the GTA between 7:00 to 9:30 am. Also, vehicles traveling in the directions entering the GTA between 3:30 to 6:30 pm in the area described as being west of Whites Road (Hwy 401); south of King Road (Hwy 400) or Stouffville Road (Hwy 404; and east of Hwy 10 (Hwy 401) or Bronte Road (QEW).

Designated Area

G.T.A. Restrictions
Outlined Area — Inbound A.M. and Outbound P.M.

  • East Limit Thickson Road
  • North Limit King Road (400), Stouffville Road (404)
  • West Limit Trafalgar Road (Highway 401), Junction of Highway 403 / 407 ETR / QEW (QEW), Highway 8 (Highway 403)
    South Limit Highway 2 (Lakeshore Road)
  • All travel is restricted on: Highways 427, 410, and 403 (Mississauga Loop)

Shaded Area — Outbound A.M. and Inbound P.M.

  • East Limit Whites Road, Rouge River
  • North Limit King Road (400), Stouffville Road (404)
  • West Limit Highway 10 (401), Highway 25 Bronte Road (QEW)
  • South Limit Highway 2 (Lakeshore Road)
  • All travel is restricted on: Highways 427, 410, and 403 (Mississauga Loop)

A.M. time restrictions are 7:00 – 9:30 a.m.
P.M. time restrictions are 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Ontario travel time restrictions.
No travel times and restrictions in Ontario Canada.
Permit Conditions

Conditions contained on all overweight permits must be strictly adhered to. The permit may be terminated for breach of any condition and the permit holder may be subject to prosecution.
Permits issued are not valid in combination with any other permits issued under Section 110.

Security of Loads

Loads moved under an overweight permit must be firmly bound or otherwise secured or loaded so that no portion of the load may become dislodged or fall from the motor vehicle or trailer on which they are being transported. Regulation 614 under the HTA governs the security of loads and sets out the requirements for various types of loads.

A carrier may apply for an exemption from Regulation 614 when moving an exceptionally large or heavy piece of equipment.

To receive an exemption from Regulation 614, the application form must be completed and submitted along with a letter and diagram indicating why the requirements of Regulation 614 cannot be adhered to. The permit will indicate the exemption if it is granted.

NOTE: The exemption only applies to the Regulation and not to Section 111(2) of the HTA.

Bonds

MTO may require that a bond, or other security, sufficient to cover the cost of repairing possible damage to the highway, be posted before issuing a permit.
Any of the following circumstances may be sufficient to warrant a bond being posted:

  • where loading on tires must exceed 11 kg per millimeter width
  • where loading on the axle must exceed 10,000 kg during reduced load period
  • where total gross vehicle weight exceeds 120,000 kg subject to engineering analysis of bridge structures and geotechnical assessment of roadway structure
  • where overweight vehicles must be routed over substandard bridge structures subject to engineering analysis of bridge structures, or
    deemed to be warranted by the Director of the Carrier Safety and Enforcement Branch.

The value of the bond will be determined by the ministry and is not subject to negotiation. The carrier may be required to pay for the services of ministry approved geo-technical and/or structural consultants to assess conditions and evaluate any damages caused by the move.

Flags, Signs, and Lighting

Vehicles and/or loads in excess of HTA legal dimensions require special flags and signs. When traveling at night, conspicuity markings must also be met.

Flags:

Vehicles and/or loads in excess of dimensions prescribed under Section 109 of the Highway Traffic Act shall be marked with bright red or orange warning flags of not less than 40 cm square and shall be mounted to the extremities of the vehicle or load. The flag(s) must be kept in good and clean condition so as to not diminish their effectiveness.

“D” Sign or “Oversize Load”:

In addition to the flags described above, vehicles and/or loads must display on the front of the vehicle and the rear of the load, in a visible position, a sign visible for a distance of at least 150 m bearing the words “OVERSIZE LOAD” in black letters at least 200 mm high with lines forming the letters at least 30 mm wide on a yellow background, or a “D” sign as illustrated below. When traveling under night moves, the sign shall be made of Level 1, high-intensity retro-reflective material (CGSB 62-GP-11M). The sign shall be positioned not to obstruct lights and other safety devices and removed or covered when not in use.

Canada oversize load sign.
Canadian oversize load sign.

Lighting:

Conspicuity requirements must be met during a night move. These requirements are above the lighting requirements set out in the HTA and consist of the extremities marked with a solid amber lamp(s) visible in the front and rear conforming to SAE Code P2 or P3 with markings to appear on lamp(s).

When traveling under a night move, a retro-reflective “D” sign described above must be present.

Escort Requirements in Ontario

A permit may be issued on the condition that the permit holder provides an escort vehicle(s) either preceding or following the overweight vehicle or load. A description of when an escort vehicle is required is as follows:

No Escort Required:

  • Width: from 2.61 m to 3.99 m
  • Length: from 23.01 m to 36.75 m
  • Height: from 4.16 m to 4.86 m

When a Private Escort Warning Vehicle is Required:

Maximum Widths:

  • from 4 m to 4.99 m- 1 escort vehicle required on multi-lane highways
  • from 4 m to 4.59 m – 1 escort vehicle is required on two-lane highways
  • from 4.6 m to 4.99 m – 2 escort vehicles required on two-lane highways

One private escort warning vehicle is required to accompany the movement of the authorized load. The private escort warning vehicle shall be required to precede the load on two lane highways or follow the load on multi-lane highways.
A second private escort warning vehicle is required to follow the load authorized by this permit while travelling on two lane highways.

Maximum Lengths:

  • from 36.76 m to 45.74 m – 1 escort vehicle required
  • rear overhang greater than 4.65 m – 1 escort vehicle required at the rear of the load

Exceptions — see Mobile/Modular Homes below.

Height:

  • 4.87 m and greater – 1 escort vehicle (pole car) required

The permit holder is responsible for all horizontal and vertical clearances along the route and must ensure that proper clearance(s) exist. A pilot escort vehicle equipped with a height pole 8 cm higher than the load must precede the load to ensure proper vertical clearances and communicate any obstructions to the driver of the permitted vehicle.

Private Escort Warning Vehicle Requirements in Ontario

  • Where a permit is issued on the condition that the permit holder provides a Private Escort Operator, Warning Vehicle and Equipment
  • The escort vehicle(s) shall be operated by a fully (unrestricted) licensed driver of not less than 18 years of age with at least two years experience and a valid driver’s licence.
  • The escort vehicle(s) shall not have more than 2 axles and a wheelbase length of not less than 2.65 metres and shall be equipped with flashing amber warning lamp(s) located on the roof of the escort vehicle. Lighting shall consist of either a rectangular amber bar positioned perpendicular to the length of the escort vehicle or at least one amber warning lamp conforming to standard SAE J845 or J1318 Class 1 or 2. All lights shall be visible on a 360 degree basis from the vehicle.
  • The lenses must be kept in good and clean condition, free from the accumulation of dirt, snow or pit markings, as to not diminish the effectiveness of the lamp.
  • Either a “D” or an “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign shall be used. [See the “D” sign (as illustrated in Figure 1) attached. If using an “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign, the letters shall be in black on a yellow background]. The sign shall be mounted on the front and rear, or on the roof, of the escort vehicle. The sign shall not obstruct warning lights and other safety devices. If mounted on the roof, the sign shall be perpendicular to the length of the escort vehicle and shall be made of durable rigid material and must not interfere with the view of the light bar or warning light and the sign must be printed on both sides of the panel. The sign shall be removed or covered when not in use.
  • The escort vehicle(s) and towing vehicle(s) shall be equipped with a working two-way radio communication device permitting direct communication between the vehicles.
  • The escort vehicle(s) shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher in effective working order, six 45 cm (18″) traffic cones and/or portable reflectors approved by the MTO, and extra bulbs to maintain all lights required by this schedule.
  • All units, including the escort vehicle(s), will be operated with headlights on when traveling on a highway and shall maintain a distance of 60 to 150 meters from the load being escorted.

Caution: Escort vehicles do not have traffic control authority. The escort driver must obey all traffic laws and regulations.

When a Minimum of Two Police Escort Vehicles Are Required in Ontario

  • Width: 5 m and greater
  • Length: 45.75 m and greater
  • Weight: upon Weight and Load Engineer’s request

There may be instances where escort requirements may change due to the highway’s parameters. For example, the region(s) may require escorts when normally none are required or additional escorts to those already requiring escorts.

If a police escort is required, the carrier’s responsibility is to make all arrangements for the escort through the Traffic Supervisor at the originating OPP District Headquarters. The OPP typically requires 14 working days to process an application, but there may be exceptions depending on the circumstances. The carrier must provide the date(s) of the move, the proposed route, and the particulars of the load. The OPP Traffic Supervisor is responsible for coordinating the escort for the entire move and will provide the carrier with written approval for the escort. This approval must be provided to the MTO permit issuer before issuing a permit.

Mobile/Modular Homes

(This includes office and construction trailers and a portable schoolhouse)

  • Mobile/modular homes greater than 29.25 m in length are not permitted to travel in convoy and require TWO private escort warning vehicles to accompany each load.

In addition to the above, annual and project permit holders must provide a private escort warning vehicle on the following highways when the load measurement meets or exceeds the listed widths:

  • 3.00 Meters

528A, 538, 546, 564, 566, 580, 586, 587, 670, 671, 801, 802

  • 3.35 Meters

510, 518, 524,525,528,529, 529A, 553, 556, 560A, 569, 570, 572, 573, 577, 595, 603, 605, 607A, 617, 619, 621, 633, 636, 639, 641, 645, 645, 661, 665, 804, 811, 7036

  • 3.66 Meters

71, 105,101,125,129,130, 502, 516, 519, 527, 532, 540, 542, 547, 548, 551, 552, 557, 562, 563, 571, 579, 582, 585, 588, 589, 590, 593, 594, 597, 599, 600, 601, 602, 607, 608, 609, 611, 614, 615, 618, 622, 623, 625, 627, 628, 630, 631, 634, 638, 640, 642, 643, 644, 651, 657, 658, 664, 667, 668, 673

  • Highway 144

From 20 km north of Highway 17 at Whitson Creek (Chelmsford) to the junction of Highway 144 and Highway 101:

  • For loads ranging in width between 3.66 and 3.99 meters, two private escort vehicles are required.
  • For loads ranging in width between 4.00 and 4.56 meters, one OPP escort at the front of the load and one private escort vehicle at the rear of the load.
  • For widths greater than 4.57 meters, two OPP escorts are required, one at the front and one at the rear of the load.

Reduced Load Period:

Annual and project permits for moving heavy vehicles, loads, objects or structures in excess of legal weight limits are not valid on any King’s highway during the months of March and April (Southern Ontario) and March, April and May (Northern Ontario). Weights in excess of legal limits are only allowed when specifically authorized to do so under permit conditions.

For the purposes of this restriction the boundary between Northern and Southern Ontario is considered to be:

  • The Severn River to Regional Road 169 (formerly Highway 169)
  • Regional Road 169 from Washago to Highway 12
  • Highway 12, from Regional Road 169 to
  • Highway 7, north of Sunderland
  • Highway 7 from Highway 12 to Regional Road 7B (formerly Highway 7B), at Carleton Place
  • Regional Road 7B to Regional Road 29 (formerly Highway 15), and
  • Regional Road 29 to Arnprior.

Under any circumstances, permits are not valid on designated reduced-load highways, which are posted according to Section 122(5) of the HTA. As a result, there are very few reduced-load highways under provincial jurisdiction. Schedules detailing highways subject to reduced loads are authorized and issued by the Highway Operations and Maintenance Division.

Single trip permits may be issued for highway movements subject to reduced loading restrictions. However, the Weight and Load Engineer must approve these moves. Annual permits with special weight conditions for specific axle weight configurations have an additional condition for reduced load periods.

Corridor Moves

Oversize and overweight trucking permits may be issued to Canadian or US carriers for movements within or through the province of Ontario under the following conditions:

  • if the move originates and terminates in Ontario
  • if the move originates in Ontario and terminates in another province or territory
  • if the move originates in another Canadian province or territory, or one of the states of the United States of America, and terminates in Ontario
  • if the move originates in another Canadian province or territory and terminates in another/same Canadian province and/or territory, or one of the states of the United States of America, where Ontario is to be used as a corridor
  • if the move originates in one of the states of the United States of America and terminates in another Canadian province or territory, where Ontario is to be used as a corridor
  • if the move is a mobile home that originates and terminates in the United States of America, Ontario may be used as a corridor.

NOTE: Canadian or US operators, including Ontario operators, are not permitted to use Ontario as a corridor for state-to-state moves, except for MOBILE HOMES.
Ontario registration requirements must be met and the operator must be in possession of valid operating authority.

No Convoy Moves

Convoy moves are not permitted. Each load must be separated by at least 45 minutes. When en route, a minimum spacing of 10km is required.

Clearance in Construction Zones

Annual and project permit holders may encounter construction zones where the horizontal clearance has been reduced to less than 3.70m or vertical clearance has been reduced to less than 4.26m. Before traveling through any construction zone, the permit holder must verify clearances. Road construction reports can be obtained by visiting Traveller’s Information on the Ministry of Transportation website. Road information can also be obtained by calling the Ministry of Transportation Inquiry Centre at 1-800-268-4686. Cellular users can dial *ROAD or (416)235-1110 and listen to a recorded message that provides daily updates on provincial construction projects and other pertinent information.

Permit Issuing Office Locations

St. Catharines (Head Office) #061

301 St. Paul Street, 3rd Floor, St Catharines, ON L2R 7R4
Tel: 416-246-7166 or 1-800-387-7736, Dept 4 Fax: 905-704-2545

MORE USEFUL RESOURCES 

Ontario Frost Laws

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Ontario Province DOT Permits office before commencing movement.

3 Responses

  1. Hello, i am wondering for the flags requirements when a load have a rear overhang. Do we need a permit as soon as a piece of load gets out of the trailer or is there a limit like starting at 2 feet out of the trailer we need a flag. Can you help me please ?

    1. Absolutely. Since we are gathering information as best as we can for Ontario, call them directly and ask for the maximum overhang lengths. Please let us know what you find so others can know as well. Thank you.

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