Simplify Your Oversize/Overweight Loads

  • Instantly Determine Permit & Escort Costs
  • Calculate Max Legal/Permitted Axle Weights
  • Understand Equipment Limits
See How It Works

Ontario Oversize / Overweight Regulations

What is considered as "Oversized Load" in Ontario?

DIMENSIONS:
Width: 8 ft 6.37"
Height: 13 ft 6"
Overhang: Front 4 ft, Rear 10 ft
Length: 48 ft (trailer-no overall length limits)
Category 1A: Tridem Drive 23 m (77 ft)
A Train Double 25 m (82 ft)
B Train Double 27.5 m (90 ft)

What is considered as "Overweight Load" in Ontario?

WEIGHTS
Single Axle: 7,700 kg (17,000 lb.)
Tandem Axle: 19,100 lkg (35,300 lb.)
Steering Axle: 10,000 kg (22,000 lb.)
Tractor-Trailer Combo - Gross Vehicle : 36,300 kg (80,000 lb.)
A Train 5 axles: 49,000 kg (108,000 lb.)
B Train 8 axles: 63,500 kg (140,000 lb.)

Ontario Oversize / Overweight Permits

Ontario Permit Department Contact Information

Fax:

Ontario Pilot Cars / Escorts

No Escort Required:

  • for widths from 2.61 m (8.5 ft) to 3.99 m (13.0 ft.)
  • for lengths from 23.01 M (75.7 ft.)  to 36.75 m (120.5 ft..)
  • for heights from 4.16 M (13.7 l ft..) to 4.86 m (16.0 ft.)

When a Private Escort Warning Vehicle is Required:

Widths:

  • from 4 m (13.1 ft.) to 4.99 m  (16.4 ft.) - 1 escort vehicle required on multi-lane highways
  • from 4 m (13.1 ft.) to 4.59 m  (15.1 ft.) - 1 escort vehicle required on two lane highways
  • from 4 m (13.1 ft.) to 4.99 m  (16.4 ft.) - 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.

Lengths:

  • from 36.76 m (120. ft.)  to 45.74 m (150 ft.)- 1 escort vehicle required
  • rear overhang greater than 4.65 m (15 ft.) - 1 escort vehicle required at the rear of load

Height:

  • 4.87 m (16.0 ft.) and greater - 1 escort vehicle (pole car) required

Ontario Axle Regulations

FRONT AXLE MAXIMUM (LOWEST OF A, B AND C)

Feature                                                                   Weight Limit

a) by manufacturer’s axle rating or default      i. GAWR (if verified), or

                                                                                ii. If GAWR not verified, the lower of:

                                                                                       1. 5,000 kg (11,023 lb.), and

                                                                                       2. the sum of the maximum tire load ratings

b) by tire width                                                      11 kg × combined tire widths in mm

c) by axle unit description                                   Single Axle: 7,700 kg (16,975 lb.)

THREE AXLE MAXIMUMS (LOWEST OF A, B AND C)

Feature                                                                                Weight Limit

a) by manufacturer’s axle rating or default                   i . GAWR (if verified), or

                                                                                              ii. If GAWR not verified, the sum of the maximum tire load ratings

b) by tire width                                                                   10 kg (22 lb.) × combined tire widths in mm

c) by axle unit description                                                Other Tractor Axles and Trailer Axles:

                                                                                              Single Axle (Single Tires): 9,000 kg (19,841 lb.)

                                                                                              Single Axle (Dual Tires): 10,000 kg (22,046 lb.)

                                                                                              Tandem Axle by axle spread:

                                                                                                     1.2 < 1.8m: 18,000 kg (22,046 lb.)

                                                                                                     1.8m or more (Single Tires): 18,000 kg (39,683 lb.)

                                                                                                     1.8m or more (Dual Tires):19,100 kg (42,108 lb.)

                                                                                              Tridem Axle – by axle spread:

                                                                                                      2.4 < 3.0m: 21,300 kg (46,370 lb.)

                                                                                                       3.0 < 3.6m: 24,000 kg (52,910 lb.)

                                                                                                       3.6 to 3.7m: 26,000 kg  (57,320 lb.)

Maximum Permit Weight Allowed

Maximum Allowable Registered Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) – 63,500 kg (139,993 lb.)

Ontario Trip and Fuel (IRP / IFTA) Permits

Special Permit

A special permit can be used to drive a vehicle in Ontario for 10 days starting from the date it is issued. It can’t be ordered in advance or renewed online.

You can only apply for 2 special permits in 12 months (for passenger vehicles).

With a special permit, you can temporarily:

     Exceed the weight limit displayed on the permit for a commercial vehicle, if you are relocating it for business purposes (e.g., an auto auction or to and from dealerships).

Note: When you’re using a special permit, don’t display any other plate on your vehicle or trailer in a position that could confuse the identity of the special permit.

Commercial Vehicles

You can get a special permit for a commercial vehicle, if you are:

  • Transporting a vehicle or trailer
  • Towing a vehicle or trailer
  • Carrying goods

To get a special permit, you need:

  • The current vehicle permit, indicating that the vehicle’s status is “fit” or a “tmp” vehicle permit with a valid safety standard certificate;
  • The back of the vehicle permit (the ownership) signed by the owner (if you do not own the vehicle);
  • The name of your insurance company and the policy number;
  • Identification document proving legal name, date of birth and signature;
  • A completed application for special permit (also available at any ServiceOntario centre).

Cost and Delivery

Commercial vehicle (gross weight under 4500 kgs): $23

Laden commercial vehicle (gross weight over 4500 kgs) : $114

Laden commercial vehicle towing a trailer: $201

You need to pay fees to purchase a special permit. Fees vary based on vehicle class.

Payment: Visa, MasterCard, debit, cash, certified check

Delivery: You will get the Special Permit at the ServiceOntario centre.

Single Trip Fuel Permit

If you do not have a valid IFTA licence and occasionally travel into other jurisdictions, you can buy a single trip permit. The permit can be purchased on a trip-by-trip basis from authorized permit agents.

A single trip permit allows qualified vehicles conditional travel in another jurisdiction. The permit is valid for one vehicle making a single journey into another jurisdiction for a pre-determined distance and time period. Single trip permits may also include other fees in addition to the fuel tax.

Ontario Overweight / Oversize Fines

Special Permit

A special permit can be used to drive a vehicle in Ontario for 10 days starting from the date it is issued. It can’t be ordered in advance or renewed online.

You can get a special permit for a commercial vehicle, if you are:

  • transporting a vehicle or trailer
  • towing a vehicle or trailer
  • carrying goods

To get a special permit, you need:

  • the current vehicle permit, indicating that the vehicle’s status is “fit” or a “tmp” vehicle permit with a valid safety standard certificate
  • the back of the vehicle permit (the ownership) signed by the owner (if you do not own the vehicle)
  • the name of your insurance company and the policy number
  • identification document proving legal name, date of birth and signature
  • a completed application for special permit (also available at any ServiceOntario centre)

Cost and Deliver

Commercial vehicle (gross weight under 4500 kgs): $23

Laden commercial vehicle (gross weight over 4500 kgs): $114

Laden commercial vehicle, towing a trailer: $201

You need to pay fees to purchase a special permit. Fees vary based on vehicle class.

Payment: Visa, MasterCard, debit, cash, certified cheque

Delivery: You will get the Special Permit at the Service Ontario center.

Single Trip Permit

If you do not have a valid IFTA license and occasionally travel into other jurisdictions, you can buy a single trip permit. The permit can be purchased on a trip-by-trip basis from authorized permit agents.Ontario Trip And Fuel Permit - IRP and IFTA permits for Ontario

Special Permit

A special permit can be used to drive a vehicle in Ontario for 10 days starting from the date it is issued. It can’t be ordered in advance or renewed online.

Commercial Vehicles

You can get a special permit for a commercial vehicle if you are:

  • transporting a vehicle or trailer
  • towing a vehicle or trailer
  • carrying goods

To get a special permit, you need:

  • the current vehicle permit, indicating that the vehicle’s status is “fit” or a “tmp” vehicle permit with a valid safety standard certificate
  • the back of the vehicle permit (the ownership) signed by the owner (if you do not own the vehicle)
  • the name of your insurance company and the policy number
  • identification document proving legal name, date of birth and signature
  • a completed application for special permit (also available at any ServiceOntario centre)
Cost and Delivery

Passenger vehicle: $23

Commercial vehicle (gross weight under 4500 kgs): $23

Laden commercial vehicle (gross weight over 4500 kgs) or bus, without trailer: $114

Laden commercial vehicle or bus, towing a trailer: $201

You need to pay fees to purchase a special permit. Fees vary based on vehicle class.

Payment: Visa, MasterCard, debit, cash, certified cheque

Delivery: You will get the Special Permit at the ServiceOntario centre.

Single Trip Fuel Permit

If you do not have a valid IFTA license and occasionally travel into other jurisdictions, you can buy a single trip permit. The permit can be purchased on a trip-by-trip basis from authorized permit agents.

A single trip permit allows qualified vehicles conditional travel in another jurisdiction. The permit is valid for one vehicle making a single journey into another jurisdiction for a pre-determined distance and time period. Single trip permits may also include other fees in addition to the fuel tax.

For Fuel Trip Permit see https://www.ontario.ca/data/single-trip-permit-agencies?_ga=2.157000379.1823355082.1558359855-115843976.1558086833

Running Hours and Holiday Restrictions

Warning Lights: Color and Placement

Conspicuity requirements must be met during a night move. These requirements are over and above the lighting requirements set out in the HTA and 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 lamp(s). When traveling under a night move, a retro-reflective "D" sign described below must be present

"Oversize Load" Banner

In addition to flags, vehicles and/or loads must display on the front of the vehicle and the rear of the load, in a clearly 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 as to not obstruct lights and other safety devices and removed or covered when not in use.

Flag Requirements

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.


Flags, Lights and Banners

Night moves are restricted to multi-lane controlled access highways with a median.

Oversize/overweight moves are allowed holidays, and the preceding day of a statutory holiday, with restrictions.

Oversize/overweight moves may operate from ½ hr before sunrise and noon on a statutory holiday for dimensions that do not exceed: width of 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.

Ontario Tire Regulations

The province permits using tire chains when conditions warrant. In Ontario, studded winter tires are permitted between September 1st and May 31st for drivers in northern Ontario, which includes as Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Temiskaming. Below these areas, the use of studded tires could incur a fine. To use studded tires, the driver must be a resident of Northern Ontario (north of Parry Sound and Nipissing districts), own a business in Northern Ontario, or have road authority having jurisdiction and control of a highway in Northern Ontario. Non-Ontario residents may use studded tires if the vehicle is in Ontario for no more than 30 days.

From there, Ontario has a list of regulations regarding size and placement of the studs. Essentially, studded tires are ok in Northern Ontario. A $1,000 fine can be handed out for using studded tires in Southern Ontario.

A tire,

(a) Shall have no exposed cord;

(b) Shall have no tread or sidewall cuts or snags deep enough to expose the cords;

(c) Shall have no abnormal visible bump, bulge or knot; and

(d) Other than a tire specifically designed for regrooving or recutting and marked as being so designed shall not be regrooved or recut. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 625, s. 2. a tire shall not be worn to the extent that in any two adjacent major grooves at three equally spaced intervals around the circumference of the tire:

(a) the tread wear indicators contact the road

(b) less than 1.5 millimeters ( 1/16 inches in fraction ) of tread depth remains.

Ontario Frost Laws

All annual and project overweight permits are not valid on any highways unless otherwise specified on the permit during:

·         March and April in Southern Ontario

·         March, April and May in Northern Ontario

For purposes of this restriction, the province 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 moving of overloads on highways not designated in Schedules 1, 2 and 3, may be issued, but are subject to axle controls established by the Ministry of Transportation.

Pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act, the ministry will impose reduced load limits for those designated parts of the King's Highways listed in Schedules 1, 2, and 3, as necessary to protect highways during the spring thaw season, March to June, each year.  

Single trip permits, for moving of overloads on highways not designated in Schedules 1, 2 and 3, may be issued, but are subject to axle controls established by the Ministry of Transportation.

Pursuant to The Highway Traffic Act, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation will impose reduced load 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.

Ontario Annual Permits

Click the link in this section to access the limitation of annual permits in Ontario. You will find the restrictions here also.

Ontario Road Conditions

Adhere to posted signs and warning at all time. Be vigilant especially in work zones for road hazards and personnel. Make sure to read, understand, and follow all information on permits including routes, limits, and responsibilities.

Ontario Manufactured Houses and Mobile homes

1 escort vehicle is required for the transport of a Manufactured/Mobile home when the width exceeds 4.87 meters. For more detailed information please click the link in this section.

Oversize / Overweight Regulations By State