Oversize / Overweight Permits in Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador Oversize/Overweight Regulations
According to Newfoundland and Labrador law, any load exceeding the following weight and size limits is considered an oversized/overweight load:
Legal Size Limit:
Width:
- 8′ 6.36″ (2.6 m) (from the outside points of the widest extremities, excluding safety devices)
Length:
- Single unit (straight truck) – 41′ 0.13″ (12.5 m)
- Vehicle combination (semi-trailer, including load, tractor; including truck or car pulling trailer) – 75′ 5.51″ (23.0 m) (from the foremost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further to the rearmost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further)
- A, B, or C train double – 82′ 0.25″ (25.0 m) (from the foremost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further, to the rearmost point of the vehicle or load, whichever extends further)
Height:
- 13′ 7.39″ (4.15 m)
Legal Weight Limit:
- Maximum GVW: 137,789 lbs (62,500 kg) (depends on the configuration)
- Steering axle: 12,125 lbs (5,500 kg) (depends on the configuration)
- Single axle: 20,062 lbs (9,100 kg) (depends on the configuration)
- Tandem axle: 39,683 lbs (18,000 kg) (depends on the configuration)
- Tridem axle: 57,320 lbs (26,000 kg) (depends on the configuration)
For more details, please see:
Newfoundland and Labrador Single Trip Oversize/Overweight Permits
A general single-trip permit is issued for non-divisible oversized and overweight loads exceeding the legal limits. It covers one movement from point A to point B during the running times specified in the permit. The permit expires at the end of the trip, so you may need to request a return trip permit.
The maximum weight and size allowances for a single trip permit:
- Width: up to 4.88 m (16 feet)
- Height: up to 4.88 m (16 feet)
- Front overhang: up to 3.1 m (10 feet and 2.04 inches)
- Rear overhang: up to 6.2 m (20 feet and 4.08 inches)
- Length: up to 35 m (114 feet and 9.6 inches)
- GVW: 70,000 kg (154,324 lbs); 120,000 kg (264,554 lbs) for a single trip involving two vehicles
Note: Considerations such as axle weight, axle spacing, tire sizes, and the number of tires are also assessed and may necessitate an additional overweight permit.
For more details:
Newfoundland and Labrador Annual Oversize/Overweight Permits
Newfoundland and Labrador provides annual OSOW permits, which allow unrestricted movement for up to 365 days during the running times specified in the permit.
The maximum weight and size allowances for an annual permit:
- Width: up to 4.27 m (14 feet)
- Height: up to 4.5 m (14 feet and 9.12 inches)
- Front overhang: up to 3.1 m (10 feet and 2.04 inches)
- Rear overhang: up to 5.5 m (18 feet and 0.96 inches)
- Length: up to 30 m ( 98 feet and 5.16 inches)
- GVW: 64,000 kg (141,095 lbs)
Note: Considerations such as axle weight, axle spacing, tire sizes, and the number of tires are also assessed and may necessitate an additional overweight permit.
For more details:
Newfoundland and Labrador Wide Load Requirements
All vehicles/loads wider than 8′ 6.36″ (2.6 m) require an oversize permit.
Oversize Load Flag Requirements:
All sides and extremities of oversized vehicles and loads must be marked with square flags of red or orange color, with sides at least 400 mm in length at the extremities of all overwidth and overlength loads.
Oversize Load Banner Requirements:
The “D” signs are the only ones allowed to identify oversized vehicles. The use of “Wide Load,” “Long Load,” or “Oversize Load” signs is not allowed.
The vehicle carrying an oversized load must have “D” warning signs installed at both the front and rear.
Oversize Load Sign Requirements:
- “D” signs must be visible from at least 125 m (410 ft.)
- Width ranging from 240 to 245 cm and height of 30 cm.
- The lettering should be 20 cm high.
Oversize Load Lighting Requirements:
A 360-degree amber warning light is mandated for vehicles transporting loads, positioned at the front of the vehicle and on the roof of escort vehicles. It must meet specific visibility criteria:
- The light must offer a minimum visibility of 300 meters (984 feet) in all directions.
- It should flash at a rate between 60 to 90 flashes per minute.
- For loads exceeding 3.65 meters (12 feet) in width or 27.5 meters (90 feet) in length or with front overhangs exceeding 100 centimeters (3 feet 3 inches), flashing amber lights must be visible from 150 meters (492 feet) on the load’s extremities.
- The minimum mounting height for these lights is 1.5 meters (5 feet) from the highway.
Outboard lights:
- Must comprise two amber lights measuring a minimum of 175 millimeters, each equipped with reflectors.
- Lights should be rated at 12.5 volts, draw 3 amps, emit 0.50 candela, and have a rated lifespan of 300 hours.
Inboard lights:
- Should include two standard rotating amber lights measuring 203 millimeters each.
- Each lamp must contain two sealed beam units.
Oversize Pilot Cars and Escort Vehicles Requirements:
There are no specific escort requirements outlined for overdimensional vehicles. However, if the dimensions surpass the usual limits allowed by a single trip permit, a manual assessment becomes necessary. During this assessment, additional measures may be introduced to guarantee the safe transit of the shipment.
Newfoundland and Labrador Wide Load Restrictions
All loads wider than 8′ 6.36″ (2.6 m) are subject to the following restrictions:
Oversize Holiday Restrictions:
Oversized travel is not allowed on common statutory holidays, including New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Remembrance Day.
Holiday travel:
- Travel is not allowed after 3:00 p.m. on the day before the holiday.
- Permitted travel time is from sunrise to noon only on the holiday.
Oversize Legal Travel Times Restrictions:
- Travel is prohibited after 3:00 p.m. on Fridays and after noon on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Permitted travel time is from sunrise to noon only on Saturdays and Sundays.
Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:
All vehicles, including driven and towed, must comply with posted bridge weight limits.
You must operate at the lowest practical speed when crossing bridges if your vehicle’s weight exceeds the legal requirements.
As for the oversize road restrictions, they include but are not limited to the following:
- driving through work zones that are under construction
- neglecting warning signals when driving through work zones
- not giving traffic priority to law enforcement, emergency vehicles, etc.
Oversize Seasonal Weight Restrictions:
While the Frost Law is applied in many states and provinces of Canada, the Newfoundland and Labrador province does not provide specific seasonal restrictions. However, they may appear in oversize/overweight permits, arising from the nature and type of the load.
For more details:
Newfoundland and Labrador Wide Load Limits
Everything wider than 8′ 6.36″ (2.6 m) requires a permit to be moved on public roads.
Maximum Load Limits Until a Trucking Permit Is Required:
Wider than 8′ 6.36″ (2.6 m) (from the outside points of the widest extremities, excluding safety devices)
Axle Weight Limits:
Legal axle weight limit:
- Steering axle: 12,125 lbs (5,500 kg) (depends on the configuration)
- Single axle: 20,062 lbs (9,100 kg) (depends on the configuration)
- Tandem axle: 39,683 lbs (18,000 kg) (depends on the configuration)
- Tridem axle: 57,320 lbs (26,000 kg) (depends on the configuration)
The maximum permitted axle weight limit:
- Per-axle weight depends on the axle configuration and the type of permit
- Maximum GVW: 137,789 lbs (62,500 kg) (depends on the vehicle/axle configuration)
Oversize Tire Regulations:
Studded tires and chains:
- Studded tires are permitted from November 1st to April 30th.
- Chains are required on drive wheels in snowy or icy conditions.
- Driving on snowy or icy roads without snow tires or tire chains on the driving axle is prohibited.
- Tire width must be 445 mm or greater, with a tread depth of at least 1.5 mm.
Tire conditions:
- When driving on snow or ice, vehicles must have mud and snow tires or tire chains on either the rear wheels (for rear-wheel-drive vehicles) or the front wheels (for front-wheel-drive vehicles).
- Mixing radial ply and bias or belted bias tires on different axles is prohibited.
- Mixing radial and bias ply tires on one axle or tandem drive axle configuration for vehicles over 4,500 kilograms is prohibited.
- Exceptions for vehicles with dual rear tires or temporary spare tires.
- Vehicle tires must not:
- Be damaged to the extent that tire body cords are exposed or affected.
- Be re-cut or re-grooved below the original tread depth unless specified by the manufacturer.
- Have tread wear indicators contacting the road in consecutive grooves.
Newfoundland and Labrador Trip Permits (IRP Permits)
According to the Highway Traffic Act, all commercial motor vehicles operating on Newfoundland and Labrador roads must be registered. International Registration Plan (IRP) allows registration for vehicles traveling across two or more jurisdictions.
Single-trip commercial vehicle registration:
- Is required for vehicles not covered under the IRP or registered in another province.
- Qualifies for a maximum of 3 trips per year, with a $75.00 licensing fee per trip per vehicle.
Newfoundland and Labrador Fuel Permits (IFTA Permits)
Any motor vehicle operating in Newfoundland and Labrador must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be registered with the International Fuel Tax Association (IFTA);
- Buy a fuel tax permit issued per trip.
Newfoundland and Labrador Specialty Permits
The need for special permits may arise from your load’s nature, size, and weight.
Excessive Over Mass Permit:
In the case of a single trip permit issued for a particular tractor/trailer combination due to excessive over mass, any vehicle/load surpassing the weight limits outlined for such a permit is deemed an excessive over mass permit, necessitating further evaluation. Upon approval of the application, additional restrictions may be imposed as necessary.
Excessive Over Dimension Permit:
In the case of a single trip permit issued for a particular tractor/trailer combination due to excessive over dimension, any vehicle/load surpassing the specified dimension limits for such a permit is classified as an excessive over dimension permit, necessitating further review. Upon approval of the application, additional restrictions may be imposed as deemed necessary.
Amber Light Permits:
Vehicles escorting oversized loads shall be equipped with roof-mounted amber warning lights.
Loading (Parking) Zone Permits:
A loading zone permit may be issued for using commercial loading zones by non-commercial delivery vehicles.
For more information about specialty permits:
Oversize/Overweight Load Fines in Newfoundland and Labrador
Oversize and overweight fines in Newfoundland and Labrador depend on the weight exceeding the maximum legal requirements.
A fine of $100 plus additional fines based on weight:
- $1.20 for each 50 kilograms of the first 2,300 kilograms overweight.
- $2.40 for each 50 kilograms of excess weight over 2,300 kilograms but not over 4,500 kilograms.
- $3.60 for each 50 kilograms of excess weight over 4,500 kilograms but not over 7,000 kilograms.
- $4.80 for each 50 kilograms of excess weight over 7,000 kilograms but not over 9,000 kilograms.
- $6 for each 50 kilograms of excess weight over 9,000 kilograms.
A fine of $100 plus additional fines based on overdimension:
- $100 for up to 0.5 meters overdimension.
- $150 for over 0.5 meters but less than 1.77 meters overdimension.
- $300 for 1.77 meters but not more than 2.6 meters overdimension.
- $750 for over 2.6 meters overdimension.
Special permit compliance:
- In addition to fines, overweight or overdimension vehicles cannot proceed until a special permit is obtained and all conditions are met.
- Failure to comply with or contravene conditions of a special permit incurs an additional fine of not less than $600 upon summary conviction.
Oversize/Overweight Permits Costs in Newfoundland and Labrador
The cost of Newfoundland and Labrador OSOW permits varies depending on the load type, nature, and excessive weight and size. A single-trip permit costs about $75, while an annual one may exceed $400.
You may also be charged an application fee for processing and handling your permit request.
For more details: https://www.gov.nl.ca/motorregistration/files/drivers-fees.pdf
Trucking Permit Service
Express Permits provides a full spectrum of trucking permit services. We assist motor carriers in obtaining the appropriate oversize and overweight permits, coordinating with authorities, and ensuring compliance with state regulations, saving valuable time, effort, and potential penalties. You can rely on us regardless of your load’s type, nature, and destination.