Oversize / Overweight Permits in Ontario
Ontario Oversize/Overweight Regulations
According to Ontario 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)
- Raw forest products (en route) – 9′ 2.24″(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
Length:
- Single unit length: 41′ 0.13″ (12.5 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)
- Semi-trailer including load – 54′ 1.61″(16.15 m) (SPIF) and 48′ 0.77″(14.65 m) (NON-SPIF) (Safe, Productive, Infrastructure-Friendly)
- Combination length: 75′ 5.51″ (23 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 gross weight: 80,000 – 121,254 lb. 36.300-55,000 kg (including the weight of the load) (varies on the axle configuration)
- Single axle: 16,976 lb. 7,700 kg
- Tandem axle: 33,069 – 42,108 lb. 15,000-19,100 kg (varies on the axle configuration)
For more details, please see: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/050413
Ontario Single Trip Oversize/Overweight Permits
A general 7-day 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. You may require a separate permit to be brought back to the original location. The permit fee ranges from $66.25 to $714, depending on the type of single-trip permit.
For more details:
Ontario Annual Oversize/Overweight Permits
This permit allows unrestricted movement for up to 365 days, allowing a particular vehicle and approved load to repeatedly travel one way between two points on designated routes.
Annual permit limits for vehicles and/or loads (subject to vehicle configuration) are as follows:
- Weight: up to 63,500 kg (approximately 139,994.76 lb)
- Width: up to 3.85 m (approximately 12 feet 7.6 inches) on multi-lane highways and up to 3.7 m (approximately 12 feet 1.6 inches) on 2-lane highways
- Length: up to 25 m (approximately 82 feet)
- Height: up to 4.26 m (approximately 13 feet 11.9 inches)
Enhanced annual permit limits for vehicles and/or loads (subject to vehicle configuration) are as follows:
- Weight: up to 78,000 kg (approximately 171,961.82 lb)
- Width: up to 3.85 m (approximately 12 feet 7.6 inches) on multi-lane highways and up to 3.7 m (approximately 12 feet 1.6 inches) on 2-lane highways
- Length: up to 32 m (approximately 104 feet 11.8 inches)
- Height: up to 4.26 m (approximately 13 feet 11.9 inches)
If you possess an annual permit or enhanced annual permit, you are permitted to travel on toll highways, provided your vehicle is equipped with a valid transponder.
Permit costs vary depending on the type of permit, ranging from $448.75 to $744.50
For more details:
Ontario Wide Load Requirements
All vehicles/loads wider than 8′ 6.36″ (2.6 m) (raw forest products 9′ 2.24″(2.8 m)) require an oversized permit issued by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Permit Issuing Office.
Oversize Load Flag Requirements:
All sides and extremities of oversized vehicles and loads must be marked with bright red or orange warning flags of not less than 40 cm square.
Oversize Load Banner Requirements:
All oversized vehicles must be equipped with “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “D” banners(signs) in black letters at least 200 mm high, with lines forming the letters at least 30 mm wide on a yellow background.
Oversize Load Sign Requirements:
Signs must be lit up or made of reflective material at night (sunset to sunrise) and visible from at least 150 m (492 feet) away.
Oversize Load Lighting Requirements:
During nighttime transportation, all extremities must be marked with solid amber lamps visible both at the front and rear, in compliance with SAE Code P2 or P3. These lamps must bear appropriate markings.
When undertaking nighttime moves, it is mandatory to display a retro-reflective “D” sign,
Oversize Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Requirements:
No Escort Required:
- Widths: from 2.61 m to 3.99 m
- Lengths: from 23.01 m to 36.75 m
- Heights: from 4.16 m to 4.86 m
Escort Required:
Widths:
- 4 m to 4.99 m: 1 escort vehicle on multi-lane highways, 1 escort vehicle on two-lane highways (4 m to 4.59 m), 2 escort vehicles on two-lane highways (4.6 m to 4.99 m).
One private escort warning vehicle must accompany the authorized load, preceding it on two-lane highways or following it on multi-lane highways. A second private escort warning vehicle is necessary to follow the load on two-lane highways.
Lengths:
- 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 — Mobile/Modular Homes.
Height:
- 4.87 m and greater: 1 escort vehicle (pole car) required
The permit holder bears responsibility for all horizontal and vertical clearances along the route. It is essential to ensure proper clearances exist. A pilot escort vehicle, equipped with a height pole 8 cm higher than the load, must precede the load to guarantee correct vertical clearances and communicate any obstructions to the permitted vehicle’s driver.
Note: There can be additional escort requirements specified in the permit.
Ontario Wide Load Restrictions
All loads wider than 8′ 6.36″ (2.6 m) (raw forest products 9′ 2.24″(2.8 m)) are subject to the following restrictions:
Oversize Holiday Restrictions:
Oversize/overweight moves are permitted on statutory holidays and preceding days with restrictions.
Allowed dimensions:
- Width up to 12.14 ft (3.70m) on two-lane highways and 12.63 ft (3.85m) on multi-lane.
- Length up to 82 ft (25m) for combination vehicles and 41.01 ft (12.50m) for single vehicles.
- Height up to 13.97 ft (4.26m).
- Weight up to 140,000 lbs (63,500 kg).
Restrictions apply for exceeding these dimensions.
Weekend moves are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Allowed dimensions :
- Width up to 16.34 ft (4.99m).
- Length up to 150 ft (45.75m) for combination vehicles and 41.01 ft (12.5m) for single vehicles.
Oversize Legal Travel Times Restrictions:
Friday Moves:
- Allowed all day except during summer months.
- Summer restrictions: No travel between 3:00 pm and midnight (Southern Ontario in June, July, and August; Northern Ontario in July and August).
- Exceptions for vehicles up to 13.97 ft (4.26m) in height and weight under 140,000 lbs (63,500 kg).
Long Wheelbase Tractors:
- Regulation reaffirms preference for a 20.34 ft (6.20m) wheelbase.
- Specialized carriers may use overlength tractors for O/O loads.
- Staff verified tractor dimensions; unjustified use was questioned.
Congested Traffic:
- Applies to permits with dimensions exceeding certain limits.
- Restrictions on travel entering or exiting the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) during peak hours.
Designated Area (GTA Restrictions):
- Inbound A.M. and Outbound P.M.: Thickson Road (East), King/Stouffville Road (North), Trafalgar Road/403/407 ETR/QEW (West), Lakeshore Road (South).
- Outbound A.M. and Inbound P.M.: Whites Road/Rouge River (East), King/Stouffville Road (North), Highway 10/Bronte Road (West), Lakeshore Road (South).
- Time restrictions: 7:00 – 9:30 a.m., 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Oversize Road and Bridge Restrictions:
Ontario adheres to specific bridge restrictions:
For gross vehicle weights exceeding 120,000 kg (264,555 lbs), you must have the bridges along your route evaluated by a qualified engineer, and the report must be submitted to the Ministry of Transportation Oversize/Overweight Permit Issuing Office for approval.
You must operate at the lowest practical speed when crossing bridges if your vehicle has a gross weight of more than 45,000 kg (99,208 lbs).
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
Note: All vehicles, including driven and towed, must comply with posted bridge weight limits.
Oversize Seasonal Weight Restrictions:
Annual and project overweight permits are restricted on highways in certain months:
- March and April in Southern Ontario.
- March, April, and May in Northern Ontario.
The province is divided into regions for this restriction, from west to east:
- From the Severn River to Regional Rd. 169.
- Along Regional Rd. 169 to Hwy. 12.
- Hwy. 12 to Hwy. 7 north of Sunderland.
- Hwy. 7 to Regional Rd. 7B at Carleton Place.
- Regional Rd. 7B to Hwy. 15.
- Regional Rd. 29 to Arnprior.
Single-trip permits for oversize loads on highways not designated in Schedules 1, 2, and 3 are subject to axle controls set by the Ministry of Transportation.
The Ministry imposes reduced load limits on certain parts of King’s Highways listed in Schedules 1, 2, and 3 during the spring thaw season, from March to June annually.
For more details:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/guide-oversizeoverweight-vehicles-and-loads
Ontario Wide Load Limits
Everything wider than 8′ 6.36″ (2.6 m) (raw forest products 9′ 2.24″(2.8 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) (raw forest products 9′ 2.24″(2.8 m)) (from the outside points of the widest extremities, excluding safety devices)
Axle Weight Limits:
Legal axle weight limit:
- Maximum gross weight: 80,000 – 121,254 lb. (36.300-55,000 kg) (including the weight of the load) (varies on the axle configuration)
- Single axle: 16,976 lb. (7,700 kg)
- Tandem axle: 33,069 – 42,108 lb. (15,000-19,100 kg) (varies on the axle configuration).
The maximum permitted axle weight limit:
- Maximum gross weight: 139,994 lb.(63,500 kg) (including the weight of the load)
- Per axle weight depends on the axle configuration and the type of permit
Oversize Tire Regulations:
Tires must be in normal operating condition, properly inflated, and feature the minimum legal tread depth.
Ontario allows the use of tire chains when necessary. Studded winter tires are permitted in Northern Ontario from September 1st to May 31st for residents of specific districts, including Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Temiskaming. Residents, business owners, or those with road authority in Northern Ontario can use studded tires. Non-Ontario residents can use them for up to 30 days in the province. Regulations specify the size and placement of studs. Using studded tires in Southern Ontario can lead to a $1,000 fine.
Regarding tire condition:
- Tires must not have exposed cords, cuts, or abnormal bumps.
- They should not be removed or recut unless designed for it.
- Tread depth should not be worn beyond specified limits.
Ontario Trip Permits
If Ontario is not on your International Registration Plan (IRP) cab card, you can request the permit agency for a single-trip permit.
Ontario Fuel Permits
You should register for IFTA with Ontario if your commercial vehicle meets the following criteria:
- Has two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight exceeding 11,797 kg (26,000 pounds), or three or more axles regardless of weight, or a total registered gross vehicle weight exceeding 11,797 kg (26,000 pounds) when combined with a trailer.
- Operate the vehicle from a business location in Ontario.
- Maintain vehicle records in Ontario or make them available to the Ontario Ministry of Finance.
- The vehicle travels in Ontario and at least one other jurisdiction.
Recreational vehicles used solely for personal pleasure and vehicles associated with business operations are not considered qualified motor vehicles.
If you lack a valid IFTA license and occasionally travel into other jurisdictions, you can purchase a single-trip permit from authorized permit agents on a trip-by-trip basis. These permits allow conditional travel for one vehicle into another jurisdiction for a predetermined distance and time period, potentially incurring additional fees beyond fuel tax.
Ontario Specialty Permits
The need for special permits may arise from your load’s nature, size, and weight.
Before transporting a vehicle on the highways, the owner/operator must either obtain a special permit or show their intention to get one by contacting the Special Permits Office.
Project permits:
Project permits are for carriers handling repetitive moves of similar loads along designated routes. They’re valid for up to 6 months, depending on contract duration. Two types are available: regular (printed) and enhanced (emailed).
Limits for vehicles/loads (subject to configuration):
- Regular: Weight up to 154,324 lbs (70,000 kg), width up to 14.11 ft (4.3m), length up to 120.57 ft (36.75m).
- Enhanced: Weight varies, width up to 16.34 ft (4.99m), length up to 150 ft (45.75m).
Processing takes up to 15 business days, so apply at least 30 days before the start date. Applications must detail load specifics, with charges possible for discrepancies during the inspection.
Special vehicle configuration permits:
Special vehicle configuration permits cater to unique vehicle and load combinations deviating from Highway Traffic Act standards. They’re utilized for trials, pilot projects, cross-jurisdictional requests, specific municipal travel needs, and temporary adjustments during regulatory updates. Applicants may need to furnish safety, economic, or infrastructure assessments. Processing typically takes 15 business days or more, with costs varying.
Amber Light Permits:
Vehicles escorting oversize loads shall be equipped with roof-mounted amber warning lights.
Loading 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 Ontario
Oversize and overweight fines in Ontario depend on the weight exceeding the maximum legal requirements.
All conditions listed on oversize/overweight permits must be strictly followed. Breaching any condition can lead to permit termination and potential prosecution. Police officers have the authority to signal vehicles to stop, with hefty fines and possible imprisonment for non-compliance. Weight-based fines range from $5 to $25, with a minimum overweight fine of $100 plus court costs. All fines are subject to a Victim Fine Surcharge, approximately 25% of the fine amount.
Oversize/Overweight Permits Costs in Ontario
The cost of Ontario OSOW permits varies depending on the load type, nature, and excessive weight and size. It starts at about $65 for a single-trip permit and can reach over $745 for annual permits.
You may also be charged an application fee for processing and handling your permit request.
Trucking Permit Service
Express Permits provides a full spectrum of trucking permit services, assisting 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.