['Size and Weight Limits']
['Weights and dimensions', 'Oversize and Overweight Movements']
12/04/2024
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When a permit is required
Vehicles, loads, and combinations of vehicles which exceed legal size and weight limits must secure special permits to operate on highways in Newfoundland and Labrador. Permits will only be issued for non-reducible loads.
Application procedure
The Minister of Government Services and Lands may grant a written permit for the movement of overdimensional or overmass loads, objects, or structures. Applications for such a permit may be made in person, in writing or facsimile. A number of locations in Newfoundland and Labrador issue permits.
There are two general types of permits:
- Annual Special Permit for Over-mass and Oversize Loads; and
- Single Trip Permit.
There are four categories of single-trip special permits for overmass or oversize loads:
- Single trip regular permits;
- Excessive overweight permits;
- Excessive overdimessional permits; and
- Two-vehicle concept permits.
Specific application requirements can be obtained from the MRD Division or any inspection station (scales).
Single Trip Permits - issued to a specific tractor/trailer combination for either overweight and/or overdimension. The maximum dimensions are:
- Width up to and including 4.88 metres;
- Length up to and including 35 metres;
- Height up to and including 4.88 metres; and
- Rear overhang up to and including 6.2 metres.
The maximum weight limitation is 70,000 kilograms for a regular single trip, and 120,000 kilograms for a single trip two vehicle concept.
Annual Permits - issued to a specific tractor for either overweight and/or overdimensional and will all be covered under a one time fee. A single annual permit will be issued for various trailer configurations. Annual permits are issued for one year. Single trip permits will be issued when dimensions are over the annual permit limitation. The maximum dimensions are:
- Width 3.66 metres;
- Height 4.5 metres;
- Front or rear overhang 3.1 metres; and
- Length up to and including 25 metres
The maximum weight limitation is 64,000 kilograms.
Excessive Overweight Permits - issued to a specific tractor/trailer combination. Exception will be given to cranes which have been registered in the province prior to the coming into force of the current weight limitations.
Excessive Overdimensional Permits - evaluated on a project basis and issued to a specific tractor/trailer combination.
Fees
Single Trip Permits | $60.00 (to a maximum of $300 per year) |
Annual Permits | $300.00 per year |
Excessive Overweight Permits Crane Exception Permits | $200.00 per trip $300.00 annual fee |
Excessive Overdimensional Permits | $100.00 per trip |
Slow Moving Vehicle Permits | $10.00 per trip |
Insurance requirements
The Minister may require posting of a bond sufficient to cover the cost of repairing any damage to a highway and its bridges that may result from the movement referred to in the permit, or from the movement other than in accordance with the permit.
Permitted vehicle limitations
Every special permit shall be carried in the vehicle or combination of vehicles and shall be produced at the request of any peace officer, or Inspector.
Generally, the issuance of a permit will depend on the urgency of the move, the route, the destination, the time of the movement, weather conditions, and approval of other agencies and jurisdictions.
Overweight
An overweight permit issued with respect to a commercial motor vehicle or combination of vehicles would specify the maximum permitted axle weights in addition to the total maximum permitted weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles.
The Department of Government Services and Lands, MRD Division utilizes a computer program to determine the axle weights for overmass special permits. Contact the MRD Division for more information.
Sign requirements
The “D” sign consists of red vertical stripes on a white background with a white letter “D” in the center of the sign. It must measure 30 centimetres high and 240-245 centimetres long. There also are specific requirements with regard to the materials used in the sign.
Loads greater than 3.04 metres wide must display the “D” sign to the front and rear of the vehicle.
All overheight loads must display the revolving amber light and the “D” signs to the front and rear of the vehicle.
Vehicles and/or loads in excess of 25 metres long must display “D” signs at the front and rear. The revolving amber light must be displayed on the cab of the towing vehicle. Red fluorescent flags must be attached at the front and rear of the vehicle or load at the outer left and right extremities.
Loads with a rear overhang greater than 2 metres up to and including 3.04 metres must have the same requirements as vehicles and/or loads in excess of 25 metres long. Loads with a rear overhang greater than 3.04 metres must also have extended rear vision mirrors and a rear brake signal light remote bar attached at the rear of the load.
Signs reading “Wide Load,” “Long Load,” or “Oversize Load” are not acceptable in the province.
Flags and lighting requirements
The only flag specifications are the color, red fluorescent, and the size, 46 by 46 centimetres. Flags must be displayed at the extremities during daylight hours.
All overwidth loads must display the revolving amber light. When a revolving amber light is required, it must be mounted on the top of the cab and be visible for 150 metres. If the light is not readily visible from the rear of the vehicle, a second lamp must be mounted at the rear of the load.
All overheight loads must display the revolving amber light and the “D” signs to the front and rear of the vehicle.
Escort and Flagperson Requirements
Escorts - Escort vehicles shall be equipped with two 360 degree amber warning lights spaced not less than one metre apart, mounted at the highest part of the vehicle. These light sources are to emit alternating flashes of light which shall be clearly visible from a distance of 150 metres in normal daylight. “D” signs shall be displayed on the pilot vehicle’s front and rear.
Oversize
Width - Loads in excess of 3.66 metres wide up to and including 4.27 metres must be preceded by an escort on all highways other than the T.C.H. Loads in excess of 4.27 metres wide up to and including 4.88 metres must be preceded by an escort on two lane highways, and is to follow the movement on four lane or divided highways. Loads wider than 4.88 metres would be subject to additional requirements.
Height - There are no general escort or flagman requirements for overheight loads. Loads or heights in excess of 4.50 metres must consult with overhead power and utility companies prior to the move.
Length - Loads in excess of 25 metres long must be followed by an escort vehicle(s), as described above. Loads longer than 30 metres would be subject to additional requirements.
Travel restrictions
Overweight
There are no general escort requirements for normal overweight movements. Slow movement, however, may require escorts as per permit.
Every movement shall be exercised with due regard for road, weather and traffic conditions when visibility is reduced or when wind conditions are such as to create a hazard.
Oversize
Width - Overwidth and/or wide loaded vehicles 3.04 metres wide or less are permitted to be moved on all highways from Monday to Sunday inclusive with special permit authorization.
Overwidth and/or wide loaded vehicles exceeding 3.04 metres in width but not exceeding 3.66 metres in width are permitted to travel during day light hours only Monday to Sunday inclusive (except as noted in next paragraph).
Between the dates of June 10 and September 15 inclusive, overwidth and/or wide loaded vehicles exceeding 3.04 metres in width but not exceeding 3.66 metres in width are not permitted to travel after 3 p.m. on any Friday, nor after noon of the last day of the weekend. The last day of the weekend is Sunday or Monday where Monday is a public holiday.
Overwidth and/or wide loaded vehicles exceeding 3.66 metres in width and not exceeding 5.2 metres in width shall:
- Be permitted to move during daylight hours only from Monday to Friday inclusive;
- Not be permitted to move on any public holiday;
- Not be permitted to move after 3 p.m. on any Friday; and
- Loads wider than 5.2 metres are subject to special requirements.
Height - Overheight permits for movements in excess of 4.15 metres up to and including 4.88 metres are subject to the same constraints as overwidth loads between 3.04 metres and 3.66 metres.
Loads in excess of 4.88 metres are subject to additional requirements.
Length - There are general travel restrictions on overlength movements specified on each permit.
Overweight
There are no general travel restrictions on overweight movements. These movements may, however, be subject to additional requirements.
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['Size and Weight Limits']
['Weights and dimensions', 'Oversize and Overweight Movements']
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