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When a permit is Required
Any vehicle or load which exceeds legal size or weight limits must secure an oversize or overweight permit before operating on the highways of the province of Ontario. Permits will only be granted for indivisible loads for which there is no alternative means of movement. When a permit has been issued, it must be carried in the vehicle to which it applies and be available for inspection by authorities.
Oversize/overweight permits will not be issued for a corridor movement through Ontario between origin and destination points which both lie in the United States.
Application procedure
The Province of Ontario issues three types of permits:
Single Trip Permit - A single trip permit is issued to facilitate an oversize/overweight move for a one way trip along a specified route for a limited time 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 |
|
| Width |
|
| Height |
|
| Weight | Up to 120,000 kg subject to Weight & Load Engineer's approval |
| Single vehicle |
|
Application Process
When applying for a single trip permit, a carrier should apply at a minimum of 24 hours prior to the proposed move date but Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) suggests applying two to three days prior to 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 metres in width, and/or 45.75 metres or greater in length, and/or over 120,000 kilograms, a carrier should submit the application to St. Catharines Permit Issuing Office at least five days prior to 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 prior to processing.
Loads that are in excess of 120,000 kilograms gross vehicle weight, and/or six metres in width intending to travel on two-lane highways or seven metres in width if traveling on multilane highways, and/or 45.75 metres in length, are considered to be " superloads." " Superloads" are not considered to be 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 as well as various senior Ministry management personnel as circumstances may warrant.
Documentation must clearly demonstrate the requirement to make the intended move on the province's highways; this is 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 to be provided.
- Detailed description of the load including engineering drawing where applicable - illustrating the construction of the item and indicating why the item cannot be reduced down in size or weight.
- Detailed description of the project the item is intended for, including - construction schedule, consequences of late delivery, economic benefits associated with the project.
Based on the Project Justification documents submitted, MTO will consider the necessity of permitting the move. Upon satisfactory justification of the project, the applicant will need to provide:
- For gross vehicle weights in excess of 120,000 kilograms, MTO requires the applicant to hire a designated consultant engineer to evaluate the bridges on route, and submit the evaluation for approval. 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, including:
- Detailed escort requirement and procedures identifying the responsibility of all units involved (Ontario Provincial Police 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 will be subjected to review and approval by MTO prior to the issuance of permits. Consideration will only be given to the move if it can be satisfactorily proven to be absolutely necessary.
Project Permit - A project permit is issued to allow contractors to move similar loads, objects and structures over the same specified route for a period of up to, and including six 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 all required documentation has been received, traffic and construction concerns will be assessed prior to 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 |
|
| Single vehicle |
|
| Width | Up to 4.30 m (standard for both single and combination vehicles; escort vehicles may be required) |
Annual Permit - An annual permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue 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 |
|
| Combination vehicles: |
|
| 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 normally processed within 10 to 15 business days of receipt. In order to avoid delays in obtaining an annual permit, please ensure the permit request is submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the requested start date of the permit.
Special Vehicle Configuration Permit - Special Vehicle Configuration permits are issued for vehicles that vary from the requirements of the HTA and regulations. The purpose of Special Vehicle Configuration permits is to harmonize 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 to allow for a variance from a limit within a specific geographical area. For further information contact the St. Catharines office at (416) 246-7166, extension 6306, or (800) 387-7736, extension 6306 (toll-free in Ontario only).
Oversize and/or overweight permits may be secured by making application to the MTO, Weights and Dimensions Office or by contacting any field office location. Application may be made in person, by mail or fax.
Fees
Applications by mail should be made as far in advance of the proposed movement date as possible and must be accompanied by the required fees. A facsimile request must also be accompanied by the required fee. Payment may be made by cash or debit (over the counter only), cheque or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). To pay by credit card, a credit card authorization form must be completed and submitted with the permit application. All personal cheques must be certified unless payment is sent by mail. Single Trip Permits may be faxed, e-mailed or picked up. The original Annual or Project Permits must be carried with the load.
Fees charged for issuance of oversize and overweight permits are as follows:
| Annual Permit | $300 $400 (effective 1/1/13) |
| Project Permit | $200 $260 (effective 1/1/13) |
| Single Trip Permits | |
| Oversize | $50 $65 (effective 1/1/13) |
| Overweight up to 120,000 kg, travel on provincial highways | |
| Up to 100 km | $100 $125 (effective 1/1/13) |
| From 101 km to 500 km | $150 $200 (effective 1/1/13) |
| Over 500 km | $200 $260 (effective 1/1/13) |
| Overweight over 120,000 kg, regardless of travel distance | $500 $700 (effective 1/1/13) |
| Oversize and overweight permits are the same prices as for the overweight permits listed above. | |
| Special Vehicle Configuration | refer to HTA s.110.1(10) |
A $5 fee is applied to each single trip permit that is faxed long distance.
Effective January 1, 2013, a $10 fee applies for a replacement permit in case the original is lost or destroyed. A $15 fee applies to amend an existing permit.
Insurance requirements
There are no specific extra insurance requirements for oversize or overweight vehicles. Standard insurance requirements apply. In some circumstances, a bond may be required. This is at the discretion of the Ministry.
Permitted vehicle limitations
Ontario issues permits for oversize/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 or,
- Require more than eight work hours to dismantle using appropriate resources and equipment.
The following limitations apply:
| A permit will be issued for the movement of: | However: |
| Overheight loads | 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. |
| Overwidth loads | 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. An exception may be made in the case of bulldozer blades; permits are issued for bulldozers with blades attached up to, and including, 4.27 metres 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 metres in width. Bulldozers with blades attached that are 4 to 4.27 metres in width require a private escort warning vehicle. |
| Overlength loads | 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 metres from the centre of the rearmost axle. |
| Overweight loads | The load must not be made up of more than one article. When crossing bridges, vehicles over 45,000 kilograms gross weight must be operated at the lowest practicable speed. Bridge postings and load restrictions pursuant to Part VII of the HTA apply. |
A Single Trip Permit will generally be issued for a mobile/modular home up to a maximum width of five metres plus some allowance for eaves and protuberances. See Figures 1 and 2 as follows:
The maximum overall length permitted in the transportation of mobile/modular buildings is:
- If drawn by a two-axle tractor, 29.25 metres; and
- From 29.26 to 31.09 metres if drawn by a 3-axle (dual drive) tractor (additional conditions apply).
Overweight
Any vehicle or load which exceeds the legal weight limits must secure an overweight permit before moving on highways in Ontario. To obtain the maximum benefits from a special permit, a commercial vehicle must be registered for the maximum weight permitted under the limitations prescribed. The following table illustrates the typical configurations of commercial motor vehicles and float type trailers and the maximum weights permitted.
| Axle Group Configuration | Annual Permit (kg) | Project Permit (kg) | Single Trip Permit (kg) | |||
| O | O | O | SSS | 32,100 | 32,100 | 32,100 |
| O | O | OO | SSD | 39,000 | 39,000 | 45,360 |
| O | O | OOO | SST | 39,000 | 39,000 | 45,360 |
| O | OO | O | SDS | 39,000 | 39,000 | 43,900 |
| O | OO | OO | SDD | 49,640 | 49,640 | 49,640 |
| O | OO | OOO | SDT | 59,964 | 59,964 | 59,964 |
| S - Single Axle | D - Dual Axle | T - Triple Axle |
The load shall not be composed of more than one article. When crossing bridges, vehicles of over 45,400 kilograms gross weight must be operated at the lowest practicable speed. Bridge postings and load restrictions pursuant to Part VII of HTA apply.
An Annual Permit may be issued up to a maximum weight of 63,500 kilograms. Project Permits and Single Trip Permits may be issued up to a maximum weight of 63,500 kilograms, subject to any Reduced Load Period requirements present during spring and over bridges posted for restricted loading.
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE AXLE WEIGHTS FOR SPECIAL PERMITS (DURING REDUCED LOAD PERIODS)
| TIRE WIDTH OF | SINGLE STEERING AXLE | DUAL AXLE | TRIPLE AXLE MINIMUM SPREAD OF 2.44 M | FOUR AXLE MINIMUM SPREAD OF 3.66 M | |
| INCHES | 2 * | 8 * | 16 * | 12 * | 16 * |
| 9.00 | 5,000 | 20,000 | 27,000 | 30,000 | 33,000 KGS |
| 10.00 | 5,600 | I | I | I | I KGS |
| 11.00 | 6,100 | I | I | I | I KGS |
| 12.00 | 6,700 | I | I | I | I KGS |
| 13.00 | 7,300 | I | I | I | I KGS |
| 14.00 | 7,112 | I | I | I | I KGS |
| 15.00 | 7,620 | I | I | I | I KGS |
| 16.00 | 8,128 | I | I | I | I KGS |
| 17.00 | 8,636 | I | I | I | I KGS |
| 18.00 | 9,000 | I | I | I | I KGS |
* number of tires
Under no circumstances may weights exceed the manufacturer's rated capacity of any vehicle component or tire capacity.
(f) Flags, Signs and Lighting
Vehicles and/or loads in excess of HTA legal dimensions require special flags and signs. When travelling 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 flags described above, 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 travelling 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.
The signs must be removed or covered when not required.
Lighting:
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 travelling under a night move, a retro-reflective "D" sign described above must be present.
(g) Escort Requirements
A permit may be issued on the condition that the permit holder provides an escort vehicle(s) either preceding or following the oversize/overweight vehicle or load. A description of when an escort vehicle is required is as follows:
No escort required:
- For widths from 2.61 - 3.99 metres
- For lengths from 23.01 - 36.75 metres
- For heights from 4.16 - 4.86 metres
When a Private Escort Warning Vehicle is Required:
Widths:
- from 4 - 4.99 metres, one escort vehicle required on multi-lane highways
- from 4 - 4.59 metres, one escort vehicle required on two-lane highways
- from 4.6 - 4.99 metres, two 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 - 45.74 metres, one escort vehicle required
- Rear overhang greater than 4.65 metres, one escort vehicle required at the rear of load
For exceptions see "Mobile/Modular Homes."
Height:
- 4.87 metres and greater, one escort vehicle (pole car) required
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 eight centimetres 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:
Where a permit is issued on the condition that the permit holder provides a Private Escort Operator, Warning Vehicle and Equipment:
- i. 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.
- ii. The escort vehicle(s) shall not have more than two 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.
- iii. Either a "D" or an "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign shall be used (see "D" sign) attached. If using an "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign, the letters must 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-centimetre 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 travelling on a highway and shall maintain a distance of 60 - 150 metres from the load being escorted.
Caution: Escort vehicles do not have traffic control authority. The escort driver must obey all traffic laws and regulations.
A minimum of two police escort vehicles are required when:
| Width: | 5 m and greater |
| Length: | 45.75 m and greater |
| Weight: | upon Weight and Load Engineer's request |
There may be instances where, due to the parameters of the highway, escort requirements may change. If necessary, 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, it is the carrier's responsibility to make all arrangements for the escort through the Traffic Supervisor at the originating OPP District Headquarters. The OPP normally 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 particulars of the load. The OPP Traffic Supervisor is responsible for co- ordinating 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 prior to a permit being issued.
Mobile/Modular Homes:
(This includes office and construction trailers and portable schoolhouse)
Mobile/modular homes greater than 29.25 metres in length are not permitted to travel in convoy and require two private escort warning vehicles to accompany each load.
(h) Travel Restrictions
Oversize/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 January 1
- Family Day 3rd Monday of February
- Good Friday (Easter) Friday before Easter
- Victoria Day Monday before May 25
- Canada Day July 1 (except if on a Sunday)
- August Civic Holiday 1st Monday in August
- Labour Day 1st Monday in September
- Thanksgiving 2nd Monday in October
- Christmas Day December 25
- Boxing Day December 26
Moves Allowed
Oversize/overweight moves are allowed between one-half hour before sunrise and noon on a statutory holiday for dimensions that do not exceed:
- Width of 3.70 metres on two-lane highways and 3.85 metres on multi-lane highways
- Length no greater than 25 metres for combination vehicles and 12.50 metres for single vehicles
- Height maximum of 4.26 metres
- Weight no greater than 63,500 kilograms
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 the Friday. If the statutory holiday is on any other day of the week, the preceding day is the day before the holiday.
Moves Allowed
Oversize/overweight moves are allowed all day on the preceding day of a statutory holiday for dimensions that do not exceed the following dimensions:
- Width of 3.70 metres on two lane highways and 3.85 metres on multi-lane highways
- Length no greater than 25 metres for combination vehicles and 12.50 metres for single vehicles
- Height maximum 4.26 metres
- Weight no greater than 63,500 kilograms
Restrictions
Vehicles and/or loads in excess of the dimensions listed above are only allowed to travel between one-half hour before sunrise and noon on the preceding day of a statutory holiday.
Long Wheelbase Tractors
Ontario Regulation 413/05 restricts the wheelbase of tractor units to the 6.20 metre national standard. The wheelbase dimension is measured from the centre of the steer axle to the centre of the drive axle group (typically the middle of the drive axles). Carriers specialized in the transportation of oversize/overweight (O/O) indivisible loads will frequently operate overlength tractors to accommodate additional axles, heavier duty suspensions, and/or sliding fifth wheel assemblies for proper weight distribution. These requirements are generally acknowledged by MTO, 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 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 and should they suspect that a carrier is unnecessarily utilizing an overlength tractor, they are to ask for clarification and/or support documentation defining the requirements for the overlength tractor. Rationales such as on-board 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 in support of their justification.