...
International Registration Plan (IRP)
Alberta is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP). Alberta-based carriers operating apportionable vehicles in Alberta and one or more other member jurisdictions are subject to IRP.
An apportioned vehicle is any commercial vehicle used for the transportation of persons or property and:
- Is a power unit having a gross weight in excess of 11,794 kilograms (26,000 pounds); or
- Is a power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight; or
- Is used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds 11,794 kilograms (26,000 pounds) gross vehicle weight; or
- Is a regular route bus.
Vehicles with restricted plates, charter buses, or vehicles/combinations with a gross weight of 11,794 kilograms (26,000 pounds) or less are not required to be apportioned but may be apportioned at the registrant's option.
Upon new IRP registration, carriers must file an “Agreement to Maintain Records” form. This form is an agreement signed by the carrier’s authorized company representative that states the carrier will keep all applicable documentation for the required timeframe. If the carrier doesn't keep records according to the agreement, the carrier can face penalties or cancellation of the IRP account.
Fees
The fee for application to register a commercial motor vehicle under IRP is $13. The fees listed below are the registration fees for a 12-month period for a vehicle or combination of vehicles. The fees are prorated monthly and rounded to the nearest dollar.
Buses: $100
| Licenced Maximum Gross Weight | Fee | Licenced Maximum Gross Weight | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2,500 kg | $67 | 19,001-23,000 kg | $819 |
| 2,501-3,000 kg | $80 | 23,001-28,000 kg | $1057 |
| 3,001-3,600 kg | $106 | 28,001-34,000 kg | $1387 |
| 3,601-4,400 kg | $133 | 34,001-41,000 kg | $1809 |
| 4,401-5,300 kg | $159 | 41,001-49,000 kg | $2377 |
| 5,301-6,300 kg | $185 | 49,001-51,000 kg | $2509 |
| 6,301-7,600 kg | $225 | 51,001-53,000 kg | $2654 |
| 7,601-9,200 kg | $265 | 53,001-55,000 kg | $2786 |
| 9,201-11,000 kg | $317 | 55,001-57,000 kg | $2918 |
| 11,001-13,000 kg | $383 | 57,001-59,000 kg | $3050 |
| 13,001-16,000 kg | $463 | 59,001-61,000 kg | $3182 |
| 16,001-17,999 kg | $608 | 61,001-63,000 kg | $3314 |
| 18,000-19,000 kg | $634 | 63,001-63,500 kg | $3446 |
For registration in excess of 63,501 kilograms, the fees are $3,446 plus $120 for each 2,000 kilograms or portion thereof over 63,501 kilograms.
Registration renewal
The Alberta commercial vehicle registration period is on a staggered basis; however, all prorated registrations come due on March 31. Once a motor carrier has vehicles registered under an IRP account, they are able to make changes either to the equipment (adding or deleting vehicles), to the registered vehicle weights. Depending on the circumstances, if both the licence plate and cab card are returned to the province (or a declaration form completed as to what happened to them), carriers are able to apply for a refund of fees paid when a vehicle is deleted, or can transfer the fees to a new vehicle.
Registration trip permits
Carriers whose vehicles are without Alberta licence plates or who have not apportioned their vehicles must obtain Load Permits from Vehicle Inspection Stations. If such a station is not located at the immediate border line, then a driver of an unlicenced vehicle must phone in advance and obtain the permit number prior to entering the province. Phoned-in requests for load permits are also accepted where a driver may not be able to arrive at a station before it closes, or there is not a station located in the area of travel. Permits granted by phone in this manner are then billed to the person or company, or can be picked up and paid for at a Canadian vehicle inspection station.
Generally, load permit fees are calculated after a driver arrives at a Vehicle Inspection station, or a driver may phone ahead with the pertinent information needed to compute the fee and pay when he/she arrives at the nearest station. Individuals or companies are only allowed six single trip permits per year.
Fees: Trip permits (licensing permit) for carriers may be granted at the following rate: Fee assessment is based on weight in relation to distance, and will be $2.50 for every 500 kilograms. Minimum $15 charge ($20 for buses). Each trailer towed by a commercial vehicle is considered to be a separate commercial vehicle. Valid for a single trip.
Registration trip permits
Carriers whose vehicles are without Alberta licence plates or who have not apportioned their vehicles must obtain Load Permits from Vehicle Inspection Stations. If such a station is not located at the immediate border line, then a driver of an unlicenced vehicle must phone in advance and obtain the permit number prior to entering the province. Phoned-in requests for load permits are also accepted where a driver may not be able to arrive at a station before it closes, or there is not a station located in the area of travel. Permits granted by phone in this manner are then billed to the person or company, or can be picked up and paid for at a Canadian vehicle inspection station.
Generally, load permit fees are calculated after a driver arrives at a Vehicle Inspection station, or a driver may phone ahead with the pertinent information needed to compute the fee and pay when he/she arrives at the nearest station. Individuals or companies are only allowed six single trip permits per year.
Fees: Trip permits (licensing permit) for carriers may be granted at the following rate: Fee assessment is based on weight in relation to distance, and will be $2.50 for every 500 kilograms. Minimum $15 charge ($20 for buses). Each trailer towed by a commercial vehicle is considered to be a separate commercial vehicle. Valid for a single trip.