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The purpose of commercial vehicle weights and dimensions is to establish a set of standards that apply to different types of commercial vehicles operating between provinces and territories. These standards are based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety.
Scope
Commercial vehicles are trucks, buses, tractors and trailers that are used for transporting goods or passengers across Canada. The weights and dimensions of these vehicles are regulated by different levels of government and industry to ensure road safety, efficiency and uniformity.
The provincial and territorial regulations may vary from the national standards depending on the local conditions and needs
Regulatory citations
- Provincial and territorial laws and regulations.
Key definitions
- MOU – Memorandum of Understanding
Summary of requirements
The national standards for commercial vehicle weights and dimensions are based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed by the federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety.
The MOU covers eight categories of commercial vehicle configurations: tractor semitrailer, A train double, B train double, C train double, straight truck, truck-pony trailer, truck-full trailer, and intercity bus. The MOU specifies the maximum length, width, height, hitch offset, wheelbase, interaxle spacing, fifth wheel position, kingpin setback, and weight limits for each category. The MOU also allows for some flexibility and exemptions for certain types of vehicles or operations.
The provincial and territorial regulations for commercial vehicle weights and dimensions may vary from the national standards depending on the local conditions and needs. However, there are some common elements that apply to most jurisdictions. For example, the maximum width of a commercial vehicle is generally 2.6 metres, the maximum height is 4.15 metres, and the maximum length is 23 metres for a single vehicle or 25 metres for a combination of vehicles. The maximum weight of a commercial vehicle depends on the number and configuration of axles, the axle spread, and the tire size.
Each province and territory has its own authority to issue permits for oversize or overweight vehicles that exceed the normal limits. The permits may specify the routes, times, escort vehicles, warning signs, or other conditions that must be followed by the permit holder. Some provinces and territories also have seasonal road bans or restrictions that limit the weight or size of vehicles that can travel on certain roads during certain periods of the year.
The weight limits for each category of commercial vehicle in Canada depend on the national standards and the provincial or territorial regulations. According to the national standards, based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety, the maximum weight limits for each category are as follows:
However, these weight limits may vary depending on the provincial or territorial regulations that apply within each jurisdiction.
For example, in Ontario, the maximum allowable registered gross vehicle weight (GVW) for most commercial vehicles is 63,500 kg, but in Alberta, the maximum allowable registered gross vehicle weight (GVW) for term permits is 64,000 kg. Therefore, it is important to check the specific regulations of each province or territory before operating a commercial vehicle across Canada.