Trucking Regulations (Oversized Load Permit)

Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA), the City of North Bay has a number of by-laws which regulate the movement of trucks through the City.

Truck Routes

To address the needs of the trucking industry and to limit the detrimental effects of trucking on specific roadways, the City of North Bay has established a network of roads designated for use by heavy vehicles. The following is an excerpt from the City of North Bay By-law:

Traffic By-law 2014-38

3.13 Truck Routes

1. The highways or portions of highways described in Schedule 8 are designated as truck routes.
2. Where official signs are posted, no person shall operate or park a heavy vehicle on any highway in the City other than on the highways designated as truck routes in Schedule 8.
3. Notwithstanding subsection (2), a heavy vehicle may be driven to make a direct delivery to or collection from a bona fide destination in the City, provided that the operator of the heavy vehicle proceeds by the most direct route between the nearest truck route and the place of delivery or pick up in the City, and on the completion of the conduct of business, the heavy vehicle is returned by the most direct route to the nearest truck route.

3.14 Load Limits on Bridges 

1. The bridges at the locations set out in Schedule 9 are designated as bridges for which load limits are prescribed.
2. Where official signs are posted, no person shall drive or move a vehicle or combination of vehicles over any bridge described in Schedule 9 where the gross weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles exceeds the gross weight limits listed in Schedule 9.

Reduced Load Period (Half-Loading)

To reduce the effects heavy vehicles have on roadways during the spring thaw, the City of North Bay has declared a period of reduced loading on certain roads for the period from March 1 to May 15 inclusive. The actual duration of the restriction may vary depending on the road conditions. During the reduced load period, the maximum allowable weight shall not exceed five tonnes per axle. All roads covered by half loading are posted with the appropriate regulatory signs. Refer to the Reduced Load By-Law 2004-45 Schedule A for a map of roads designated for reduced loads.

Oversize Load Permit

The City of North Bay issues permits to allow the movement of oversized / overweight vehicles and loads which exceed the limits set out in the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) on roads under its jurisdiction.

How Do I know if my Vehicle/Load needs a Permit?

A permit is required when the dimensions or weight of a vehicle(s) exceeds the normal limits permitted by legislation. The following guide is a breakdown of the weight and dimension limitations. For the specific information please refer to the appropriate sections of the HTA.

Other modes of transport, such as rail, air or water, should be considered when planning a movement that exceeds the allowable limits set out in the HTA.

Maximum width:

Vehicle including load - 2.6 m (8 ft. 6in.)
Exceptions:

1. Raw forest products (en route) - 2.8 m (9 ft. 2in.)
2. Road service vehicles as defined in Part X of the HTA and such vehicles while they are travelling to and from a maintenance site or repair centre - no specified limit.
3. Loose fodder (including rectangular and round bales of hay - no specified limit.)

Maximum Length:

Single vehicle including load - 12.5 m (41 ft.)
Exceptions:

1. A fire apparatus
2. A semi-trailer
3. An articulated bus

Maximum Length:

Semi-trailer including load - 14.65 m (48 ft.)

Definition of semi-trailer: A vehicle that is towed by another vehicle and is so designed and used that a substantial part of its weight and load rests on, or is carried by, the other vehicle or a trailer converter dolly through a fifth wheel assembly.

Note: Does not include any extension in length caused by auxiliary equipment or machinery not designed for carrying a load.

Maximum Length (Combination):

Combination of vehicles and load - 23 m (75 ft.)

Maximum Height:

Vehicle and load - 4.15 m (13 ft. 6 in.)

Maximum Weight:

Maximum weight allowances are determined using axle configurations and spacing. A permit is required if the axle and/or gross vehicle weight exceeds the limits set out in the HTA. See e-Laws: Highway Traffic Act Ontario Regulation 413/05.

Where Can I Obtain a Permit?

You can obtain a permit by completing the application and submitting it, as detailed below.   An Application is available online by clicking on the link (banner) at the top of this page.

Over Sized Loads Permit Application

There is a fee for the permit and payment can be made by cash or cheque, payable to the City of North Bay.

Single trip, project and annual permits are available. The permit fees for 2023 are as follows:

Single Trip Permit - $85.00

A single trip permit is issued to facilitate an oversized move for a one way trip along a specified route for a limited time period.

Project Permit - $310.00

A project permit is issued to allow contractors to move loads, objects and structures over the same specified route for a period of up to, and including 6 months, depending on the duration of the contract. A confirmation of timing and route, is to be completed and submitted to the City of North Bay Five (5) days prior to each move, by emailing the approved permit to OVPNotice@northbay.ca.

Annual Permit - $435.00

An annual permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. The annual permit also allows the move of the same type of loads, objects and structures over the same specified route for the 12 month period. A confirmation of timing and route, is to be completed and submitted to the City of North Bay Five (5) days prior to each move, by emailing the approved permit to OVPNotice@northbay.ca.

Completed application forms and payment may be sent to:

City of North Bay
City Hall
Engineering Department, 6th floor 
200 McIntyre Street East
North Bay, Ontario
P1B 8V6