LOG IN           SHIP WITH US

Oversize / Overweight Permits and Regulations in Ontario | Trusted Dispatch

Oversize and Overweight Permits in Ontario

Hauling an oversize or overweight (OSOW) load in Ontario means permits, escort vehicles, and travel rules set by Ministry of Transportation (MTO), Highway Operations Permits Office. Here is what applies, and how Trusted Dispatch handles it for you.

Legal limits (permit required above these)

  • Width: 2.6 m
  • Height: 4.15 m
  • Length: combination 23 m, single vehicle 12.5 m, semi trailer SPIF 16.15 m, semi trailer non SPIF 14.65 m

Permits and fees

  • Annual (oversize): $448.75
  • Enhanced Annual (oversize): $744.50
  • Single-trip oversize (oversize): $66.25
  • Single-trip overweight (overweight): Banded by distance – up to 100 km: $127.50; 101-500 km: $204; over 500 km: $265.25
  • Project (oversize): $291.75
  • Enhanced Project (oversize): See permit office.
  • Special Vehicle Configuration (special): See permit office.
  • Superload (superload): $714

Pilot car and escort requirements

  • Height over 4.87 m on all highways: 1 escort (pole car).
  • Length 36.76-45.74 m on all highways: 1 escort.
  • Length over 45.75 m on all highways: a certified superload escort is required.
  • Rear overhang over 4.65 m on all highways: 1 escort.
  • Width 4-4.99 m on multi-lane highways: 1 escort.
  • Width 4-4.59 m on two-lane highways: 1 escort.
  • Width 4.6-4.99 m on two-lane highways: 2 escorts.
  • Width over 5 m on all highways: a certified superload escort is required.

Load markings (flags, signs, lamps)

  • Flag: Bright red/orange flags min 40 cm square at extremities.
  • Lamp: Solid amber lamps at extremities (SAE P2/P3) + retro-reflective D sign.
  • Sign: OVERSIZE LOAD or D sign, visible 150 m; letters 200 mm; yellow background.
  • Sign: OVERSIZE LOAD front/rear + Certified Escort signage + 360 amber roof light (SAE J845 Class 1).

Travel restrictions

  • Summer Sunday (Jun-Aug South / Jul-Aug North) no travel noon-midnight; Summer Friday no travel 15:00-midnight except height 4.26 m or less and weight 63500 kg or less.
  • Statutory holiday: travel only 0.5 hr before sunrise to noon and only under sub-thresholds (3.70/3.85 m wide, 25 m combo, 4.26 m high, 63500 kg). Day before: full-day for those sub-thresholds.
  • Multiple loads separated by 45+ minutes and 10+ km en route.
  • Sat/Sun all-day OK if 4.99 m or less wide and 45.75 m or less long combination / 12.5 m single.
  • Night travel only up to 3.05 m wide and 25 m long, on multi-lane controlled-access highways with a median. Prohibited on snow/ice/closed roads or visibility 500 m or less.
  • Loads over any listed threshold banned from entering GTA AM / exiting PM.
  • Annual + project OVERWEIGHT permits not valid on any King's Highway during Mar-Apr (South) and Mar-May (North).

Oversize permits in other provinces

See all Canada oversize and overweight permit guides.

Move your Ontario heavy haul with Trusted Dispatch

Trusted Dispatch handles the permits, pilot cars, and routing for oversize and overweight loads across Canada. Get an instant estimate that already includes the permit and escort cost for your lane.

Rules current as of July 2026. Always confirm with Ministry of Transportation (MTO), Highway Operations Permits Office before travel.