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Oversize / Overweight Permits and Regulations in Nova Scotia | Trusted Dispatch

Oversize and Overweight Permits in Nova Scotia

Hauling an oversize or overweight (OSOW) load in Nova Scotia means permits, escort vehicles, and travel rules set by Service Nova Scotia (Registry of Motor Vehicles) issues permits; Nova Scotia Public Works (Vehicle Compliance) sets conditions and enforces. Here is what applies, and how Trusted Dispatch handles it for you.

A permit is required above these limits:

Max width
2.6 m
8 ft 6 in
Max height
4.15 m
13 ft 7 in
Max length
25 m
82 ft (B-train)

Legal limits (permit required above these)

Dimension Metric Imperial
Width 2.6 m 8 ft 6 in
Height 4.15 m 13 ft 7 in
Length (B-train) 25 m 82 ft
Length (pole trailer) 25 m 82 ft
Length (tractor semitrailer) 23 m 75 ft 6 in

Permits and fees

Permit Fee
Over-dimension annual permit (oversize) $133.25 CAD (~$96 USD)
Over-dimension single-trip permit (oversize) See permit office.
Overweight annual permit (overweight) Banded by weight – 50000-61200 kg: $796.10 CAD (~$573 USD); 61200-69800 kg: $1326.95 CAD (~$955 USD)
Overweight single-trip permit (overweight) Banded by weight – up to 50000 kg: $33.10 CAD (~$24 USD); 50000-61200 kg: $66.30 CAD (~$48 USD); 61200-69800 kg: $99.60 CAD (~$72 USD); over 69800 kg: $265.30 CAD (~$191 USD)

USD is approximate (about 1.39 CAD to 1 USD, Aug 2026); provinces charge in Canadian dollars.

Pilot car and escort requirements

  • Width 3.05-3.66 m (10 ft-12 ft) on all highways at night: 1 escort.
  • Width 3.66-4.88 m (12 ft-16 ft) on two-lane highways: 1 escort.
  • Width 3.66-4.88 m (12 ft-16 ft) on multi-lane highways: 1 escort.
  • Width 3.66-4.88 m (12 ft-16 ft) on all highways at night: 2 escorts.
  • Width 4.88-5.5 m (16 ft-18 ft 1 in) on two-lane highways: 2 escorts.
  • Width 4.88-5.5 m (16 ft-18 ft 1 in) on multi-lane highways: 1 escort.
  • Width 4.88-5.5 m (16 ft-18 ft 1 in) on all highways at night: 2 escorts.
  • Width 5.5-7.9 m (18 ft 1 in-25 ft 11 in) on all highways: 2 escorts.
  • Width 7.9-9.1 m (25 ft 11 in-29 ft 10 in) on all highways: 1 escort (police).
  • Width over 9.1 m (over 29 ft 10 in) on all highways: no travel permitted.

Load markings (flags, signs, lamps)

  • Flag: Square red/orange flags at least 40 cm per side at the extremities of the load and overhang.
  • Lamp: Revolving/flashing amber light on top of the towing vehicle, visible 300 m in all directions, 60-90 flashes/min, mounted at least 1.5 m from the ground.
  • Lamp: Reflective tape (CMVSS 108 S5.7) on both sides of overhang; rear left and right flashing amber lights visible 150 m for rear moves after daylight.
  • Sign: D sign front and rear of the load vehicle: 240-245 cm wide, 30 cm high, 20 cm Letter Series E, stop-sign red on white level II reflective.

Travel restrictions

  • No travel after 15:00 Friday, and after 12:00 noon on any Saturday, Sunday or public holiday (PR5033 cond 15).
  • No travel between sunset and sunrise (as determined by the National Research Council) unless the permit specifically allows it (PR5033 cond 10).
  • No oversize travel on listed public holidays (PR5033 cond 15).
  • Moves over 5.5 m wide travel 00:01-06:00 only (Sundays 03:00-09:00 for the widest); 500 m minimum spacing between over-dimensional vehicles; Canso Causeway crossings require 24 hours notice to the RCMP (PR5033 cond 4/14/109/110).
  • No travel during adverse road/weather conditions or when visibility is reduced enough to create a hazard (PR5033 cond 3).
  • No travel on two-lane or multi-lane highways in Halifax (HRM) and Cape Breton (CBRM) 07:00-09:00 and 16:00-18:00 (PR5033 cond 11).
  • Spring weight restrictions under the Public Highways Act reduce allowable axle weights on designated highways. Specific reductions and dates are set by the seasonal order (percentages not verified here).

Oversize permits in other provinces

See all Canada oversize and overweight permit guides.

Move your Nova Scotia 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.

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Rules current as of August 2026. Always confirm with Service Nova Scotia (Registry of Motor Vehicles) issues permits; Nova Scotia Public Works (Vehicle Compliance) sets conditions and enforces before travel.