Oversize Load Permit

Single Trip Permit

A single trip permit is required from the City of Toronto when a vehicle (truck + load) meets or exceeds any of the following dimensions:

• Height: 4.15m (13.62 ft.)
• Width: 2.59m (8.5 ft.)
• Length: 21.33m (69.98 ft.)
• Weight: 50,000kg (50 T)

A Single Trip Permit is specific to the route and time of travel, and is issued by the office where the trip originates (enters the City). Normal processing time is 7–10 business days however, exceptionally large or heavy loads may require more time.

Applications

To process your Single Trip application please submit the following:

1. Completed Application Form.
2. A certificate of insurance for $2 million with the City of Toronto identified as an additional insured, and containing a cross-liability clause.
3. If the load is over 50,000kg, a detailed load configuration must also be submitted with your application.
4. Signoff from Metrolinx, if applicable.
5. Check if your route crosses TTC streetcar or subway infrastructure using Toronto Maps.
   1. Go to the Toronto Maps website.
   2. Click the “Getting Around” tab in the top-right corner.
   3. Expand the “Transportation” section.
   4. Check the boxes for “Streetcar” and “Subway” to display TTC infrastructure on the map.

Pilot Vehicle Escorts

Pilot Vehicle Escorts are required when the following dimensions meet and exceed:

• Height:     4.15m (13.62 ft.)
• Width:      3.7m (12.14 ft.)
• Length:    24.5m (80.38 ft.)
• Weight:    63,500kg (63.5 T)

Applicants are to provide their own pilot vehicles. However, Police Escort can be required when warranted by MTO requirements and City of Toronto special conditions. Applicants have the option of requesting police escorts on their own accord.

Note: Excess loads are not permitted on Don Valley, Black Creek, Allen Expressway, Lake Shore Boulevard West (elevated portion between Rees St and Dan Leckie Way) and the Gardiner Expressway (portion from Humber River easterly). Excess loads are permitted on a portion of Gardiner that used to be QEW, west of Humber River to city border.

Note: Upon permit issuance, the applicant shall scout the route identified on the permit 48 hours prior to the scheduled move. If a conflict is identified on the designated route the applicant must submit a revised route for review and authorization by City of Toronto prior to the scheduled move. The move shall not proceed until a permit for the revised route has been issued.

An Annual Permit can be obtained if the vehicle (truck + load) does not exceed the following dimensions:

• Height:     4.15m (13.62 ft)
• Width:      3.7m (12.14 ft)
• Length:    23.0m (75.45 ft)
• Weight:    63,500kg (63.5 T)

The Annual Permit allows the vehicle to travel on most City road (not residential roads or expressways), with certain conditions without date restrictions. A map showing those road and specific conditions is one part of the permit, the other part being a windshield sticker showing the current year. The annual permit expires on March 31 of every year. The Annual Permit can be obtained from the Scarborough Office at 416-396-4245.

Note: Excess loads are not permitted on Don Valley, Black Creek, Allen Expressway, Lake Shore Boulevard West (elevated portion between Rees St and Dan Leckie Way) and the Gardiner Expressway (portion from Humber River easterly). Excess loads are permitted on a portion of Gardiner that used to be QEW, west of Humber River to city border.

Note: Upon permit issuance, the applicant shall scout the route identified on the permit 48 hours prior to the scheduled move. If a conflict is identified on the designated route the applicant must submit a revised route for review and authorization by City of Toronto prior to the scheduled move. The move shall not proceed until a permit for the revised route has been issued.

Request an Investigation for Heavy Trucks on Residential Streets

Submit a service request to investigate if:

• heavy trucks are travelling or parking on a local or residential street
• there are no “No Heavy Trucks” signs posted
• you would like the City to consider an alternate truck route or new regulations

Residents may also submit a petition to their City Councillor.

The City will investigate the concern and determine whether new regulations are appropriate. Any new regulations require City Council approval before they can be implemented.

Heavy Truck Regulations

If heavy trucks are travelling on a street where “No Heavy Trucks” signs are already posted, contact the Toronto Police Service to report a possible violation.

What is considered a heavy truck?

Under the City’s traffic bylaws, a heavy truck is a commercial vehicle that:

• weighs three tonnes or more when unloaded
• weighs five tonnes or more when loaded

The definition also includes:

• school buses longer than eight metres
• road-building machines

It does not include passenger vehicles, ambulances, police vehicles or fire department vehicles.

Heavy Truck Restrictions

The City uses several regulations to manage heavy-truck traffic and parking.

• No Heavy Trucks: This restriction is most commonly used on local residential streets and applies at all times.
• No Heavy Trucks from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.: This restriction may be used on higher-capacity roads that are primarily residential. It is intended to reduce truck noise during evening and overnight hours.

Delivery and Service Exemptions

Heavy-truck restrictions do not apply when a vehicle is making a delivery or collection from a property that cannot be reached without using the restricted street.

The vehicle may travel on the restricted street only as far as reasonably necessary to reach or leave the property.

This exemption allows residents and businesses to continue receiving essential deliveries and services, including garbage collection.

Heavy-truck restrictions are intended to prevent trucks from using residential streets as cut-through route to avoid congestion on major roads. They are not intended to prevent vehicles with a legitimate reason for being in the neighbourhood.

Restrictions for Large Vehicles

On narrow public roads, lanes or alleys that cannot safely accommodate large vehicles, the City may introduce a “No Vehicles Over 2.0 Metres in Width” restriction.

This restriction is commonly used in public lanes or alleys that are approximately three metres wide, where larger vehicles could damage nearby buildings or properties.

Weight restrictions generally do not apply on Toronto’s public roads. However, limits for vehicles weighing five tonnes or more may apply on some roads and bridges in park areas.

Delivery Vehicles and No Standing Zones

“No Standing” regulations prevent vehicles from stopping to deliver or pick up merchandise.

A vehicle of any size may not stop for a delivery or merchandise pickup in a No Standing zone while the restriction is in effect. Vehicles may stop only to pick up or drop off passengers.

Many arterial streets in downtown Toronto have No Standing restrictions from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, to support transit operations.

Municipal Code Chapter

Toronto Municipal code Chapter 950-1329 Heavy vehicles prohibited schedule