Heavy Vehicles
Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA), the City of Greater Sudbury has a number of by-laws which regulate the movement of trucks/heavy vehicles through the City.
- A heavy vehicle is any commercial vehicle, having a gross vehicle weight of five tonnes or more.
Truck Routes
The City of Greater Sudbury has a network of roads designated for use by heavy vehicles. All truck routes are posted with the appropriate regulatory signs.
- See a list of all truck routes (PDF, 70 KB)
- See a map of all truck routes (PDF, 744 KB)
Reduced Load Restriction
To reduce the effects-heavy vehicles have on roadways during the spring thaw, there is a period of reduced loading on certain roads. During this time, the maximum weight must not exceed five tonnes per axle.
The reduced load period runs from approximately mid-March to early June but may vary depending on the road conditions. All seasonal road restrictions (half-loading) are posted with regulatory signs.
Seasonal Load Restriction Trend in the City of Greater Sudbury (80 KB, PDF)
Roads Not Affected By Loading Restrictions
Reduced Load Restriction Period for 2024
Effective Friday, March 1, 2024, at 12:01 a.m., loading restrictions are in effect for municipal roads under the jurisdiction of the City of Greater Sudbury.
| Type of Road Restriction | Date Restriction is Lifted |
|---|---|
| Paved roads | 12:01 a.m. April 22, 2024 |
| Surface treated roads | 12:01 a.m. April 22, 2024 |
| Gravel roads with the exception of Cleland Township | 12:01 a.m. May 6, 2024 |
| Seasonal Load Restrictions within Cleland Township | TBD |
Oversized Load Permits
You require a permit if your vehicle and/or your load is greater than the limit set out in the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). The following can be used as a guide; however, there are exceptions under the HTA.
Over Width
-
Any vehicle and load greater than 2.6 m (8 ft. 6 in.)
Over Height
- Any vehicle and load exceeding 4.15 m (13 ft. 6 in.)
Over Length
- Single vehicle including load greater than 12.5 m (41 ft.)
- Semi trailer greater than 14.65 m (48 ft.)
- Combination of vehicles and load greater than 23.0 m (75 ft.)
Over Weight
- Axle and/or gross vehicle weight exceeds the limits set out in the HTA.
Get an Oversized Load Permit
- Read our Oversized Load Permit Criteria (PDF, 207 KB).
- Complete the appropriate application form from the table below and email it to traffic@greatersudbury.ca
- Fee payments can be made by cash or cheque, payable to the City of Greater Sudbury.
- All oversize load permits are HST exempt.
Oversized Load Permit Applications and Fees
| Type of Permit | Application Form | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single Trip Permit |
Single Trip Permit Application Form (PDF, 58 KB) |
$91 |
| Project Permit |
Project Permit Application Form (PDF, 61 KB) |
$385 |
| Annual Permit |
Annual Permit – Floated Application Form (PDF, 96 KB) Annual Permit - Self-Propelled Application Form (PDF, 128 KB) |
$550 |
When to Apply for Your Permit
Single Trip Permit and Project Permit:
- Minimum 2 business days before the trip
- If the vehicle and load is over 4.15 meters high please apply 10 business days prior to the trip
Annual Permit:
- Minimum 5 business days before the trip
Conditions on Oversized Load Permits
- Certain conditions may be imposed on the permit to ensure public safety, reduce the risk of property damage and minimize inconvenience to other road users.
- The conditions will vary depending on the dimensions of the vehicle/load and the duration of the permit.
- All Over Height loads require approvals from various external agencies prior to the permit being issued. City staff will provide a list of the agencies, and their contact information, which are required to approve the load. It is your responsibility to contact the agencies for approval. The approvals are only valid for the date range listed on the application. It can take up to 2 weeks to get all the required approvals.
- Read our Oversized Load Permit Criteria (PDF, 207 KB). Other affected agencies may also impose conditions.