Oversize Overweight Loads Permits

Annual Permits can be issued for routine loads within the following range:

• Width 2.6 metres – 3.7 metres
• Height under 4.26 metres
• Length of single vehicle over 12.5m including maximum 4.65 metres overhang
• Length for Semi trailers over 14.65 metres - 36.75 metres
• Length for combination vehicles over 23 metres

Fill out the online Annual Oversize Overweight Load Permit Application

Single Trip Permits can be issued for any individual trip and must be obtained in addition to an Annual Permit if it has already been issued to the carrier for any load with any of the following:

• Width over 3.7 metres
• Height over 4.26 metres
• Length combination greater than 36.75 metres
• Total load over 75,000 kilograms

Fill out the online Single Trip Oversize Overweight Load Permit Application

Copy of approved permit must accompany vehicle.

1. Public Works must be notified and permit obtained at least five (5) business days in advance of the move.
2. Certificate of Liability Insurance (minimum $2,000,000.00) with the County of Brant listed as additional insured.
3. Where a permit is issued in respect of:
   1. Height: The load shall not be composed of articles loaded one on top of another
   2. Width: The load shall not be composed of articles loaded side by side or crosswise
   3. Length: The load shall not be composed of articles loaded one behind the other and any overhang to the rear shall not exceed 4.65 metres from the centre of the rearmost axle unless otherwise stated.
4. This permit may be cancelled without prior notice.
5. Vehicles and loads in excess of the width and/or length prescribed under Section 109 of the Highway Traffic Act shall be marked with four (4) or more flags, one as near as practicable to each corner of the vehicle or load. The flags shall be bright red or orange in colour and shall be not less than 40 centimetres square. Where a vehicle or load is wider at any point or points on either side than at the corner, it shall, where practicable, be marked with a flag at the widest point on each side.
6. Non-refundable permit fee as per the County Fees and Charges By-law payable upon application.

Valid on all County of Brant roads, except the following which require a SINGLE TRIP PERMIT:

• Arthur Road (County Road #12)
• Blue Lake Road (County Road #35) - from East River Road (County Road #14) to King’s Highway #24
• Branchton Road (County Road #13) - from McLean School Road (CR#13) to Lockie Road (CR #144)
• Burtch Road (County Road #26) - from Pleasant Ridge Road (CR #7) to Mount Pleasant Road (CR #24)
• East River Road (County Road #14)
• Fairfield Road (County Road #31)
• Golf Links Road (County Road #21)
• Jerseyville Road (County Road #17)
• King Street North/Mt. Pleasant Road (County Road #24)
• McLean School Road (County Road #13) - from St. George Road (CR #13) to Branchton Road (CR #13)
• Middle Townline Road (County Road #25) - from County Highway #2 to King’s Highway #403
• Middle Townline Road (County Road #25) - from Fairfield Rd. (CR #31) and Burford-Delhi Townline Road
• Norwich Road (County Road #3) - from Middle Townline Road (CR #25) to Bishopsgate Road (CR #16)
• Pleasant Ridge Road (County Road #7)

The Annual permit does not apply to roads with posted load limitations:

1. Oversize loads transported on County roads without posted load limitations shall be subject to the conditions of your County of Brant permit with regard to axle weight including seasonal limitations.
2. All conditions of the County of Brant oversize/overweight load permit apply.
3. This permit is void on any County roads under construction at the time of the move. County road closures and construction projects are posted on the County of Brant web site at: www.brant.ca/en/explore-our-services/roadclosures.aspx under Road Closures
4. The permit holder is responsible for any claims for any accident or damage that may arise against the Corporation of the County of Brant on County roads while the move(s) are being made.
5. Weight of any vehicle with axle unit or gross vehicle that exceeds the limits as specified in the Highway Traffic Act and Ontario Regulation 413/05.
6. This permit is issued on condition the permit holder accepts responsibility for any and all damage that may be caused to overhead wires, structures, highways, encroachments or railway rights of way. The permit holder must obtain all the necessary approvals from all encroachments and/or any other municipal or provincial permits required for the selected routes. Arrange with the appropriate utility for its assistance.

7. The hauler must be in compliance with this Annual Permit and/or related Single Trip Permits, otherwise permission to haul using County of Brant roads will be revoked.

For any vehicle that exceeds the width, height or length requirements described above, except for annual permit holders.

This permit is not valid:

1. On highways other than those under the jurisdiction of the County of Brant.
2. On Saturdays, Sundays or Statutory Holidays except Easter Monday and Remembrance Day when Remembrance Day falls on a Monday to Friday inclusive.
3. In congested traffic conditions where the overall width exceeds 3.05 metres or the overall length exceeds 23 metres.
4. From one half hour after sunset to one half hour before sunrise or at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 150 metres or less.

The Single Trip Permit, including any attachment, must be carried in the vehicle and produced on demand of a police officer or an officer appointed for carrying out the provisions of the Highway Traffic Act.

This permit is issued on condition the permit holder accepts responsibility for any and all damage that may be caused to overhead wires, structures, highways, encroachments or railway rights of way. The permit holder must obtain all the necessary approvals from all encroachments and/or any other municipal or provincial permits required for the selected routes. Arrange with the appropriate utility for its assistance.

The County of Brant issues Single Trip Permits for overweight vehicles and/or loads when the dimensions and/or weight exceed the limits set out in the Highway Traffic Act.

Single Trip Permits for overweight loads will not be issued during the months of March and April.

Single Trip Permits for overweight loads are issued for indivisible vehicles and/or loads when, if separated into smaller loads or vehicles, would:

1. Compromise the intended use of the vehicle or load, i.e. make it unable to perform the function for which it was intended,
2. Destroy the value of the load or vehicle, i.e. make it unusable for its intended purposes, or
3. Require more than 8 (eight) work hours to dismantle using appropriate resources and equipment.

A Single Trip Permit is required for any vehicle with axle unit or gross vehicle that exceeds the limits as specified in the Highway Traffic Act and Ontario Regulation 413/05.
The load must not be made up of more than one article. When crossing bridges, vehicles over 45,000 kilograms gross weight must be operated at the lowest practicable speed. Bridge postings and load restrictions pursuant to Part VII of the Highway Traffic Act apply.

Note: An exception may be made in the case of bulldozer blades. Permits are issued for the movement of bulldozers with blades attached up to, and including, 4.27 metres in width. The blade must be angled to reduce the overall width of the load when attached to the bulldozer. The blade must be removed when the blade is greater than 4.27 metres in width. Bulldozers with blades attached that are 4 metres to 4.27 metres in width require a private escort warning vehicle.

The County of Brant will require the applicant to undertake an engineering evaluation of any structures on the proposed route to ensure there will be no damages to the structures as a result of the move. The County may require an engineering review of the structural assessment, and the applicant will be responsible for the County’s costs for such reviews. Because of the time required to undertake an engineering review, if required, the approval period for overweight loads cannot be determined. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.

For loads that are required to cross bridges with no other vehicles on the bridge during the crossing, Certified Superload Escorts will be required for traffic control.

• for widths from 2.61 metres to 3.99 metres
• for lengths from 23.01 metres to 36.75 metres
• for heights from 4.16 metres to 4.86 metres
• Where any vehicle requires traffic control to safely navigate any part of its route, Certified Superload Escorts will be required to provide the necessary traffic control activities.

Widths:

• from 4 metres to 4.99 metres - 1 escort vehicle required on multi-lane highways
• from 4 metres to 4.59 metres - 1 escort vehicle required on two lane highways
• from 4.6 metres to 4.99 metres - 2 escort vehicles required on two lane highways

One private escort warning vehicle is required to accompany the movement of the authorized load. The private escort warning vehicle shall be required to precede the load on two lane highways or follow the load on multi-lane highways.

A second private escort warning vehicle is required to follow the load authorized by this permit while travelling on two lane highways.

Where the vehicle occupies more than half of the width of a bridge, or encroaches into the oncoming lane of traffic, Certified Superload Escorts will be required to provide traffic control.

Lengths:
• from 36.76 metres to 45.74 metres - 1 escort vehicle required
• rear overhang greater than 4.65 metres - 1 escort vehicle required at the rear of load Exceptions — see Mobile/Modular Homes below.

If a vehicle cannot safely negotiate any part of its approved route without occupying any part of an opposing lane, a Certified Superload Escort will be required to provide traffic control.

Height:
• 4.87 metres and greater - 1 escort vehicle (pole car) required
NOTE: Permit holder is responsible for all horizontal and vertical clearances along the route and must ensure that proper clearance(s) exist. A pilot escort vehicle equipped with a height pole 8 centimetres higher than the load must precede the load to ensure proper vertical clearances and communicate any obstructions to the driver of the permitted vehicle.

Where a permit is issued on the condition that the permit holder provides a Certified Superload Escort Vehicle and Certified Superload Escort Person:

• The escort vehicles and drivers shall conform to Provincial standards. In all cases where escorts are required to manage traffic in order to safely move the permitted vehicle, the escorts shall be Certified Superload Escort Vehicles operated by drivers who have completed the required training through a Provincially approved training facility. Copies of the certifications for all certified drivers are required to accompany permit applications.

Where a permit is issued on the condition that the permit holder provides a Private Escort Operator, Warning Vehicle and Equipment:

1. The escort vehicle(s) shall be operated by a fully (unrestricted) licensed driver of not less than 18 years of age with at least two (2)years’ experience and a valid driver's licence.
2. The escort vehicle(s) shall not have more than two (2) axles and a wheelbase length of not less than 2.65 metres and shall be equipped with flashing amber warning lamp(s) located on the roof of the escort vehicle. Lighting shall consist of either a rectangular amber bar positioned perpendicular to the length of the escort vehicle or at least one (1) amber warning lamp conforming to standard SAE J845 or J1318 Class 1 or 2. All lights shall be visible on a 360 degree basis from the vehicle. The lenses must be kept in good and clean condition, free from the accumulation of dirt, snow or pit markings, as to not diminish the effectiveness of the lamp.
3. Either a "D" or an "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign shall be used. [See "D" sign (as illustrated below) attached. If using an "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign, the letters shall be in black on a yellow background]. The sign shall be mounted on the front and rear, or on the roof, of the escort vehicle. The sign shall not obstruct warning lights and other safety devices. If mounted on the roof, the sign shall be perpendicular to the length of the escort vehicle and shall be made of durable rigid material and
4. must not interfere with the view of the light bar or warning light and the sign must be printed on both sides of the panel. The sign shall be removed or covered when not in use.

The escort vehicle(s) and towing vehicle(s) shall be equipped with a working two way radio communication device permitting direct communication between the vehicles.

The escort vehicle(s) shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher in effective working order, six 45 centimetre (18") traffic cones and/or portable reflectors approved by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), and extra bulbs to maintain all lights required by this schedule.
All units, including the escort vehicle(s), will be operated with headlights on when travelling on a highway and shall maintain a distance of 60 to 150 metres from the load being escorted.

Caution: Non-certified escort vehicles do not have traffic control authority. The escort driver must obey all traffic laws and regulations.

• Width: 5 m and greater
• Length: 45.75 m and greater
• Weight: upon Weight and Load Engineer's request

There may be instances where, due to the parameters of the highway, escort requirements may change. If necessary, the region(s) may require escorts when normally none are required or additional escorts to those already requiring escorts.

Certified Superload Escort Requirements:

Effective July 1, 2018 persons wishing to become certified to direct traffic for movement of superloads will be required to successfully complete an MTO-approved training course before being eligible for appointment.

Information on the changes to the HTA and the new regulation can be found here:

• Part VII - Load and dimensions
• Ontario Regulation 215/18: Over-dimensional vehicle escorts

Below is a description of the new regulatory requirements:

• Driver Licencing
• The Ministry wishes to ensure that Certifed Superload Escorts have a record of compliance with highway traffic laws, including any conditions stated on the permit. To be eligible for appointment as a Certified Superload Escort. The Certified Superload Escort will need to have maintained a valid full driver’s licence for at least four years and must not have accumulated more than six demerit points.
• All Certified Escorts must complete Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7 prior to attending the MTO approved Certified Superload Escort Program.
• Certified Superload Escorts will need to be identifiable; escorts are required to provide proof of their appointment upon request. Escorts from other jurisdictions must be certified in Ontario.
• Certified Superload Escort Vehicle Signage and Lighting
• Certified Escorts will be required to use a full-size pickup vehicle that are highly visible and easily identifiable.

• To display signs with the words “OVERSIZE LOAD” either on the front and the rear or on the roof facing both the front and back of the vehicle
• To display signs with the words “Certified Escort” on the both sides and the rear
• To display blaze orange marker flags on each side
• To have amber lighting on its roof visible on a 360 degree basis consisting of either of a rectangular bar positioned across the width of the vehicle or of two warning lamps, one on each side of the roof, that qualify as Class 1 warning lights, according to Standard J845, published on June 10, 2013 by SAE International, as amended from time to time

For safety purposes in directing traffic, it is important that over-dimensional vehicle escorts be dressed in clothing that makes them visible to motorists and they use signage that conforms to prevailing standards.

A Certified Superload Escort’s garments are required to meet set standards below:

• It covers at least his or her upper body and has the following features.
• It is fluorescent blaze or international orange in colour.
• On the front and the back, there are two yellow stripes that are 5 centimetres wide. The yellow area must total at least 500 square centimetres on the front and at least 570 square centimetres on the back.
• On the front, the stripes must be arranged vertically and centred and must be approximately 225 millimetres apart, measured from the centre of each stripe. On the back, they must be arranged in a diagonal “X” pattern.

If a Certified Superload Escort uses a hand-held stop sign to direct traffic, the stop sign will need to meet below requirements:

• The stop sign must be octagonal in shape, measure 450 millimetres between opposite sides, and be mounted on a pole that is 1.2 metres long.
• The stop sign must be high-intensity retro-reflective grade red in colour, with the word “STOP” written in legible high-intensity retro-reflective grade white letters 150 millimetres high in a central position on the sign.
• The stop sign must be maintained in a clean and legible condition.

Ontario Regulation 366/09 (Display Screens and Hand-Held Devices) under the Highway Traffic Act contains a number of exemptions from the prohibitions in the Act against display screens and hand-held devices. Specifically, Certified Superload Escorts are exempted and permitted to use two-way radios while engaged in their duties. 

In addition to regulatory requirements the ministry will be including the following vehicle specifications under permit conditions for Certified Superload Escort (CSE) Vehicles:

• CSE vehicles shall be marked with two or more orange flags of not less than 40cm square and shall be mounted to the top of the vehicle angled outwards at approximately a 45 degree angle, extending not more than 15 cm beyond either side of the vehicle. The flag(s) must be kept in good and clean condition so as not to diminish their effectiveness.
• CSE vehicles must be identified with a sign on the driver side, and passenger side, and rear stating ‘CERTIFIED ESCORT’ (see below for minimum sign details) The sign shall be a removable and shall only be displayed when a CSE vehicle is require by permit for an over-dimensional and/or overweight move.
• CSE vehicle shall be a full-size pickup with no significant post factory modifications such as chopped or elevated suspension, extra-large tires etc. The rear window shall not be blocked by any devices such as a camper or truck cap. The pickup may include a storage box which does not extend more than 12 cm above the pickup box.

The MTO permit office may still require police instead of the certified escort, where there is a giant superload and dependent on the route being taken.

For more information, please visit the Ontario Guide to oversize/overweight vehicles and loads webpage. 

(This includes office and construction trailers and portable schoolhouse)
Mobile/modular homes greater than 29.25 metres in length are not permitted to travel in convoy and require TWO private escort warning vehicles to accompany each load.