Vehicle weights and dimension changes were made on January 12, 2010. The amendments to the regulation remove the sunset provision on several grandfathered configurations (model year 2002 and earlier) in order to allow those configurations to continue operating. In addition, long wheelbase tractors, wide spread tridem pony trailers, wide spread tandem steer trucks, quad axle semi trailers, and stinger steer/high mount auto carriers have been approved for use in Nova Scotia without permit. The updated regulations can be found here.

Weight Tolerances and Transition Plan

On January 1, 2008 changes to regulated tolerance came into affect on Nova Scotia highways. A summary of the changes can be viewed be clicking here. A summary of the transition plan can be viewed here, while the whole transition plan can be viewed here.

Intermediate Weight Roads

Effective February 10, 2009 amendments have been made to the Weights and Dimensions of Vehicles Regulations and the changes are now in effect.

The maximum gross vehicle weight increases for 6-axle tractor tridem semi-trailer configurations on those local roads that have bridges and other structures that can support the additional weight.

Six-axle tractor tridem semi-trailers will be allowed to operate at a maximum weight of 47,500 kg on specified roads, an increase of 6,000 kg for those configurations.

Complete road list

Long Combination Vehicle Pilot Project

Long Combination Vehicles are allowed to operate under special move permit in the Province of Nova Scotia. A Long Combination Vehicle is a commercial vehicle configuration that has a tractor unit hauling two full length semitrailers. Long combination vehicles have a maximum length of 40m, whereas tractor semitrailers can only be 23m in length, and other train configurations can only be 25m long. Because of the additional length, there are different safety, performance, and infrastructure concerns that must be addressed. More information on the Long combination vehicle program can be found here.

Overdimensional and Overweight Vehicles and Loads

For information on the rules and policies governing overweight vehicles and loads please contact Steve Eisan, Manager Structural Engineering, at (902)424-2717 or eisanst@gov.ns.ca or Will Crocker, Bridge Maintenance Engineer, at (902) 424-2589 or crockewa@gov.ns.ca.

For information on the rules and policies governing overdimensional vehicles and loads please contact Michael Balsom, Vehicle Weights & Dimensions, at (902)424-0070 or balsommg@gov.ns.ca, or Paul Richard, at (902)424-2206 or richarpa@gov.ns.ca.

For information on ordering a special move permit for overdimensional and/or overweight vehicles and loads please contact Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations at (902) 424-5851 or 1-800-898-7668 (in Nova Scotia only) or see Special Move Permit: Overdimension and/or Special Move Permit: Overweight