Vehicle Weights and Dimensions

Vehicle weights and dimension changes were made on May 14, 2013. The amendments to the regulation increase the maximum allowable weight on Intermediate Weight Roads to 49,500 kg, and they permit the use of self-steer quad axle semitrailers on Schedule B routes. In addition, A, B, and C train configurations are now permitted to operate on any road, provided they carry no load, and trucks towing trailers with weight ratings less than 10,000 kg are now exempt from the hitch offset requirement. Here is the link to the Weights and Dimensions of Vehicles Regulations.

Over-dimensional and Over-weight Vehicles and Loads

For information on ordering a special move permit for over-dimensional and/or over-weight vehicles and loads please contact Service Nova Scotia at (902) 424-5851 or 1-800-898-7668 (within North America) or see Special Move Permit: Over-dimension and/or Special Move Permit: Over-weight.

For information on the rules and policies governing over-dimensional and/or over-weight vehicles and loads please contact the Department of Public Works Operation Contact Center at 1-844-696-7737 or by email at tir-occ@novascotia.ca.

Pilot Project for New Generation Wide Based Tires

Nova Scotia Public Works is soliciting interest from carriers to test the suitability of New Generation Wide Base Tires (NGWBT) on provincial infrastructure.

Under this pilot project, participants will be permitted to load axles to parity with traditional dual tire group axle configurations on select highways.

In order to participate, a carrier must submit a route plan, the expected number of trucks per day, and the vehicle configuration.

The objectives of the study are to evaluate the impact to infrastructure of single NGWBT operating at equivalent weights to traditional dual-tire configurations.

Eligibility

Special Permits will be offered for increased weights, provided the following criteria are met:

  • Must be using an approved NGWBT
  • Must have a Carrier Safety Rating of Satisfactory, Unaudited or better
  • Agreement to submit to random, periodic inspections from Vehicle Compliance officers.
  • Agreement to complete a pilot evaluation parameters (to be determined by TIR).

For information regarding this pilot contact the Department of Public Works Operation Contact Center at 1-844-696-7737 or by email at tir-occ@novascotia.ca.

Roll Coupled Pilot Project

Nova Scotia's Public Works is soliciting interest from industry to partake in a pilot project that will test a new type of hitch that has the potential to greatly increase the stability and safety of truck & trailer combinations, while also improving productivity. Under this pilot, truck & trailer combinations outfitted with an approved roll coupled hitch will be permitted to travel at increased weights (for tridem pony trailers), and with extended hitch offsets.

Please see the links below for further information.
Roll Coupled Bulletin
Frequent Asked Question
Wolf Trailer Flyer

For more information about this new type of hitch, please visit www.wolfhitch.ca

For information regarding this pilot contact the Department of Public Works Contact Center at 1-844-696-7737 or by email at tir-occ@novascotia.ca.

Long Combination Vehicle Program

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.

Extended Semi-Trailer Pilot Project

The Government of Nova Scotia’s Department of Public Works is soliciting interest from carriers to test the suitability of Extended Semi-Trailers (up to 18.45 metres) on provincial infrastructure. Under this Pilot, a limited number of permits will be issued which will allow a carrier to use an extended semi-trailer, provided that the maximum length of the configuration does not exceed 23 metres. More information on the Extended Semi-Trailer Pilot Project can be found here: Extended Semi-Trailer Pilot Project Guidelines.

For information regarding this pilot contact the Department of Public Works Operation Contact Center at 1-844-696-7737 or by email at tir-occ@novascotia.ca.

Farm Combination Vehicle Pilot

The Department of Public Works is now accepting applications from eligible farmers to participate in the Farm Combination Vehicle Pilot Program. This program allows permit holders to tow two tandem implements behind a farm tractor during farming operations (when certain conditions are met).

During the first year of the program only 100 permits will be issued.

A video describing the program is available at the following link: Farm Combination Vehicle Pilot Program

Questions related to this program can be sent to FCV@novascotia.ca