Load restrictions are now in effect for the 2025 Spring Season. Please follow the “5 tonnes per axle” regulation until the restrictions are lifted. This helps protect gravel and paved roads for West Nipissing residents and businesses in.
The Municipality applies reduced load restrictions to protect municipal roads during the spring thaw, when road bases soften up and are susceptible to damages. These restrictions are usually in effect between mid-March and mid-May, based on weather and road conditions. In accordance with By-law 2000-24 (To Control Loads on Municipal Roads), restrictions take effect when the Municipality posts load limits along the affected roads.
Companies must plan accordingly to comply with the restrictions as per the Highway Traffic Act (the Act).
Highway Traffic Act, Section 122
“During a reduced load period no commercial motor vehicle or trailer, other than a vehicle referred to in subsection (2), shall be operated or drawn upon any designated highway where the weight upon an axle exceeds 5,000 kilograms”
About Exceptions
- The Act is a provincial legislation; therefore, the Municipality does not issue exceptions.
- Section 122 (2) of the Act provides a specific exception for fuel, livestock feed and poultry to be transported in two-axle vehicles with weights up to 7,500 kilograms per axle.
- Section 120 provides exceptions for emergency vehicles/apparatus, passenger vehicles, waste transportation, transportation of milk (exclusively) and road maintenance equipment.
- Companies seeking other types of exceptions must work with industry associations to pursue legislative amendments at the provincial level.
In accordance with the Highway Traffic Act, fines can be issued by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), or the Municipality.
We thank you for your cooperation as we aim to preserve this important infrastructure.