Road vehicle

LOAD AND SIZE LIMITS

GUIDE 2013 Edition

 Road vehicle
LOAD AND SIZE LIMITS

GUIDE 2013 Edition

This publication was created by the Direction du transport routier des marchandises and edited by the Direction
des communications at the ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ).
This publication is also available in French under the title Guide des normes de charges et dimensions des véhicules
routiers. Both French and English versions are available on the website of the ministère des Transports du Québec.
For more information, you can:
• dial 511;
• go to the Ministère’s website at: www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca; or
• write to the following address:
Direction des communications
Ministère des Transports
700, boul. René-Lévesque Est, 27e étage
Québec (Québec) G1R 5H1

Concerned with protecting the environment, the ministère des Transports du Québec encourages the use of paper
produced from recycled fibre for the production of its printed materials and recommends that this publication
be downloaded.
Printed on Rolland Enviro100 paper containing 100% post-consumer recycled fibre, certified EcoLogo, processed
chlorine free, FSC recycled and manufactured using biogas energy.

© Gouvernement du Québec, ministère des Transports du Québec, 2013-05

ISBN 978-2-550-67530-3 (print version)
ISBN 978-2-550-67531-0 (PDF)
Legal deposit – 2013
Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec
All rights reserved. Translation of any part of this document and reproduction by electronic or mechanical means,
including microfilming, is prohibited without the written permission of Publications du Québec.
WARNING
This publication presents the main provisions of the Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation
(Order in Council 24-2013).
The information it contains is provided for guidance only. The reader should refer to the
regulations for more complete information.
For several years now, the ministère des Transports du Québec has been working at
harmonizing Québec standards with those of other North American administrations.
However, in spite of these efforts, some differences may remain. Therefore, even if a
vehicle complies with Québec regulations, it is important to check the rules applicable
in other administrations before driving the vehicle outside Québec.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
SECTION 2
DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SECTION 3
MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED DIMENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.1 MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED LENGTH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.2 MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED HEIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.3 MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED WIDTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
SECTION 4
MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED LOAD BY CLASS OF AXLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 5
MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED TOTAL LOADED MASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SECTION 6
THAW ZONES AND PERIODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
The Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation applies to all heavy and light road vehicles, except
for road vehicles designed to fight fires. The main purpose of this regulation is to ensure the
safety of road users and protect road infrastructure (bridges and roadways). It defines standards
limiting, for example, dimensions, axle loads and total loaded mass for vehicles travelling on
public highways.
The regulation provides certain details that are not mentioned in this guide. Please refer to
the regulation for more information.

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SECTION 2
DEFINITIONS
Dolly
A trailer converter dolly used to convert a
semi-trailer into a trailer.

Wheelbase
Tractor: distance measured from the centre of
the front axle to the centre of the rear single
axle or to the centre of the rear axle group.
Semi-trailer: distance measured from the
centre of the king pin to the centre of
the single axle or to tandem or to tridem.

Self-steering axle
(Plan view) An axle equipped at its ends with a part that
can pivot around a vertical axis, allowing the
wheels to turn automatically in accordance with
the vehicle path, or equipped with any other
Self-steering axle system that allows both wheels, the tires of
which have a tread of a maximum width
of 385 mm, to turn automatically according to
the direction and path of the vehicle.

“Donkey” axle
An axle added to the rear of a single unit road
vehicle comprising at least one of the following
specifications:
• an independent spring suspension;
• wheels that touch the ground only when
the vehicle is loaded.

Single axle
An axle supporting a mass that can be measured
under the wheels.

Vehicle manufacturer
Any person manufacturing a vehicle defined by
the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. (SC 1993, chapter 16)

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Axle track width
The overall length of an axle, including the
wheels, measured from the tire outer side wall
to any point above the lowest point of the rim.

PNBE or GAWR
MANUFACTURED BY/FABRIQUÉ PAR:
NA
CA DA
The maximum load-carrying capacity of an axle
within the meaning of the Motor Vehicle Safety

•
CMVSS •

NSVAC
TYPE: DATE: ooo
Regulations.

•
•
TR
A N S P O RT
GVWR/PNBV KG V I N /N I V:
. . . . . .

COLD INFL. PRESS/

GAWR/PNBE KG TIRE/PNEU - DIMENSION - RIM/JANTE PRESS. DE GONFL. À FROID
PSI/LPC KPA
• PNBE: Poids nominal brut sur l’essieu
• GAWR: Gross axle weight rating

Overhang
Distance measured from the centre of the
single, tandem or tridem rear axle to the rear
end of the vehicle, including the load.

Trailer
A road vehicle, including a semi-trailer the front
of which rests on a dolly, attached to the vehicle
that hauls it by a coupling system other than
the fifth wheel set on top of the chassis frame
of the vehicle hauling it.

Semi-trailer
A road vehicle the front of which rests on
the fifth wheel set on top of the chassis frame
of the vehicle hauling it.

Tandem
A combination of 2 axles attached to a vehicle
by a suspension system designed to distribute
equally, at about 1,000 kg and at all times,
the mass that can be measured under the
wheels of each axle and consisting of a
common suspension or of 2 identical
suspensions attached together.

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Front tandem
A combination of 2 front axles attached to a
vehicle by a suspension system designed to
distribute equally, at about 1,000 kg and at all
times, the mass that can be measured under
the wheels of each axle and consisting of a
common suspension or of 2 identical
suspensions attached together

Tractor
A motor vehicle equipped with a fifth wheel
set on top of its chassis frame, to which a
semi-trailer is coupled.

tractor semi-trailer

Tridem (triple axle)

A combination of 3 equally spaced axles
attached to a vehicle by a suspension system
designed to distribute equally, at about 1,000 kg
and at all times, the mass that can be measured
under the wheels of each axle and consisting of
3 identical suspensions attached together.

Tridem equivalent (group of axles equivalent to a triple axle)

A group of axles is the equivalent of a tridem
where it is formed of 3 equally spaced axles,
comprising at the front a lowered lift axle,
attached to the vehicle by suspensions
designed to distribute equally, without
possible adjustment, to about 1,000 kg where
the lift axle is lowered, the mass that can be
Lift axle measured under the wheels of each axle

Towing vehicle
A motor vehicle used to haul a trailer.

Towing vehicle trailer

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SECTION 3
MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED DIMENSIONS
3.1 MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED LENGTH
Load included
Type of Maximum authorized length Particulars and
vehicles (load included) transitional provisions
This maximum of 12.5 m is reduced to
11 m when the maximum length of
the overhang exceeds 4 m.

This provision applies until

December 31, 2014.
This maximum of 12.5 m is reduced to
11 m when the maximum length from
Truck the centre of the last rear axle to the
rear end of the vehicle, including the
Assembled before November 1998
load, exceeds 5 m.

This maximum of 12.5 m is reduced to

11 m when the maximum length of
the overhang exceeds 4 m.
The maximum of 4 m of overhang
excludes the length of the impact
Vehicle equipped with an impact attenuator at the rear
attenuator.
and used as a protection vehicle

This maximum of 14 m is reduced to

11 m when the length of the overhang
exceeds 4 m.

Bus This provision applies until

December 31, 2014.
This maximum of 14 m is reduced to
11 m when the maximum length from
the centre of the last rear axle to the
Assembled before November 1998 rear end of the vehicle, including the
load, exceeds 5 m.

This maximum of 19 m excludes

the length of the bike-rack if it
Articulated does not exceed by 1 m the front
bus of the articulated bus.

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 Type of Maximum authorized length Particulars and
vehicles (load included) transitional provisions

Farm
tractor and
2 trailers

Combination
of not
more than
4 vehicles
coupled
according
to the
saddle-back
method
This maximum of 23 m is reduced
to 19 m when the maximum length of
Truck with the overhang exceeds 4 m.
trailer

This maximum of 23 m is reduced to

19 m when:
• the tractor has an interaxle spacing
Tractor with of less than 3 m; or
semi-trailer • the tractor has a wheelbase of more
than 6.2 m; or
• the length of the overhang is more
than 35% of the wheelbase of the
semi-trailer.

Type A or C
double train

This maximum of 25 m is reduced to

19 m when:
• the tractor has an interaxle spacing
Type B of less than 3 m; or
double train • the tractor has a wheelbase of more
than 6.2 m; or
• the length of the overhang is more
than 35% of the wheelbase of the
semi-trailer.

Tractor,
semi-trailer
and dolly

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Without load
Type of Maximum authorized length Particulars and
vehicles (without load) transitional provisions

Semi-trailer
equipped
with one of
the following
classes of
axles:
• single axle
• tandem
• tridem
• B.44 or
B.45

Semi-trailer

This maximum of 14.65 m does not

include the coupling device of
Trailer
the dolly.
with dolly

This maximum of 12.5 m includes

Trailer the coupling device of the trailer.
without
dolly

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Exception measures regarding the length
The maximum authorized length does not include:
■ Safari bumpers (bumpers protecting the front of a vehicle in case of an impact with an
animal) if they do not exceed by 30 cm the front of a motor vehicle.

■ The aerodynamic system located at the rear of a road vehicle, provided any part of the
system located:
• at 190 cm or less from the ground does not exceed by 30.5 cm the rear end of the vehicle;
• at more than 190 cm from the ground does not exceed by 61 cm the rear end of the vehicle.

The maximum length authorized for a semi-trailer, a trailer, the kingpin setback and the box length
does not include auxiliary equipment located at the front or at the rear, provided they do not increase
the load volume of the road vehicle (for example: air conditioning unit, front wind deflector, etc.)

3.2 MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED HEIGHT

Load included
Type of Maximum authorized height Particulars and
vehicles (load included) transitional provisions
Although this standard allows road
vehicles to travel almost everywhere
on the road network, the vertical
Road clearance of certain bridges and
vehicle overpasses may be lower than this
limit. An index of the Québec bridges
with their vertical clearance is available
on the website of the ministère des
Transports.

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3.3 MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED WIDTH
Load included
Type of Maximum authorized width Particulars and
vehicles (load included) transitional provisions

Truck

This maximum of 2.6 m is reduced

to 2.5 m when the track width is less
than 2.5 m.
For vehicles assembled before
November 1998, the track width
does not apply. This provision applies
until December 31, 2014.

This maximum of 2.6 m is reduced

to 2.5 m when the track width is less
than 2.45 m for an axle equipped with
wide-tread tires of size 445/50R22.5
or 455/55R22.5, and whose load
maximum does not exceed the load
Trailer or indicated on the additional label
semi-trailer affixed to the vehicle in accordance
with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
For vehicles assembled before
January 1, 2010, the minimum
track width is reduced to 2.3 m for
axles equipped with single tires of
size 445/50R22.5 or 455/55R22.5.
Wide-tread tires of size 445/50R22.5 This provision applies until
or 455/55R22.5 December 31, 2019.
For vehicles assembled before
November 1998, the track width does
not apply. This provision applies until
December 31, 2014.

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Farm vehicle
Type of Maximum authorized width Particulars and
vehicles transitional provisions
2.6 m for a farm trailer, load included; These limits do not apply to a farm
3.75 m for a farm trailer carrying grain and trailer:
travelling unloaded. • of a model year prior to 1992; and
• designed and used to transport hay,
grain, products to be sprayed,
chemical fertilizer, manure, liquid
manure or manure liquid; and
• travelling elsewhere than on an
autoroute.
This provision applies until
December 31, 2014.
Farm
vehicle
owned by 7.5 m for the following vehicles travelling elsewhere
a farmer than on an autoroute:
• farm machines transporting products to be sprayed
or travelling unloaded;
• seeders;
• combine harvesters.

Exception measures regarding the width

The maximum authorized width does not include:
■ Rearview mirrors and lights;

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■ A securement system, a covering system or another auxiliary equipment, provided such system:
• does not exceed by 10 cm each side of the vehicle; and
• does not increase its load volume;

■ Equipment for grading, clearing or marking roads, which is used for purposes of public
infrastructure construction or maintenance;

■ Devices used for the automatic loading of bales of hay;

device used for

the automatic loading of
bales of hay

■ Wheels and spreading equipment for farm trailers owned by a farmer and which:
• are designed and used to transport products to be sprayed, chemical fertilizer, manure,
liquid manure or manure liquid;
• are travelling elsewhere than on an autoroute; and
• do not exceed 3.75 m.

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SECTION 4
MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED LOAD
BY CLASS OF AXLES
The maximum authorized load for a class of axles is the lowest of the three following values:
1. The sum of all tire capacities in the class;
2. Solely for the front axle class: the load capacity of a front axle or the sum
of the load capacities of the front axles (GAWR);
3. The axle class load limit prescribed in the regulation.

1 Concerning the sum of all tire capacities in the class:

It is indicated by the manufacturer on the side of the tire. There are usually two figures:
■ “D” when tires are dual-mounted;

■ “S” when tires are single-mounted.

Dual-mounted tires: the capacity of the inner tire is the same as that of the outer tire,
unless otherwise ascertained.
Single-mounted tires: the tire capacity must not exceed 10 kg per mm of nominal width
of the tire tread. This tire width provision does not apply to:
■ front axles;

■ front axles equipped with single tires of size 445/50R22.5 or 455/55R22.5;

■ classes B.44 and B.45 self-steering axles.

2 Solely for the front axle class: concerning the load capacity of a front axle or
the sum of the load capacities of the front axles (GAWR):
The load capacity of a front axle or the sum of the load capacities of the front axles
(GAWR) is:
■ 5,500 kg for a class B.1 axle;

■ 11,000 kg for a combination of axles belonging to class B.2 or B.3.

The axle capacity can be higher when indicated by the manufacturer of the road vehicle
by the person who made alterations on or to a vehicle with the approval of the Société de
l’assurance automobile du Québec in accordance with section 214 of the Québec Highway
Safety Code.

3 Concerning the axle class load limit prescribed in the regulation:

The axle class load limit prescribed in the regulation is indicated in Table 1.

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Table 1
Load limit prescribed
in the regulation
Class of axles
Normal Thaw
period period
Front axles
A front axle

B.1 9,000 kg 9,000 kg

Front tandem

B.2 16,000 kg 16,000 kg

Two or more front axles

B.3 15,000 kg 15,000 kg

Rear axles
Single axle

B.10 10,000 kg 8,000 kg

Two axles or more

B.20 10,000 kg 8,000 kg

d < 1.2 m
Tandem

B.21 18,000 kg 15,500 kg

d ≥ 1.2 m
Two axles

B.25 13,500 kg 11,000 kg

1.2 m ≤ d < 2.4 m

Two axles

B.25.1 18,000 kg 15,500 kg

d ≥ 2.4 m

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 Load limit prescribed
in the regulation
Class of axles
Normal Thaw
period period
Single axle and one “donkey” axle

B.26 10,000 kg 8,000 kg

Three axles

B.30 18,000 kg1 15,500 kg1

d ≥ 1.2 m
Tridem or tridem equivalent

B.31 21,000 kg2 18,000 kg2

2.4 m ≤ d < 3 m
Tridem or tridem equivalent

B.32 24,000 kg2 21,000 kg2

3 m ≤ d < 3.6 m
Tridem or tridem equivalent

B.33 26,000 kg2 22,000 kg2

3.6 m ≤ d ≤ 3.7 m
Four axles or more

B.40.1 18,000 kg 15,500 kg

1.2 m ≤ d < 2.4 m

Four axles or more

B.40.2 23,000 kg 20,000 kg

2.4 m ≤ d < 3.6 m

Four axles or more

B.41 26,000 kg 22,000 kg

3.6 m ≤ d < 4.2 m

1 Until December 31, 2014, the load limit is increased to 26,000 kg during a normal period and to 22,000 kg during the thaw period for
a tridem or tridem equivalent with a “d” dimension of 4.8 m or more, provided the vehicle was assembled before November 1, 1998.
2 The limit is reduced by 1,000 kg in the case of a tridem equivalent.

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 Load limit prescribed
in the regulation
Class of axles
Normal Thaw
period period
Four axles or more

B.42 26,000 kg 22,000 kg

4.2 m ≤ d < 4.8 m

Four axles or more

B.43 28,000 kg 24,000 kg

d ≥ 4.8 m
A self-steering axle in front of a tridem equipped with a suspension
system designed to distribute the mass evenly between all axles,
within about 1,000 kg, and without possible adjustment

B.443 32,000 kg 27,500 kg

2.5 m < b ≤ 3.0 m

3 m ≤ c < 3.6 m
A self-steering axle in front of a tridem equipped with a suspension
system designed to distribute the mass evenly between all axles,
within about 1,000 kg, and without possible adjustment

B.453 34,000 kg 29,500 kg

2.5 m < b ≤ 3.0 m

3.6 m ≤ c ≤ 3.7 m
Two axles (type C double train)

B.56 17,000 kg 16,000 kg

d<3m
Tandem + single axle (type C double train)

B.57 23,000 kg 23,000 kg

d<3m

3 Until December 31, 2014, the self-steering axle may be replaced by a single axle for a vehicle assembled before January 1, 2003,
whose length is 15.5 m or less. This provision is extended until December 31, 2019, for a tank semi-trailer assembled before January
1, 2003 and whose length is 15.5 m or less.
Until December 31, 2019, the ”b” dimension may be at least 2.4 m for a vehicle assembled before January 1, 2014.
Until December 31, 2019, the suspension system designed to evenly distribute the mass between the self-steering axle and the
tridem axle, within about 1,000 kg, is not required in vehicles assembled before October 1998.

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Special measures and exception
The load limit prescribed in the regulation is decreased by 1,000 kg per axle equipped with only
2 tires that:
■ are not part of a front axle class;
■ are not wide-tread 445/50R22.5 or 455/55R22.5; or
■ do not belong to the self-steering axle equipped with single tires with a nominal width of at
least 365 mm for class B.44 and at least 385 mm for class B.45.
During the thaw period, the axle load limits prescribed in the regulation for a normal period
apply to a tow truck hauling a vehicle that has been in an accident or has broken down, been
seized or abandoned and, in all cases, without a load.

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SECTION 5
MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED TOTAL LOADED MASS
NORMAL PERIOD
During the normal period, the maximum authorized total loaded mass of a road vehicle or
combination of road vehicles is the lesser of the two following values:
1. The sum of the maximum authorized total loaded mass of each axle class of a
vehicle or combination of vehicles during the normal period;
2. The total loaded mass of the class of vehicles prescribed in the regulation.

1 Concerning the sum of the maximum authorized total loaded mass of each axle class
of a vehicle or combination of vehicles:
To know the maximum authorized loads for each axle class of a vehicle or combination of vehicles,
please refer to the previous section of this guide.
In calculating the sum, the maximum load of the front axle or axles of a vehicle or combination
of vehicles must not exceed:
■ 5,500 kg for a front single axle (B.1) in the case of a tractor;
■ 7,250 kg for a front single axle (B.1) in the case of a vehicle other than a tractor;
■ 14,000 kg for a front tandem axle (B.2);
■ 13,000 kg for a front multiple axle (B.3).

2 Concerning the total loaded mass for the class of vehicles prescribed in the regulation:
The maximum total loaded mass for the class of vehicles or combination of vehicles prescribed
in the regulation is indicated in Table 2.

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THAW PERIOD
During the thaw period, the maximum authorized total loaded mass of a road vehicle or
combination of road vehicles is the lesser of the two following values:
1. The sum of the maximum authorized total loaded mass for each class of axles
of a vehicle or combination of vehicles during the thaw period;
2. The maximum authorized total loaded mass prescribed in the regulation during
the normal period.

1 Concerning the sum of the maximum authorized total loaded mass for each class of
axles of a vehicle or combination of vehicles during the thaw period:
To know the maximum authorized loads for each class of axles of a vehicle or combination
of vehicles, please refer to the previous section of this guide.
In calculating the sum, the maximum load of the front axle or axles of a vehicle or
combination of vehicles must not exceed:
■ 5,500 kg for a front single axle (B.1) in the case of a tractor;
■ 7,250 kg for a front single axle (B.1) in the case of a vehicle other than a tractor;
■ 14,000 kg for a front tandem axle (B.2);
■ 13,000 kg for a front multiple axle (B.3).

2 Concerning the maximum authorized total loaded mass prescribed in the regulation
during the normal period:
The maximum total loaded mass for the class of vehicles or combination of vehicles
prescribed in the regulation is indicated in Table 2.

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Table 2
Maximum total
loaded mass Prescribed
Class of vehicles or combinations of vehicles prescribed in distance
the regulation
Single unit vehicle

B.1 B.10
A.1 17,250 kg

B.1 B.26

A.2 25,250 kg

B.1 tandem or B.25

A.3 32,000 kg a ≥ 3.0 m

A.4 31,000 kg a < 3.0 m4

B.2 or B.3 tandem

Single unit vehicle

A.9 23,500 kg
Configuration not provided

Tractor with semi-trailer and vehicle with trailer

For any combination of road vehicles consisting of a tractor and a single semi-trailer, it is possible
to couple a single dolly to the semi-trailer in order to move it. The addition of the dolly does not result
in a class change or in an increase in the total loaded mass limit.

B.1 B.10 B.10

A.10 25,500 kg

B.1 B.10 B.10

4 The total loaded mass limit is reduced by 1,000 kg per slice of 0.5 m below the prescribed distance. (see Table 3)

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 Maximum total
loaded mass Prescribed
Class of vehicles or combinations of vehicles prescribed in distance
the regulation

B.1 B.10 tandem

A.11 35,500 kg

B.1 tandem B.10

B.1 B.10 B.10 B.10

A.12 41,500 kg a ≥ 4.0 m

B.1 tandem tandem

A.13 40,500 kg a < 4.0 m4

B.1 tandem tandem

A combination of vehicles:
• Whose configuration was not provided; or
A.19 • Equipped with a self-steering axle located elsewhere than at 41,500 kg5
the front of a combination of 3 or 4 axles under a semi-trailer
or located elsewhere than at the front of a combination of
3 axles under a trailer.

4 The total loaded mass limit is reduced by 1,000 kg per slice of 0.5 m below the prescribed distance. (see Table 3)
5 Until December 31, 2014, this limit is increased to 49,500 kg for a tractor + semi-trailer when the following characteristics are met:
the tridem or the tridem equivalent belongs to class B.30, and its “d” dimension is 4.8 m or more, the semi-trailer was assembled
before November 1998, the distance between the centre of the rear tandem axle of the tractor and the centre of the first of the
class B.30 axles is 5 m or more. If the distance is shorter than 5 m, you must refer to section 37.17 of the regulation to know the
authorized load limit.

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 Maximum total
loaded mass Prescribed
Class of vehicles or combinations of vehicles prescribed in distance
the regulation
Vehicle with trailer

A.20 43,500 kg d ≥ 8.0 m

B.1 B.10 B.10 tandem

A.21 42,500 kg d < 8.0 m4

B.1 tandem B.10 B.10

A.22 51,500 kg d ≥ 12.0 m

A.23 50,500 kg d < 12.0 m4

B.1 tandem B.10 2 axles

A.24 49,500 kg d ≥ 9.5 m

A.25 48,500 kg d < 9.5 m4

B.1 tandem 3 axles without a dolly

A.26 55,500 kg d ≥ 14.0 m

A.27 54,500 kg d < 14.0 m4

B.1 tandem tandem tandem

A.30 50,000 kg d ≥ 15.0 m

B.2 or B.3 tandem 2 axles

A.31 49,000 kg d < 15.0 m4

B.2 or B.3 tandem B.10 B.10

4 The total loaded mass limit is reduced by 1,000 kg per slice of 0.5 m below the prescribed distance. (see Table 3)

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 Maximum total
loaded mass Prescribed
Class of vehicles or combinations of vehicles prescribed in distance
the regulation

A.32 53,500 kg d ≥ 16.5 m

B.2 or B.3 tandem 3 axles

A.33 52,500 kg d < 16.5 m4

B.2 or B.3 tandem B.10 2 axles

A.34 53,500 kg d ≥ 16.5 m

A.35 52,500 kg d < 16.5 m4

B.2 or B.3 tandem tandem tandem
Tractor with semi-trailer
It is possible to couple a single dolly to the semi-trailer in order to move it. The addition of
the dolly does not result in a class change or in an increase in the total loaded mass limit.

A.40 44,500 kg a ≥ 4.0 m

A.41 43,500 kg a < 4.0 m4

B.1 tandem B.31

A.42 47,500 kg a ≥ 4.5 m

A.43 46,500 kg a < 4.5 m4

B.1 tandem B.32

A.44 49,500 kg a ≥ 5.5 m

A.45 48,500 kg a < 5.5 m4

B.1 tandem B.33

4 The total loaded mass limit is reduced by 1,000 kg per slice of 0.5 m below the prescribed distance. (see Table 3)

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 Maximum total
loaded mass Prescribed
Class of vehicles or combinations of vehicles prescribed in distance
the regulation

A.60 49,500 kg a ≥ 5.5 m

A.61 48,500 kg a < 5.5 m4

B.1 tandem 4 axles (B.41)

A.62 49,500 kg a ≥ 5.0 m

A.63 48,500 kg a < 5.0 m4

B.1 tandem 4 axles (B.42)

A.64 51,500 kg a ≥ 5.0 m

A.65 50,500 kg a < 5.0 m4

B.1 tandem 4 axles (B.43)

A.66 55,500 kg a ≥ 6.0 m

A.67 54,500 kg a < 6.0 m4

B.1 tandem B.44

A.68 57,500 kg a ≥ 5.5 m

A.69 56,500 kg a < 5.5 m4

B.1 tandem B.45
Type A or C double train

A.70 45,500 kg d ≥ 10.0 m

A.71 44,500 kg d < 10.0 m4

B.1 B.10 B.10 B.10 B.10

4 The total loaded mass limit is reduced by 1,000 kg per slice of 0.5 m below the prescribed distance. (see Table 3)

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 Maximum total
loaded mass Prescribed
Class of vehicles or combinations of vehicles prescribed in distance
the regulation

A.72 53,500 kg d ≥ 13.5 m

A.73 52,500 kg d < 13.5 m4

B.1 B.10 B.10 B.10 tandem

A.74 53,500 kg d ≥ 14.0 m

A.75 52,500 kg d < 14.0 m4

B.1 tandem B.10 B.10 B.10

B.1 B.10 tandem B.10 B.10

A.76.1 53,500 kg d ≥ 15.5 m

B.1 B.10 tandem B.10 tandem

B.1 tandem tandem B.10 B.10

A.76.2 52,500 kg d < 15.5 m4

B.1 tandem tandem B.10 tandem

B.1 tandem tandem tandem tandem

4 The total loaded mass limit is reduced by 1,000 kg per slice of 0.5 m below the prescribed distance. (see Table 3)

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 Maximum total
loaded mass Prescribed
Class of vehicles or combinations of vehicles prescribed in distance
the regulation
Type C double train
The double drawbar dolly must meet the requirements of section 903
of the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations. The wheelbase of each semi-trailer is at least 6.25 m
and the heaviest semi-trailer must be at the front.

B.1 B.10 B.57 tandem

A.86 B.1 tandem B.57 B.10 55,500 kg

B.1 tandem B.56 tandem

a ≥ 3 m b ≥ 5 m c ≤ 1.8 m d ≤ 1.85 m
“c” corresponds to the distance between the centre of the single axle
or tandem axle and the centre of the pintle hooks.

A.87 58,500 kg
B.1 tandem B.57 tandem
a ≥ 3 m b ≥ 5 m c ≤ 1.8 m d ≤ 1.85 m
“c” corresponds to the distance between the centre of the single axle
or tandem axle and the centre of the pintle hooks.

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 Maximum total
loaded mass Prescribed
Class of vehicles or combinations of vehicles prescribed in distance
the regulation
Type B double train

A.90 62,500 kg f ≥ 16.5 m

B.1 tandem tridem tandem

B.1 tandem tridem tridem

A.91 61,500 kg f < 16.5 m4

B.1 tandem tandem tridem

a ≤ 1.85 m b ≤ 3.1 m c ≥ 5 m d ≥ 5.5 m e ≥ 6 m

4 The total loaded mass limit is reduced by 1,000 kg per slice of 0.5 m below the prescribed distance. (see Table 3)

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 Maximum total
loaded mass Prescribed
Class of vehicles or combinations of vehicles prescribed in distance
the regulation

B.1 tandem tridem or equivalent tandem

A.92 59,000 kg f ≥ 16.5 m

B.1 tandem tridem or equivalent tridem

B.1 tandem tridem tridem or equivalent

B.1 tandem tandem tandem

A.93 58,000 kg f < 16.5 m4

B.1 tandem tandem tridem or equivalent

a ≤ 1.85 m b ≤ 3.1 m c ≥ 4 m d ≥ 5 m

4 The total loaded mass limit is reduced by 1,000 kg per slice of 0.5 m below the prescribed distance. (see Table 3)

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 Maximum total
loaded mass Prescribed
Class of vehicles or combinations of vehicles prescribed in distance
the regulation

A.94 B.1 tandem one axle+tandem tandem 58,000 kg f ≥ 16.5 m

B.1 tandem one axle+tandem tridem or equivalent, or

one axle+tandem
B.1 tandem tridem or équivalent one axle+tandem

A.95 57,000 kg f < 16.5 m4

B.1 tandem tandem one axle+tandem

a ≤ 1.85 m b ≤ 3.1 m c ≥ 4 m d ≥ 5 m

A.96 53,000 kg f ≥ 16.0 m

A.97 52,000 kg f < 16.0 m4

B.1 1 or 2 axles 2 or 3 axles 1, 2 or 3 axles

4 The total loaded mass limit is reduced by 1,000 kg per slice of 0.5 m below the prescribed distance. (see Table 3)

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Reduction of the maximum total loaded mass
of certain categories of vehicles prescribed in the regulation:
When the measured distance “a”, “d” or “f” of a vehicle or combination of vehicles is shorter
that the distance prescribed for certain classes, the total loaded mass prescribed in the
regulation must be reduced by 1,000 kg per slice of 0.5 m below the prescribed distance.
The table below indicates the reduction applicable for these classes.

Table 3
Distance
“a”, “d” or “f” Reduction of the
total loaded mass prescribed
Difference6= dist. prescribed for a class - dist. measured on the vehicle in the regulation

0 m < difference < 0.5 m 0 kg

0.5 m ≤ difference < 1.0 m 1,000 kg
1.0 m ≤ difference < 1.5 m 2,000 kg
1.5 m ≤ difference < 2.0 m 3,000 kg
2.0 m ≤ difference < 2.5 m 4,000 kg
2.5 m ≤ difference < 3.0 m 5,000 kg

6 Difference means the difference between the distance prescribed for a class of vehicle (“a”, “d” or “f”) and the distance measured
on the vehicle or combination of vehicles for which the maximum authorized total loaded mass is being calculated.

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SECTION 6
THAW ZONES AND PERIODS
The dates of the thaw period are published before load restrictions come into effect, that is,
usually from around mid-March (zone 1) until the end of May (zone 3).
Map of the thaw zones

ZONE 1
Includes the Québec territory located south of the following line,
known as the “demarcation line of zones 1 and 2”:
From the intersection point of the median line of the Ottawa River (Québec-Ontario border):
with the extension of the median line of the Schyan River in the municipality of Sheenboro;
from there, eastward, a straight line to the intersection of the Picanoc River and route 105 in
the city of Gracefield; from there, eastward, a straight line to the intersection of autoroute
15 and route 329 in the city of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts; from there, toward the north-east,
a straight line to the intersection of route 155 and route 159 in the parish municipality of
Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac to the point where it intersects with the north-eastern limit of the
municipality of Mandeville; from there, toward the south-east, along the north-eastern limit of
the municipality of Mandeville to the point where it intersects with the north-western limit of
the parish municipality of Saint-Alexis-des-Monts; from there, toward the north-east, a straight
line to the intersection of the south-western limit of the municipality of Rivière-à-Pierre and
the north-western limit of the municipality of Notre-Dame-de-Montauban; from there, toward
the north-east, the extension of this line to its intersection with the south-western limit of the
Portneuf wildlife reserve; from there, in a general eastward direction, following the perimeter

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of the said wildlife reserve counterclockwise to its intersection with the north-western limit of
the city of Saint-Raymond;
from there, toward the north-east, then toward the south-east and the north-east, following
the north-western and north-eastern limits of the city of Saint-Raymond and then the
north-western limit of the municipality of Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier to its intersection
with the south-western limit of the Laurentides wildlife reserve; from there, toward the
south-east and then in a general north-eastward direction, following the perimeter of the
Laurentides wildlife reserve counterclockwise to its intersection with the western limit of the
Jacques-Cartier conservation park; from there, in general south-eastward, north-eastward and
south-eastward directions, following the perimeter of the Jacques-Cartier conservation park
counterclockwise to its intersection with the south-western limit of the Laurentides wildlife
reserve; from there, toward the south-east, along the south-western limit of the Laurentides
wildlife reserve to its intersection with the south-eastern limit of the route 175 right-of-way;
from there, toward the south-east, in a straight line to the intersection of route 138 with the
north-eastern limit of the city of Beaupré; from there, toward the south-east, the extension of
this line to its intersection with the median line of the arm of the St. Lawrence River located
north of Île d’Orléans; from there, in a general north-eastward direction, successively following
the median line of the said northern arm of the St. Lawrence River, the median line of the river
to the north-eastern limit of the parish municipality of Saint-Germain and then a straight line
to the south-western tip of Île aux Lièvres; from there, toward the north-east in a straight line
to the intersection of autoroute 20 with the north-eastern limit of the city of Rivière-du-Loup;
from there, in a general southward direction, following the perimeter of the city of Rivière-du-Loup
clockwise to its intersection with the north-eastern limit of the route 185 right-of-way; from
there, in a general south-eastward direction, following the generally north-eastern limit of the
route 185 right-of-way to its intersection with the New Brunswick border.

ZONE 2
Includes Îles-de-la-Madeleine and the Québec territory contained between
the “demarcation line of zones 1 and 2” heretofore described and the next line,
known as the “demarcation line of zones 2 and 3”:
From the intersection point of the parallel of latitude 48o 00’ north and the Ontario border;
from there, toward the south-east, in a straight line to the intersection of route 101 and the
southern limit of the city of Rouyn-Noranda; from there, eastward, in a straight line to the
Rapide-Sept hydroelectric dam; from there, eastward, in a straight line to the intersection of
route 117 with the northern limit of the La Vérendrye wildlife reserve; from there, eastward, in
a straight line to the intersection of route 167 with the southern limit of the Ashuapmushuan
wildlife reserve; from there, in a general north-eastward direction, following the perimeter
of the Ashuapmushuan wildlife reserve counterclockwise to its intersection with the
north-western limit of the municipality of Saint-Thomas-Didyme; from there, toward the
north-east, following the north-western, south-western, northern and north-eastern limits

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of the municipality of Saint-Thomas-Didyme, and then successively the generally north-
western limits of the municipality of Saint-Edmond-les-Plaines, the municipality of Girardville
and the municipality of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette to its intersection with the north-eastern
limit of the municipality of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette; from there, eastward, in a straight line to
the Manic Three hydroelectric dam; from there, toward the north-east, in a straight line to a
point located on the parallel of latitude 51° 00’ north, 60 metres east of the shore of lac Caron
(intersection of the northern and western limits of the Port-Cartier-Sept-Îles wildlife reserve);
from there, eastward, along the parallel of latitude 51° 00’ north, to a point located 60 metres
east of the Sainte-Marguerite River (intersection of the northern and eastern limits of the said
reserve); from there, eastward, in a straight line to the intersection of the parallel of latitude
52° 00’ north with the eastern limit of the province of Québec, north of the municipality of
Blanc Sablon.

ZONE 3
This zone includes the Québec territory located north of the
“demarcation line of zones 2 and 3” previously described.

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NOTES

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NOTES

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 QUESTIONS CONCERNING
TRUCKING?
Information available on the website of the ministère
des Transports du Québec at www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca

Bulk Trucking
Cargo Securement
Dangerous Substances
Heavy Vehicles (Act)
Information Bulletin
International Trucking
Shipping Document/Bill of Lading
Special Permits
Speed Limiters
Trucking Network
Vehicle Load and Size

Information available on the Québec 511

website at quebec511.info

Hindrances Related to Load and Size

Vertical Bridge Clearances
New Roadwork Sites
Load Limits on Bridges and Overpasses