General Info
In Ontario, commercial vehicle users must hold a valid Commercial Vehicle User Registration Certificate (UVA) or, for vehicles registered in another Canadian province or territory, a National Code certificate of security. To determine if you need an IUVU certificate and for more information on the registration program, visit the Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration (CVOR).
Ontario 511 aims to provide commercial vehicle operators (including truck and bus drivers) with information to assist in planning your travel. If you have any comments on how we can further assist you with planning please Contact Us.
TRUCK MODE
Ontario 511 website design modified to improve user experience for truck and bus drivers. "Trucker Mode" features a website focused on providing information to truck and bus drivers. In “trucker mode”, the Ontario 511 website displays truck information at the top of the “map legend” and displays layers and truck driver information on the interactive map.
TRUCK REST AREAS
Safe places for truck and bus drivers to stop and rest can be found at various locations across Ontario. The Ontario 511 website advises if areas are open or closed, as well as what amenities are available. Some places may be open only during the summer season.
Ontario 511 provides the location of all truck rest areas owned / operated by the Ministry of Transportation. Additional information, including rest stop facilities, is also available on Ontario 511.
SEASONAL LOADS/LOAD RESTRICTIONS
Under the Highway Traffic Act, the province enforces reduced load restrictions on trucks to protect Ontario's highways during spring thaw, when road damage is most likely to occur. The Ontario 511 website provides both map and text based reports on any seasonal load changes to provincially owned highways. For additional information visit the Ministry’s Load Limits webpage.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Update
On June 12, 2022, updates to the provincial Highway Traffic Act Regulation 555/06 (Hours of Service) will come into force. These changes will make it mandatory for commercial motor vehicle drivers who operate within Ontario to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to record their Hours of Service (HoS). Drivers of commercial motor vehicles who are currently required to maintain a daily log will be required to use a certified ELD.
To support operators in complying with requirements and align with the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) recommended approach to the enforcement of the federal ELD mandate, Ontario will provide an education and awareness period until January 1, 2023, for commercial truck carriers (without penalties).
These measures have been recommended to allow sufficient time for industry to purchase and conduct necessary training to be compliant and will extend the education and awareness period previously communicated for the federal ELD mandate of June 12, 2022.
Bus carriers who operate within Ontario only will be required to use a certified ELD as of July 1, 2023.
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/electronic-logging-devices.shtml
ROUNDABOUTS
Roundabouts on provincial highways and ramp terminals are designed to accommodate a regular tractor-semitrailer design vehicle and are not an impediment to truck configurations compliant with O. Reg. 413/05, Vehicle Weights and Dimensions for Safe, Productive and Infrastructure Friendly Vehicles. Large trucks may need to use more than one lane when they enter, drive through and exit a roundabout. Within the roundabout, they may also need to use the truck apron between the circulatory roadway and the central island. Drivers are cautioned not to drive beside large trucks when approaching or within the roundabout.
Ontario 511 provides the locations and type (single/multi-lane) information for all roundabouts on provincial highways.
NEW - TOWING AND VEHICLE STORAGE PROVINCIAL OVERSIGHT
In recent years, the towing industry has seen high levels of violence, corruption, and criminal activity. Based on findings and recommendations from the province’s 2021 towing task force, the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA) was created, and a provincial oversight program was implemented.
The TSSEA took effect January 1, 2024 and replaces all municipal oversight regimes with a provincial oversight program. All tow drivers, tow operators, and vehicle storage operators are now required to hold a provincial certificate in Ontario. The TSSEA establishes stronger certification and safety requirements and sets out provisions for improved customer protections.
Learn more about your rights as a customer.
View an operator’s rates and certificate status online.
TRUCK INSPECTION STATIONS
Truck inspection stations are found at various highway locations in Ontario. Signs indicate whether or not a station is open. If a station is open, trucks must enter and stop for inspection.
Vehicles and loads are checked for weight, height, length, width and axle spacing. Driver licenses are also checked for validity and proper class of license for the vehicle.
Ontario 511 provides the location of all Ontario Truck Inspection Stations. For road safety purposes, the Ministry of Transportation does not provide an open/closed status for stations.
OVERSIZE/OVERWEIGHT
Carriers must apply for permits to operate or transport oversized or overweight vehicles and loads. Carriers are responsible for following all permit conditions to ensure their vehicles operate safely on Ontario's King's highways.
Permit holders may encounter construction zones where the horizontal and vertical clearance have been reduced. Before traveling through any construction zone, the permit holder is responsible for verifying clearances. Road construction reports can be obtained by visiting the Ontario 511 website. Contact the Permit Issuing office if the route specified on your permit requires amending. Visit the Ministry’s Oversize/overweight webpage for more information.
For more information on driving commercial vehicles on Ontario visit the Ministry of Transportation’s commercial vehicle webpage.
For information on getting a bus driver’s licence please visit the Ministry’s web page at Get a Bus Driver’s License.