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.

Pilot Project for New Generation Wide Based Tires

Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal 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 more information regarding this pilot contact:
Michael Balsom, Manager, Fleet Services
902-499-3618
michael.balsom@novascotia.ca

Roll Coupled Pilot Project

Nova Scotia's Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal 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. Contact Gary Holmes Gary.Holmes@novascotia.ca, (902) 860-5634.

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 http://wolftrailer.co/Home_Page.html

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.

Overdimensional and Overweight Vehicles and Loads

For information on the rules and policies governing overweight vehicles and loads please contact Will Crocker, Bridge Maintenance Engineer, at (902) 424-2589 or Will.Crocker@novascotia.ca.

For information on the rules and policies governing overdimensional vehicles and loads please contact Gary Holmes, Vehicle Weights & Dimensions, at 902 860 5634 or Gary.Holmes@novascotia.ca

For information on ordering a special move permit for overdimensional and/or overweight vehicles and loads please contact Service Nova Scotia 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