Overview

You need a permit to operate an extended semitrailer if the extended semitrailer is longer than the standard legal limit of 16.2 metres (53 feet) and up to 18.44 metres (60 feet, 6 inches).

You can get a permit if the overall length of the tractor and extended semitrailer is 23 metres or less and you meet certain requirements. 23 metres is Ontario’s legal limit for maximum length of a tractor and extended semitrailer.

Extended semitrailers are longer than the standard legal limit of 16.2 metres (53 feet). They can help carriers operate more efficiently by reducing the number of trips required to move the same amount of goods, thus reducing fuel consumption and related emissions.

Requirements and restrictions

You must meet all requirements to be eligible to participate in the extended semitrailer program.

Carrier requirements

You must:

  • have a “Satisfactory” carrier safety rating—carriers with a “Conditional” or “Unsatisfactory” carrier safety rating will not qualify for the program
  • have at least $5 million in public liability insurance
  • have at least 5 years of experience operating tractor-trailers
  • provide all drivers with appropriate classroom, yard and on-road training on the operation of extended semitrailers

Driver requirements

You must:

  • hold a valid Class A driver’s licence with Z (air brake) endorsement
  • attend 8 hours of combined classroom, yard and on-road training provided by the carrier
  • record each trip operated under the permit and provide the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) with these records
  • have at least 5 years of experience operating tractor-trailers

Operating extended semitrailers

While operating an extended semitrailer, drivers must:

  • have a copy of their Extended Semitrailer Special Vehicle Configuration (SVC) permit
  • drive at safe speeds and follow the posted speed limits
  • avoid damaging highway infrastructure such as curbs, lights or other highway fixtures (the carrier is responsible for any damage to highway infrastructure)
  • follow the same laws as other commercial vehicles when reporting to truck inspection stations or commercial vehicle inspection facilities

Special equipment requirements

You must:

  • have a wide right turns sign on the back of the trailer
  • ensure the tractor and trailer have a working anti-lock braking systems (ABS) that is compliant with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 121
  • have a working electronic stability contrail (ESC system) on the tractor
  • use only Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC tanks up to 2082 litres) to move liquid in bulk

Learn more about the requirements for carriers, drivers and vehicles by reading the full Extended Semitrailer Program Conditions.

Apply for a permit

To apply for an Special Vehicle Configuration (SVC) permit to operate an extended semitrailer configuration, contact the Ministry of Transportation.

Email: extendedsemitrailer.monitoring@ontario.ca

By mail:

Ministry of Transportation
Permit Office
301 St. Paul Street, 3rd Floor
St. Catharines, Ontario
L2R 7R4