What you don’t know about the “Highway Traffic Act” and the MTO will cost you

There are some Facts you must know when operating a Commercial Vehicle in Ontario.

CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operating Registration)
Any Corporation, Company or Person operating a vehicle with a registered Gross Vehicle Weight over 4,500 kg (10,000 lbs) or any Bus with 10 or more passengers must have a CVOR. The registration of a CVOR is free. (www.mto.gov.on.ca)

G License
G License allows you to drive a vehicle with a GVW or GCW of up to 11,000 kg (24,250 lbs)
GVW Gross vehicle weight (the weight of the Vehicle and its contents)
GCW Gross Combined weight (the weight of the Vehicle and it’s contents plus the weight of the Trailer and it’s contents.) The Trailer and its contents can weigh no more than 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs.)

D License
D license allows the Driver to operate any Truck or Trailer with a GVW or GCW over 11,000 kilograms (24,250 lbs) provided the Trailer and its contents are under 4,600 kilograms (10,141 lbs)

Z Endorsement
Is required to operate any vehicle with an Air Braking System regardless of any other Criteria.

A License
“A” License is required to operate a vehicle pulling a Trailer and contents greater than 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs). Provided it does not exceed the weight restriction of the Manufacturer or the Length and Width restrictions of the MTO.

Weigh Scales
All Commercial Vehicles regardless of size are required to stop at Weigh Scales when the Amber Lights are flashing. This includes Pick Up Trucks. The MTO is mainly concerned with Heavy Trucks and Trailers however Light Duty Trucks may also be pulled over.

Vehicles with Plows
Roof Clearance Lights and Rear Marker Lights must be on every Vehicle that is over 81” Wide.
(This would pertain to Dual Rear Wheel Vehicles and most Plow Trucks)

Most Common Offences and Their Fines
Overloading 100 to 2,499 kg $ 5.00 per 100 kg (No less than $ 100.00)
Overloading from 2,500 kg To 4.999 kg $ 10.00 per 100 kg
Overloading from 5,000 kg To 7,499 Kg $ 12.00 per 100 kg
Unsafe Load Commercial Vehicle $ 315.00
Uncovered Load (No Roll Tarp) $ 315.00
No Clearance Lights on a Vehicle over 81” wide (Plow Truck). $ 205.00