Overweight and over-dimension permit

A buyer of a hauling or heavy-equipment business should read the permit file, since some jobs may depend on it. This entry covers Ontario only; check the rules where you are. Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, section 110 lets the authority with jurisdiction over a highway grant a permit to exceed the dimensional or weight limits to move a load, object, structure or vehicle that cannot reasonably be divided, and section 110.1 lets the Registrar issue special permits, for the purposes it lists, for vehicles that do not comply with the dimensional limits in section 109 or the weight limits in Part VIII or the regulations.

Types and conditions

The Ministry lists four types: annual, project, single trip and special vehicle configuration. Under s.110.2 a driver must carry a special permit or a copy and produce it on the demand of a police officer or other officer, and under s.110.3 the Registrar may suspend, refuse to renew, modify or cancel one on the grounds listed there, after notice to the holder. The Ministry says municipalities may accept its permits or issue their own for highways under their jurisdiction.

What to ask

• Which permit types the business holds, their conditions and their expiry
• Whether routes depend on municipal permission as well
• Whether the permits name the seller’s company and how the issuing office treats a change of owner

The equipment hauling company due diligence guide puts this with insurance, fleet and contract questions.