TORONTO (July 3, 2002) — The Ontario Ministry of Transportation yesterday released details about changes to provincial vehicle weight laws that will phase out the use of non-steerable lift axles on end-dump and open-top hopper semi-trailers.

The province said the changes, the second phase of reforms of Ontario’s truck size and weight regulations, are meant to encourage self-steering lift axles on three and four axle trailers.

The province will reduce allowable gross weight limits by 4500 kilograms on dump semi-trailers made after Jan. 1, 2003, that use non-steering lift axles, 9000 kg if two or more lift axles are used. All existing dump semi-trailers may continue to operate at current weights until at least 2011 regardless of age. They may continue to operate beyond 2011 at current weights under special permit if, at that time, the trailer has not yet reached 15 years of age (end-dumps) or 20 years of age (open-top hoppers).

The MTO announced other changes. Effective immediately, it will no long apply the aggregate gross weight calculation and the 1,500 kg aggregate reduction to trailers with single, tandem, or tridem axles, or three- or four-axle semi-trailers with a self-steering lift axle. The aggregate calculation and reduction will continue to apply to all other aggregate vehicles.

Also, to harmonize self-steer axle standards with neighbouring jurisdictions, the MTO said it would allow a self-steer quad with a fifth, liftable axle, but the axle may not be deployed in Ontario. The ministry also said lift-axle-equipped triaxle and quad semi-trailers may have a switch to turn off load equalization on the air suspension when operating outside Ontario.

Ontario’s vehicle weights and dimensions limits are outlined in the Highway Traffic Act Reg. 597. For technical questions, phone Ron Madill, project leader on vehicle weights and dimensions reforms; 519/473-6543.