Transportation and Infrastructure

New Vehicle Weights and Dimensions on Classes of Highways Regulation (M.R. 155/2018)

Under the old regulation Manitoba had two standards for vehicle weights and dimensions: the Road Transportation Association of Canada (RTAC) standard and a non-RTAC standard. Other Canadian jurisdictions, with the exception of Ontario, have only the RTAC standard.
Removing the non-RTAC standard from the Vehicle Weights and Dimensions on Classes of Highway Regulation (VWDR) simplifies the regulation and significantly reduces the regulatory requirements for commercial vehicle operators in Manitoba.
The changes improve clarity in the regulation for businesses, for motor carrier enforcement agencies, and for front-line staff who issue over-dimensional/overweight permits.
The regulatory changes will align Manitoba’s regulation with our partners in the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWTPA), increasing the regulatory harmonization across the western provinces. Transportation and Infrastructure is also using this regulation change to increase weight allowances on some highways, which will increase trucking industry productivity within the province.

Industry communication/awareness/education will take place via the following methods:

Website outlining key changes
Direct email/mail communication as part of the annual safety fitness certificate renewal program - Timeline: for one year
Twitter/Facebook updates
Motor Carrier Enforcement Officers (MCEO) will be educated and updated on changes as part of their annual training plan
Roadside education - Timeline: for one year, starting when the regulation comes into force. MCEOs will educate carriers regarding changes. In most cases the officers will direct carriers to obtain needed permits rather than issue tickets for violations (e.g.: a non-RTAC vehicle no longer allowed due to regulatory change).
Via existing industry committees/meetings

A less complex system for determining legal weights will increase the efficiency of the development, implementation and enforcement of new policies and regulations.
Improved clarity in the regulation supports the motor carrier industry, motor carrier enforcement officers, and permit office staff members.
The elimination of the non-RTAC standard will simplify the upgrade the OD/OW permitting system.
A single standard for vehicle weights and dimensions will reduce the complexity of permit self-issuance, allowing more permits to qualify for self-issuance in the OD/OW permitting system.
Increased harmonization with our western counterparts, which supports the intent of the NWPTA by further reducing barriers that impact the efficient transportation of goods across western Canada
Permits will no longer be required for Long Wheel Base Semi-tractors, Full and Semi-trailer Lift Axles and Tandem Steer Axles under 2.2m spread.

Non-RTAC vehicles will continue to fall within legal length, height, and width.
Interaxle spacing has an impact on allowable weights. Vehicles will require a permit to operate legally, if they do not meet interaxle spacing requirements. A new permit for short interaxle spacing will be required for a fee of $24.
The amended regulation is applicable to all relevant vehicles. Any impact, including permit fees, will apply to individual vehicles. Therefore, the affect on companies will be in proportion to the number of vehicles they own.
Companies will be allowed to continue to operate with their existing non-RTAC equipment under permit. Permit fees may apply.

A review process will commence during the first year of implementation, which will consist of data collection and consultation with Permit Services staff and field feedback gathered from Motor Carrier Enforcement Officers.
Industry feedback will be gathered on a regular basis through existing consultative committees.
The information gathered will then be used to assess the impact of the regulatory changes and respond to any issues via a future regulatory amendment or policy change.

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