2026 Spring Load Restrictions
Notice: 2026 Spring Load Restrictions – Township of Armour
Effective Date: Monday March 09, 2026
Anticipated End Date:
Late May, 2026 (Subject to weather and road conditions)
Reason for Restrictions
During the mild weather of the spring thaw, frozen road bases begin to melt. Water becomes trapped between the upper pavement and the still-frozen soil beneath, saturating the gravel. This causes the road to lose its structural integrity and bearing capacity, making paved roads and gravel roads susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles.
Restriction Details
In accordance with Section 122 of the Highway Traffic Act, vehicle loads on designated municipal roads are restricted to 5 tonnes (5,000 kg) per axle when signs are posted.
Vehicle Examples & Application
· Commercial Transport (e.g., Log Trucks, Fuel Trucks, Dump Trucks): Must reduce their total load so no single axle exceeds 5 tonnes. For instance, a truck that normally carries 10 tonnes per axle must operate at "half-load" capacity. In practice, some trucks including concrete trucks are among the most severely impacted vehicles by spring load restrictions because their empty weight often sits right at or very near the 5-tonne (5,000 kg) per axle limit.
· Passenger Vehicles: Standard cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks are generally exempt as they rarely exceed the 5-tonne per axle limit.
· Emergency & Essential Services: Fire Trucks, public utility emergency vehicles, Township Road maintenance equipment completing road maintenance activities are exempt.
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Primary Reporting Channels
Local Municipal Enforcement (Armour Township)
For violations on Township roads, contact the Armour Township By-law Enforcement Department directly.
By-Law Enforcement Officers:
Jason Newman: 705-477-3793 bylaw@armourtownship.ca
Bryan Austin: 705-571-4453 enforcement@armourtownship.ca
Main Office: 705-382-3332
Note: Provide the vehicle's description, license plate, company name (if visible), and the specific road where the violation occurred, pictures and videos.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)
The OPP enforces the Highway Traffic Act on both provincial and municipal roads.
Non-Emergency Line: 1-888-310-1122
Ministry of Transportation (MTO)
The MTO’s Commercial Inspection and Enforcement Branch monitors commercial vehicle safety and compliance.
General Inquiries/Reporting: 1-800-268-4686 or 416-235-4686.
Email: MTOINFO@ontario.ca
Essential Information for Your Report
To increase the likelihood of enforcement, include these details:
1. Exact Location: The name of the road and the nearest intersection.
2. Vehicle Details: Make, model, colour, and especially the license plate number.
3. Company Identifiers: Any name or USDOT/CVOR number printed on the side of the truck.
4. Direction of Travel: Which way the vehicle was heading.
5. Evidence: Photos/videos are helpful, provided they were taken safely and show the vehicle in a continuous recording
