Farm Vehicles and Equipment and The Highway Traffic Act · 2020-02-07 · This includes farm tractors, self-propelled implements of husbandry (SPIH) and implements of husbandry (IH)

FARM VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT

AND THE

HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ACT

November 2000

Farm Vehicles and Equipment and The Highway Traffic Act

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Note: Not every provision of the HTA applies to every sort of vehicle. When reading the act and this guide, care is required to ensure that the rule referred to applies to the vehicle inquestion. Refer to the definitions contained in the Act and this Guide. 2

SUBJECT PAGEOverview 4Legislation and Regulation

Purpose of HTAHTA Sections That Apply (Specific Interest to Farming)Other Legislation/Regulations

5

Rules of the Road 5Definitions 6Driver Licenses 8Licence Plates

Plate ExemptionsFarm PlatesFarm Plates and Logs/LumberFarm Plates and Rocks/Sand/Gravel

9

Self-Propelled Implements of HusbandrySPIHVehicles Included in the DefinitionSpecific Use in FarmingConverted Vehicles

10

Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) SignSlow Moving Vehicle (SMV)SMV SignCovering Up or Removal of SignUse and Mis-use of SMV SignPlacement and Size of SMV Sign

11

Lighting RequirementsWhen Lights Must Be UsedLighting Requirements (Table)Escort Equipment and Location Requirements

12

Highway RestrictionsWho is ProhibitedWho is AllowedFarm Vehicles and EquipmentLarge Farm Vehicles and Equipment

14

Signalling Requirements 14Size of Farm Equipment and Loads

Loose Fodder15

Oversize/Overweight Permits 16

SUBJECT PAGEEscort Vehicles

Escort RequiredEscort Not RequiredEscort Equipment and Location Requirements

16

TiresStudded TiresTires on Motor Vehicles and TrailersTread Depth

17

BrakesBrakes on Motor VehiclesBrakes on Trailers

17

Towing ImplementsTowing ImplementsLength of CombinationRequirements

18

Secondary Means of AttachmentSecondary Means of Attachment RequiredSecondary Means of Attachment Not RequiredTypes of AttachmentPlacement of AttachmentMore Than One Vehicle Being TowedStrength of AttachmentLicensed “Full” Trailers

18

Dangerous GoodsGeneral InformationRetail Outlet to the Residence or Place of ConsumptionGasoline, Diesel and Fuel Oil in Open VehiclesFarm Plated Truck Driven Between Farm and Place of ConsumptionAnhydrous Ammonia

20

Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR)General InformationObtaining a CertificateCertificate Not IssuedVehicles Required to Obtain a CVORVehicles Exempt from CVORAccountabilitySafety Rating

22


TABLE OF CONTENTS


SUBJECT PAGEHours of Work

General InformationVehicles ExemptDriver’s Logs

23

Truck Inspection Station (TIS)Types of Vehicles to Enter TISSpeed Limits

23

Trip InspectionsTrip InspectionsDocuments RequiredOther Publications

24

Annual Safety InspectionsEvidence of Inspection RequiredVehicles Requiring Annual Safety InspectionsDocuments Issued and Length of ValidationReplacement Certificate or StickerLocations Allowed to Perform Annual Safety Inspections

24

Load Security 25Overhanging Loads 25Off-Road Vehicles

Driver’s Licence RequiredAge Limit for DrivingRegistration, Plates/PermitsHelmetsHighway RestrictionsTowing Trailers/ImplementsInsurance

26

Insurance 27Coloured Fuel

What is Coloured FuelAcceptable Uses of Coloured FuelStorage of Coloured Fuel

27

Seat Belts 28Mirrors 28Roadside Grass 29Criminal Code of Canada 30Drinking and Driving 30Safety Tips

Some Good Safety Tips31

Contact List 32

SUBJECT PAGEIndex 33Appendix A: Chain Grades 34Appendix B: Tire Tread Depth Measurement 35

Note:

Revisions to each subject will be identified under the subject title asfollows:

Ø Rev. (date)

Sample:

SIGNALLING REQUIREMENTSØ Rev. (date) HTA 142



OVERVIEW

This guide has been developed to provide general information and clarification for thelaws that apply to farm vehicles and equipment. It contains details about applications ofcertain sections of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) which relate to farm vehicles andequipment. Representatives from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and its partnershave provided input into the development of the guide to ensure that the questions andconcerns of the farming community have been addressed. This guide will be used tohelp members of the farming community better understand their legal obligations underthe HTA. It may also be used by enforcement officers as a reference tool or to providegeneral information to the public.

The legislation and regulations are authoritative, not this guide. This guide is also notan exhaustive description of all the laws that apply. For complete details, refer to theappropriate sections of the Highway Traffic Act and regulations and any otherapplicable Act and regulations. Provisions are subject to change without notice to guideholders.

Although some of the rules of the road and vehicle component standards that apply tomotor vehicles and commercial motor vehicles do not apply to farm equipment, it isimportant to remember that under Section 84(1) of the HTA:

“No person shall drive or operate or permit the driving or operation upon ahighway of a vehicle, a street car or vehicles that in combination are in sucha dangerous or unsafe condition as to endanger any person.”

This includes farm tractors, self-propelled implements of husbandry (SPIH) andimplements of husbandry (IH).

Unless otherwise mentioned in this document, the operation of farm equipment isassumed to be for agricultural purposes.

Note: Check with the appropriate municipality for any further restrictions.Conversions from metric to imperial are only provided as a convenience.Imperial measurements are approximate amounts only.

Not every provision of the Highway Traffic Act applies to every sort of vehicle.When reading the Act, care is required to ensure that the rule referred toapplies to the sort of vehicle in question. Similarly, in using this Guide thereader should take careful note of the terms used to describe the vehicles towhich a given rule applies. Pages 6 and 7 of the Guide contain definitions andexplanations that will assist in understanding the terminology used to refer todifferent sorts of vehicles.”

© Queen’s Printer for Ontario 2000

Permission to reproduce, reprint, store or transmit, in whole or in part,the text and the images contained in this publication for non-commercialpurposes granted. Any reproduction, reprinting, storing or transmissionof the materials herein must acknowledge the source, be accurate andremain in context.



LEGISLATION AND REGULATION

Purpose of HTA:

• HTA is designed for all vehicles using Ontario’s highways• HTA is a collection of duties & obligations imposed on drivers and others (based

on the operation of vehicles on public highways)

HTA Sections That Apply (Specific Interest to Farming):

Although much of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) applies to farm equipment, there arespecific sections and regulations which control what this equipment is allowed to do,where it may go and what is required. The following is a list of specific Sections of theHTA and regulations that are appropriate to the farming community. Refer to the HTAand regulations for other requirements.

HTA: 1, 7, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 32, 37, 62, 64, 66, 69, 70, 76, 80, 82, 85, 106,107, 108, 109, 111, 113, 115, 116, 120, 122, 123, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132,142, 161, 185, 190

Regulations (under HTA): 4/93, 340/94, 424/97, 575, 579, 587, 598, 603, 609, 611.613, 614, 616, 619, 625, 628

Other Legislation/Regulations (refer to appropriate acts for completedetails):

Truck Transportation Act (TTA):21, 22

Dangerous Goods Transportation Act (DGTA) (provincial)Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (Canada) (TDGA) (federal)Criminal Code of Canada (CCC):

253, 254, 259Off-Road Vehicles Act (ORVA)Provincial Offences Act (POA)

RULES OF THE ROADHTA 106, 128, 130, 132

In general, the same rules of the road apply to all vehicles, including tractors, SPIH andfarm implements. Rules of the road include, but are not limited to, stop signs, right-of-way, traffic lights, and turning.

Some rules do not apply due to the uniqueness of the types of vehicles. Some rules tonote are the following (list contains examples only; refer to the HTA for all applicablerules):

Do Apply Do Not Apply• Careless Driving• Dangerous Driving• Impaired Driving• Signalling (electronic or

hand/arm signals)

• Speed Limits• Drive Too Slow• Seat Belt Requirements• Farm Equipment operating on the

shoulder of the highway



DEFINITIONSHTA 1, 76, 108, Reg 625, 628, ORVA, Reg 863

Different types of vehicles are defined in the HTA for various purposes (ie: lighting,safety, equipment, rules of the road). Definitions that are important to note for farmpurposes are the following:

CommercialMotor Vehicle:

Means a motor vehicle having permanently attached thereto a truckor delivery body and includes ambulances, hearses, casket wagons,fire apparatus, buses and tractors used for hauling purposes on thehighways

CommercialVehicle:

Means a commercial motor vehicle and any trailer or trailer converterdolly drawn by the commercial motor vehicle, but does not include abus, a school purposes vehicle, a physically-disabled-passengervehicle or a commercial motor vehicle or trailer that is commonlyknown as a recreational vehicle and used for temporary livingaccommodation

Dune Buggy: Means a self-propelled vehicle with four or more wheels that hasbeen manufactured or modified for off-road use but does not includean amphibious vehicle with six or more wheels

Farm Products: Does not include products preserved by freezing, pickling, cooking,smoking or curing, other than cured tobacco leaves

Farm Tractor: Means a self-propelled vehicle designed and used primarily as a farmimplement for drawing ploughs, mowing-machines and otherimplements of husbandry and not designed or used for carrying aload

Farmer: Means a resident of Ontario who owns farm property that is used in afarming enterprise which, in a normal production year, produces farmproducts having a gross value of at least:a) $5,000 where the farm property is located in that part of Ontario

lying east of the westerly boundaries of the counties ofNorthumberland, Victoria and Peterborough or north of thesoutherly boundaries of the County of Haliburton and theDistrict Municipality of Muskoka and

b) $8,000 where the farm property is located elsewhere in Ontarioother than that part described in clause a)

A farmer is also known as a person engaged in cultivating lands orengaged in agricultural pursuits.

Highway: Includes a common and public highway, street, avenue, parkway,driveway, square, place, bridge, viaduct or trestle, any part of whichis intended for or used by the general public for the passage ofvehicles and includes the area between the lateral property lines

Loose Fodder: Food for domestic animals. Includes bales of hay.

Motor Vehicle: Includes an automobile, motorcycle, motor assisted bicycle unlessotherwise indicated in the Act and any other vehicle propelled ordriven otherwise than by muscular power, but does not include astreet car, or other motor vehicles running only upon rails, or amotorized snow vehicle, traction engine, farm tractor, self-propelledimplement of husbandry or road-building machine within themeaning of the Act

Off-RoadVehicle:

Means a vehicle propelled or driven otherwise than by muscularpower or wind and designed to travela) on not more than three wheels, orb) on more than three wheels and being of a prescribed class of

vehicleThe following classes of vehicles are currently prescribed in theregulations:1. Dune Buggies2. Suzukis, Model # LT125D, LT50E, LT125E, LT185E,

LT250EF, LT250EFF3. Hondas, Model # FL250 series, TRX2004. Yamahas, Model # YFM 200N

Roadway: Means the part of the highway that is improved, designed orordinarily used for vehicular traffic, but does not include theshoulder, and where a highway includes two or more separateroadways, the term “roadway” refers to any one roadway separatelyand not to all of the roadways collectively

Self-PropelledImplement ofHusbandry(SPIH):

Means a self-propelled vehicle manufactured, designed, redesigned,converted or reconstructed for a specific use in farming

Slow MovingVehicle (SMV):

1. Farm tractors and self-propelled implements of husbandry2. Vehicles (other than bicycles, motor assisted bicycles and

disabled motor vehicles in tow) that are not capable of attainingand sustaining a speed greater than 40 km/h on level groundwhen operated on a highway



Studded Tire: Means a tire, the tread of which has embedded therein, hard devicesthat project beyond the tread of the tire

Trailer: Means a vehicle that is at any time drawn upon a highway by a motorvehicle, except an implement of husbandry, a mobile home, anothermotor vehicle or any device or apparatus not designed to transportpersons or property temporarily drawn, propelled or moved uponsuch highway, and except a side car attached to a motorcycle, andshall be considered a separate vehicle and not part of the motorvehicle by which is drawn

Vehicle: Includes a motor vehicle, trailer, traction engine, farm tractor, road-building machine, bicycle and any vehicle drawn, propelled or drivenby any kind of power, including muscular power, but does notinclude a motorized snow vehicle or a street car

Within these definitions:

• Tractors, SPIH and implements are vehicles• Tractors and SPIH are not motor vehicles or commercial motor vehicles• Implements, such as wagons, balers, ploughs, are not trailers• Tractors are not SPIH• SPIH are not tractors

In this document:

• “tractor” means a farm tractor• “implement” means an implement of husbandry (ie: baler, wagon)• “farm equipment” means farm tractors, SPIH, and towed implements



DRIVER LICENSESHTA 32, 37, Reg. 340/94

The driver of a farm tractor or self-propelled implement of husbandry is not required tohold a valid driver’s licence when driving on, along or across a highway. Drivers mustbe 16 or over to drive on or along a highway. Drivers under 16 are only allowed todrive a farm tractor or self-propelled implement of husbandry directly across a highway.

The following table describes the types of vehicles each class of licence is allowed todrive.

Class ofLicence

Types of Vehicles Allowed May AlsoDrive

Vehicles inClass

A Any combination of a motor vehicle and towedvehicles (including tractor-trailer or truck-trailercombinations and implements eg: wagons) where thetowed vehicle’s gross weight is more than 4,600 kg(10,140 lbs) empty or loaded (also includes the towingof farm equipment that weighs more than 4600 kgwhen towed with a motor vehicle)

D, G

B Any school purposes bus having a designed seatingcapacity for more than 24 passengers

C, D, E, F, G

C Any bus having a designed seating capacity for morethan 24 passengers but not a school purposes buscarrying passengers

D, F, G

D Any motor vehicle and any combination of a motorvehicle exceeding a total gross weight or registeredgross weight of 11,000 kg (24,200 lbs) and towedvehicles not exceeding a total gross weight of 4,600 kgbut not a bus carrying passengers

G

E Any school purposes bus having a designed seatingcapacity for not more than 24 passengers

D**, F, G

F Any ambulance and bus having a designed seatingcapacity for not more than 24 passengers but not aschool purposes bus carrying passengers

D**, G

G Any motor vehicle, including a motor assisted bicycle,and any combination of a motor vehicle not exceeding11,000 kg total gross weight or registered gross weight,provided the towed vehicle, including its load, is notover 4,600 kg but not a motorcycle, bus carryingpassengers or ambulance providing ambulance service

D**

L Class G1

Class ofLicence

Types of Vehicles Allowed May AlsoDrive

Vehicles inClass

M Motorcycles and motor-assisted bicycles G1G1 Novice licence, with restrictions, for class G vehiclesG2 Novice licence, with restrictions, for class G vehicles

Not permitted to hold “Z” endorsementD**

M1 Novice licence, with restrictions, for class M vehiclesM2 Novice licence, with restrictions, for class M vehicles G1R Class M“Z”Endorsement

Endorsement required on driver’s licence when drivingan air braked motor vehicle.Includes farm plated truck that is fitted with air brakes;Does not include farm tractors, SPIH, or implements

D**: Farm plated truck if the truck is used to transport farm produce, supplies orfarm equipment to or from a farm or is used for the farmer’s personaltransportation and is not being used for-hire. Includes farm plated trucks thatare registered for or actually weigh more than 11000 kg (24,200 lbs)



LICENCE PLATESHTA 7, Reg. 628

Plate Exemptions:

Plate Required Plate Not Required• SPIH travelling from farm to

commercial elevator, processingplant, etc. or transporting generalfreight is not exempt from thelicence plate requirement.

• Trailer transporting livestock orpoultry which is towed by anyvehicle other than a farm tractor orSPIH

• Trailer, commonly known as alivestock trailer, either empty orloaded which is towed by anyvehicle other than a farm tractor orSPIH

• SPIH are exempt when travellingfrom farm to farm or to or fromsuch places as are necessary forthe repair or maintenance of thevehicle. Farm to farm includesfarms not owned by the owner ofthe SPIH.

• Implements that are manufacturedto carry specific farmcommodities, such as large roundbales, feed mixers etc. no matterwhat type of vehicle is towing it

• Trailer, including a livestocktrailer or one that is transportinglivestock or poultry, towed by afarm tractor or SPIH

Although the trailer may not require a licence plate when being towed by a tractor orSPIH, there is no requirement to cover or remove a trailer’s licence plate if one exists.

Farm Plates:

Farm plates were designed to facilitate the operations of a farmer and give them areduced fee for plates subject to certain restrictions. They are available to farmers fortrucks and highway tractors that are registered for more than 3,000 kg (6,600 lbs).These vehicles and towed trailers must be used for :

• Farmer’s personal transportation:• includes personal and household effects, recreational vehicles, farm building

and farm maintenance items• does not include items such as logs, pulp wood or rocks from the forest,

quarry, or mine• Uncompensated transportation of farm products, supplies or equipment, or• Compensated transportation of farm products, supplies or equipment in

September, October or November

Farm Plates and Logs/Lumber:

The cutting of trees for purposes of production of paper by pulp mills or for purposes ofprocessing these logs for lumber is a forestry operation. If it is demonstrated that thetransportation of these items is to supply the farm, farm plates may be used.

Farm Plates and Rocks/Sand/Gravel:

The removal of rocks or stone is a mining or quarry operation and not related to thetilling or the production of an agricultural product by a farmer. If it is demonstrated thatthe transportation of these items is to supply the farm (eg: laneways, buildingconstruction, soil erosion), farm plates may be used.



SELF-PROPELLED IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY(SPIH)

HTA 1(1)

SPIH:

The HTA defines a SPIH as:“a self-propelled vehicle manufactured, designed, redesigned, converted orreconstructed for a specific use in farming”.

Vehicles Included In The Definition:

Some examples of vehicles that are included in the definition are as follows:• Combine• Swather• Forage harvester• Former road vehicles converted for specific uses in farming

Specific Use In Farming:

In order for a converted vehicle to qualify for the portion of theSPIH definition thataddresses specific uses in farming, significant and specific physical changes from itsoriginal appearance must be done to the vehicle so that it can no longer be appropriatelyused for its original purposes. The modifications must lend themselves to a specific usein farming with the vehicle being of little use except to carry the farm products that itwas designed to carry.

Specific use does not mean one single use. Transporting items such as grain, potatoes,tobacco, hay, or forages in the same converted vehicle are all within the realm ofspecific use.

Converted Vehicles:

Some examples of converted vehicles that are acceptable and unacceptable are asfollows:

Acceptable Converted Vehicles Unacceptable Converted VehiclesAppropriately converted to fall under thedefinition (examples):

• Remove the cargo box from atruck and install a grain gravitybox or potato slinger

• Remove the cargo box from atruck and install a feed mixer

Not appropriately converted to fall underthe definition:

• Removing the doors, windows, seatsand/or cab of a truck and carrying aload of hay

• Welding a dump truck’s tailgate shut

The ministry may be contacted for assistance in determining if a converted vehicle isacceptable or unacceptable.

Sample of acceptable convertedvehicle. More pictures ofSPIH, including convertedvehicles, to be provided as theybecome available.



SLOW MOVING VEHICLE (SMV) SIGNHTA 76, Reg. 616

10 cm

30.6 cm

Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV):

A Slow Moving Vehicle is:

1. Farm Tractor2. Self-Propelled Implement of Husbandry3. Vehicles (other than bicycles, motor assisted bicycles and disabled motor vehicles

in tow) that are not capable of attaining and sustaining a speed greater than 40 km/hon level ground when operated on a highway (this includes off-road vehicles)

SMV Sign:

SMV Sign Required SMV Sign Not RequiredA SMV sign is required when the vehicleis operated on the road.

A SMV sign is not required when thevehicle is directly crossing a road.

Covering Up or Removal of Sign:

The SMV sign must be removed or covered up if the vehicle is not being operated as aslow moving vehicle. A vehicle is not a slow moving vehicle when it is beingtransported on a trailer.

Use and Mis-Use of SMV Sign:

The SMV sign warns other road users that the vehicle displaying the sign is travellingslower than the normal speed of traffic. Attaching a SMV sign to a fixed object, such asa roadside mailbox or driveway marker, is prohibited by law if it can be seen from theroad. The SMV sign is for vehicles only. Non-use or misuse of the sign may result infines.

Placement and Size of SMV Sign:

The SMV sign must be:

1. Attached to:• the rear of the vehicle, if no trailer is being towed• the rear of the rearmost trailer, if one or more trailers are being towed

2. Located:• in the centre of the rear of the vehicle, where practical• between .6 m (2 ft) and 2 m (6 ft) above the road

3. Visibility:• clearly visible for a distance of not less than 150 m (500 ft)

4. Size:• the regulation sets out the minimum dimensions, shape, colour and

reflectivity of the SMV sign• dimensions may be greater as long as each dimension is increased by the

same amount

5. Replacement:• Must be replaced when faded or damaged. SMV sign colours deteriorate

through exposure to sun and weather. Important to ensure the sign isclearly visible to other road users.

Caution:

It may be necessary for vehicles and equipment used in farming to turn into fields orother entrances where it is appropriate for them to do. Drivers of other types of vehiclesshould be prepared.

Dark Red Refl. Border 4.4cmFluorescent Yellow-Orange Triangle

60º Angle

35 cm



LIGHTING REQUIREMENTSSee References Below

Lighting requirements apply to all farm equipment, regardless of their size or shape.Other lighting requirements are in place for larger farm equipment.

When Lights Must Be Used: HTA 62(1),(4)

Lights are required and must be used one-half hour before sunset to one-half hourafter sunrise or at any other time, when there is insufficient light or atmosphericconditions, people or vehicles on the highway are not clearly visible at a distance of150 metres (500 ft) or less. When in use, lights must be visible for a distance of 150metres.

Lighting Requirements:

Dimensions Daytime When Lights areRequired

Required by All VehiclesAll sizes • 2 white or amber

headlamps• 1 red tail light

(minimum) – ifover 2.6 m (8’6”)wide: 2 red taillights or 2 redreflectors

Combination of vehiclesexceeding 6.1 m (20 ft)length

• 2 green or amberside marker lampson the front and

• 2 red side markerlamps on the rear;or

• 4 reflectorsRequired by Larger Vehicles

The following lighting is required in addition to the requirements listedabove. These lamps are not required to be operating while the vehicle isbeing driven across a highway.

Length:Combination of vehiclesexceeding 23 m (75 ft)

• 2 flashing amberlights on the frontand

Dimensions Daytime When Lights areRequired

• 2 flashing amberlights on the rear

Width:Over 2.6 m (8’6”) up toand including 3.8(12’6”)m



Over 3.8 m (12’6”) up toand including 4.8 m(15’9”)



OR• rotating amber light

mounted on theuppermost part ofthe vehicle andvisible to the frontand rear



AND EITHER• rotating amber light

mounted on theuppermost part ofthe vehicle andvisible to the frontand rearOR

• escort vehiclesfront and rear

Over 4.8 m (15’9” ) • 2 flashing amberlights on the frontand


OR• rotating amber light




AND• rotating amber light


AND• escort vehicles

front and rear



It is important to note the following:

• Flashing amber lights are to be placed not more than 15 cm (6 inches) from theside of the permanent structure of the vehicle and be visible at a distance of 150m (500 ft) from the front and rear

• If farm equipment is not equipped with an electric lighting system, the followingapplies: 1) Lamp or lamps displaying at least 1 white light to the front 2) 1 redlamp on the rear

• Additional lighting requirements and escort vehicles are not required whendirectly crossing the highway

• Farm tractors and SPIH of any length, when not towing implements, are notrequired to have side marker lamps

• One (1) red or amber stop lamp which operates when the brakes are applied isrequired when the operation of other vehicles is affected and hand signals cannotbe seen by other drivers

Escort Equipment and Location Requirements:

Escort vehicles must:• have hazard warning signal lamps (four-way flashers)• carry intermittent flashing, rotating amber light mounted on the uppermost part of

the vehicle and visible to the front and rear• be located to the front and rear at a distance of approximately 60 m (200 ft)

The sections of the HTA pertaining to lighting requirements are as follows:

Headlamps: HTA 62(1),(26),(27)Tail Lamps: HTA 62(1),(24), (25), (26),(27)Stop (Brake) Lamps: HTA 142(8)Side Marker Lamps: HTA 62(13)Lighting for Farm Vehicles in Excess of: Reg. 603, 2.(1),(2),(3),(4),(6)

23 m (75 ft) in Length and/or 2.6 m (8’6”) in Width



HIGHWAY RESTRICTIONSHTA 113, 185, Reg. 603, 609

Farm equipment is prohibited from operating on most 400 series highways and theQEW. Larger farm vehicles are prohibited from operating on numerous additionalhighways, usually in and around cities. The restrictions are as follows:

Who is Prohibited:

No one is allowed to operate or ride the following on highways described in this topic:• A farm tractor• A self-propelled implement of husbandry• A motor vehicle designed as a farm implement for drawing ploughs, mowing

machines and other implements of husbandry and used for hauling a load• A horse• A vehicle drawn by a horse

Who is Allowed:

If there is no other means to access owner’s lands adjoining the highway, the highwaymay only be used to enter and leave the property by the shortest route. A vehicle usedfor the maintenance of the highway is also allowed access.

Farm Vehicles and Equipment: Reg. 609

Farm vehicles and equipment is restricted from operating on:

All of the King’s Highway known as No. 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 409,410, 417, 420, 427, and the QEW.

Large Farm Vehicles Equipment: Reg. 603

Farm vehicles and equipment in excess of 23 m (76 ft) in length and/or 2.6 m (8’6” ft) inwidth is restricted from operating on:

• All of the King’s Highway known as No. 2A, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 407,409, 410, 416, 417, 427, and the QEW

• Part of the King’s Highway known as No. 2, 2/53, 5, 6, 7, 7/410, 7/8, 7187, 8, 9,10, 11, 20, 27, 28/115, 35/115, 48, 50, 58, 86, 115, 137, 406, 420

Refer to the regulations listed above for a complete list of the highway restrictions.

SIGNALLING REQUIREMENTSHTA 142

Operators of farm equipment must plainly signal their intentions to change lanes, stop orturn, either by means of an electronic signal or hand and arm signals, when the actionthey are about to make affects the operation of other vehicles. The following are theprescribed hand and arm signals:

Left Turn

Right Turn

Slow Down or Stop

If the equipment or load does not allow other drivers to see hand signals, electrical ormechanical signals are to be used.

Mechanical or electrical signalling devices must be visible at all times for a distance of30 m (100 ft) and be self-illuminated when operated at night.

Extend hand and arm horizontallyand beyond the left side of thevehicle

Extend hand and arm upward beyondthe left side of the vehicle

Extend hand and arm downwardbeyond the left side of the vehicle



SIZE OF FARM EQUIPMENT AND LOADSHTA 108, 109, 113

Farm equipment is exempt from maximum width, length and height restrictions whenoperated singularly or in combination. These exemptions continue to apply when farmequipment is towed by a motor vehicle.

If larger farm equipment is transported on a licensed truck/trailer, permits may berequired (see Oversize/Overweight Permits section).

Loose Fodder:

No matter what type of vehicle is transporting loose fodder, there are no widthrestrictions.



OVERSIZE/OVERWEIGHT PERMITSHTA 110, 113

When farm equipment is being transported by a licensed truck/trailer, it is treated as aload no matter what the dimensions are, and may be subject to special provisions if it isover-dimensional. The following describes the requirements for Oversize/OverweightPermits:

Permit Not Required Permit Required• over-dimensional farm tractor,

SPIH, or implement of husbandrythat is operating (under it’s ownpower)

• trailer carrying loose fodder

• over-dimensional farm tractor orSPIH that is being transported

• over-dimensional trailers

Note: all overdimensional commoditiesare treated alike

An annual permit may be issued to a farmer with the following restrictions:

Width: - 2.6 m to 3.7 m (8’6” to 12 ft) on a two-lane highway- 2.6 m to 3.85 m (8’6” to 12’9”) on a multi-lane highway- 2.6 m to 4.3 m (8’6” to 14 ft) between the permit holder’s place

of business and farms, or between farms- Escort is required if width exceeds 4 m (13 ft) (refer to Escort

section)

Length: - 12.5 m (41 ft) single vehicle- 25 m (82 ft) combination of vehicles

Height: - 4.26 m (14 ft)

Weight: As permitted by the HTA

ESCORT VEHICLESHTA Reg. 603

Escort Required:

Dimensions Daytime When Lights are RequiredLength:All lengthsWidth:Up to 3.8 m (12’6”)3.8 m to 4.8 m (12’6” to 15’9”) EITHER:

• intermittent flashing,rotating amber lightmounted on theuppermost part of thevehicle and visible 150 m(500 ft) to the front andrear;

OR• escort vehicles front and

rearOver 4.8 m (15’9”) MUST HAVE:

• escort vehicles front andrear

Escort Not Required:

Vehicles that are directly crossing the highway do not require escorts.

Escort Equipment and Location Requirements:

Escort vehicles must:• have hazard warning signal lamps (four-way flashers)• carry intermittent flashing, rotating amber light mounted on the uppermost part of

the vehicle and visible to the front and rear• be located to the front and rear at a distance of approximately 60 m (200 ft)



TIRESHTA 69, 70, Reg. 625

Most tire rules apply to farm equipment. All self-propelled vehicles, other than tractionengines, shall be equipped with the appropriate tires made of rubber or othercomposition equally resilient.

Appropriate Tires Inappropriate Tires• Tires marked “not for highway

use”, “farm use only”, “rebuilt”,“recapped”, “aircraft”, NHS (notfor highway service), TG(tractor/grader), K (compactortire, construction), SL (servicelimited), SS (skid loaders), AT(all terrain), DH (logging andagricultural), ML (mining andlogging, intermittent highwayuse), VA (agricultural) or anyother wording or letteringindicating that the tire was notdesigned for highway use

• Broken or defective tires that causedamage to the highway

• Flange, rib, clamp or other deviceattached to or part of the wheels thatwill cause damage to the highway

• Exposed cords, tread or sidewall cutsor snags that expose the cords

• Abnormal visible bumps, bulges orknots

• Regrooved or recut and the tire is notdesigned for regrooving or recutting

• Smaller than vehicle manufacturer’srecommended minimum size

• Tires that affect the safe operation ofthe vehicle

Studded Tires:

Any vehicle equipped with studded tires cannot be operated on a highway.

Tires On Motor Vehicles and Trailers:

Motor vehicles and trailers are prohibited from operating on the highway with tires thatare not designed for highway use. For example, tires that are specifically designed andmarked for farm equipment (eg: “farm use only” ”not for highway use” etc.) are notallowed on motor vehicles and trailers on highways. Tires must comply with federal tirestandards.

Tread Depth:

• The tread depth must not be less than 1.5 mm.(2/32 inches) measured in any twoadjacent major grooves. See Appendix B for measuring details.

• The front axle of a motor vehicle over 4,500 kg (9900 lbs) must have a treaddepth not less than 3 mm (4/32 inches).

BRAKESHTA 64, Reg. 587

Brakes on Motor Vehicles:

Every motor vehicle (other than a motorcycle) must have at least two braking systemswhen driven on a highway. The brakes must stop the vehicle or combination of vehicleswithin the specified distance set out in the regulation.

Brakes on Trailers:

Every trailer or semi-trailer with a gross weight of 1,360 kg (3000 lbs) or more musthave adequate brakes to stop and hold the vehicle.



TOWING IMPLEMENTSHTA 113, 161

Towing Implements:

Allowed to Tow 1 Implement Allowed to Tow More Than 1 Implement• Motor vehicle (eg: car) • Commercial motor vehicle, which

includes trucks and pick-up trucks• Farm tractors and SPIH

Length of Combination:

Farm tractors and SPIH have no restriction on the length of the combination when 1 ormore vehicles are drawn.

Requirements:

Implements do not become trailers when drawn by cars or trucks and are therefore notsubject to the same requirements relating to brakes, size, annual safety inspections andother requirements.

SECONDARY MEANS OF ATTACHMENTHTA 80

Secondary Means of Attachment Required:

Two separate means of attachment are required when a motor vehicle or farm tractor istowing a motor vehicle, trailer or other object or device on a highway. An object ordevice includes any type of implement (eg: baler, wagon). Two means of attachmentare required to prevent the towed object from becoming detached if the primaryattachment fails. A minimum of one secondary means of attachment is required tocomply.

Secondary Means of Attachment Not Required:

A secondary means of attachment is not required when directly crossing a highway.

Types of Attachment:

The primary attachment may be a drawbar, tongue, pin, or hitch. The secondaryattachment may be chains or cables. The second and third arms of a two or three pointhitch system on a farm implement meet the requirements of a secondary means ofattachment.

Placement of Attachment:

The appropriate secondary means of attachment must be connected between the towingunit and the towed object with bolts, clevises, open chain hooks or other methods ofattachment as long as they prevent the towed object from becoming detached. Forexample, the secondary means of attachment may be attached to the tow bar of thetowing unit. This attachment must be fastened and be of sufficient length to allow fullturning but not drag on the road.

More Than One Vehicle Being Towed

If more than one object is being towed, the second and subsequent objects are requiredto have the appropriate attachment connected between the towing vehicle and the towedobject. This means that both primary and secondary attachments are required betweeneach vehicle or object. Refer to picture below.



Strength of Attachment:

The attachment(s) being used may be any size, grade or type providing it is of sufficientstrength to prevent the towed object(s) from becoming detached. Sufficient strengthgenerally means the breaking strength of the attachment equals the total weight of thetowed vehicle(s) and any load(s). The breaking strength may be obtained from themanufacturer.

The charts in Appendix A can be used as a guide to determine the chain’s strength if thechain size and grade are known. If the chain’s grade cannot be determined, use thebreaking strength of proof coil, grade – 30. These charts are provided as a convenienceonly. For accurate chain strengths, contact the manufacturer.

Licensed “Full” Trailers

For detailed requirements on secondary means of attachment for licensed “full” trailerstowed by trucks, refer to Regulation 618.

Samples of appropriate means of attachment (hitches,couplings, safety chains etc.) pictures will be providedupon availability.

Primary and secondary attachments must be used between each vehicle/object



DANGEROUS GOODSDGTA, TDGA

The Dangerous Goods Transportation Act (provincial) and the Transportation ofDangerous Goods Act (Canada) (federal) and their supporting regulations are intendedto promote safety in the transportation of dangerous goods on Ontario’s highways.Farmers must ensure that dangerous goods are transported in accordance with theappropriate Act and Regulations.

While there are several exemptions provided in the regulations for the transportation ofdangerous goods used in farming, there are many farm chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides,herbicides, fuels, gases etc., which may require special documentation, placarding,labelling and driver training.

The following provides some general information. Refer to the appropriate sections ofthe Act(s) or regulations for details.

Documentation, Placards, Labels, and Training

1. General

Farm plated trucks transporting dangerous goods between the farm and a place wherethe goods will be used are exempt from dangerous goods documentation, ,placarding,labelling and training provided:

• the trip does not exceed 50 km and• the total quantity of goods on the vehicle does not exceed 500 kg (1100 lbs).

This exemption does not apply between the supplier and the farm.

Placards, training and documentation are required if the quantities exceed 500 kg or theproduct is one of the following, regardless of the quantity:

• explosives subject to 5.19exemptions

• cyanogen chloride (Pin 1589)• nitric oxide (Pin 1660)• nitrogen dioxide, liquefied

(Pin 1067)• phosgene (Pin 1076)• phosphine (Pin 2199)• organic peroxides (Class 5.2)• poison gases (Class 2.3)• corrosive gases (Class 2.3)

• substances that, on contact withwater, emit flammable gases(Class 4.3)

• Azodiisobutyronitrile• 5-tert-butyl-2,4,6-trinitro-m-

xylene or Musk xylene• N,N’-Dinitroso-N,N’-

dimethylterephthalamide, notmore than 72 percent as a past

• N,N’-Dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, not more than 82 percent

• radioactives (Class 7)• 2-Diazo-1-naphthol-4&5-

sulpho-chloride• Mercurous nitrate

with phlegmatizer• Diborane

2. Retail Outlet to the Residence or Place of Consumption

Any type of vehicle transporting dangerous goods from a retail outlet to the residence orplace of consumption is exempt from dangerous goods documentation, placarding,labelling and training provided:• The container does not exceed 454 litres (100 gallons)• The container does not exceed 45 litres (10 gallons) for a flammable gas cylinder• It is safety explosives only (1.4S)

This exemption does not apply to poisonous or corrosive gases and radioactives.

3. Gasoline, Diesel and Fuel Oil In Open Vehicles

Gasoline, diesel and fuel oil transported in an open vehicle, such as a pickup, with thecontainer secured to the vehicle is exempt from documentation, placards and trainingprovided:

• The total capacity of the container(s) is not more than 2000 litres (440 gallons),• The container:

• if 450 litres (99 gallons) or less displays at least one Class 3 label, visible fromoutside the vehicle, or

• if the container is over 450 litres, displays at least one Class 3 placard visiblefrom outside the vehicle, and

Class 3 – Flammable Liquids

4. Farm Plated Truck Driven Between Farm and Place of Consumption

A farm plated truck driven between the farm and the place of consumption is exemptfrom dangerous goods documentation, placarding, labelling and training provided the

Red background withwhite markings



trip does not exceed 50 km and the amount does not exceed 500 kg (11000 lbs) inweight (eg: gasoline in 23 litre (5 gallon) containers)

5. Anhydrous Ammonia

Nurse tanks and tanks used for field application:

10,000 litres (2200 gallons) or less:• Placards required on both long sides.• Documentation not required.• Training required

More than 10,000 litres (2200 gallons):• Placards required on both sides and both ends.• Documentation required• Training required



COMMERCIAL VEHICLE OPERATOR’SREGISTRATION (CVOR)

HTA 16 – 22, Reg. 424/97

General Information:

Everyone who is responsible for commercial motor vehicles, including farm platedvehicles, must obtain a CVOR Certificate. The CVOR identifies commercial vehicleoperators and facilitates the monitoring of on-road safety performance. The goal is to:

• Improve safety for all users of Ontario highways while promoting dependable andcompetitive transportation of goods and people

• Develop effective compliance strategies with emphasis on safety and protection ofthe highway infrastructure

• Promote efficient movement of goods and people

Each legal entity (individual, company, or joint member) must obtain a CVORcertificate if it operates commercial motor vehicles that are not exempt from theprovision. Only one CVOR certificate is issued. A legible copy of the CVOR certificateis acceptable and must be carried in all applicable commercial motor vehicles operatedby the carrier.

A CVOR certificate is not transferable.

CVOR is enforced by Ministry of Transportation enforcement officers and the police.The CVOR certificate must be surrendered for inspection if requested.

Obtaining a Certificate:

An application form for a CVOR certificate must be completed and forwarded to theappropriate office, along with supporting documents if required. If everything is inorder, a CVOR certificate will be issued.

Certificate Not Issued:

A CVOR certificate will not be issued if:• it is believed that the applicant will not operate a commercial motor vehicle safety

or in accordance with the HTA (taking into consideration regard for the applicantssafety record and any other relevant information)

• the operational control of the carrier is linked, whether directly or indirectly, withanother carrier who has an unacceptable safety record or pending sanction(applicant is related to someone whose CVOR certificate has been cancelled, is orhas been under suspension, or is or has been subject to a fleet limitation)

Vehicles Required to Obtain a CVOR:

• Commercial motor vehicle with a gross weight or registered gross weight over4,500 kg (9900 lbs)

• Bus with a designed seating capacity of 10 or more and used for the transportationof persons

• Commercial motor vehicle that is leased

Vehicles Exempt from CVOR:

• Commercial motor vehicle with a grossweight or registered gross weight of4,500 kg or less

• Commercial motor vehicle operatingunder an in transit permit

• Commercial motor vehicle leased forno more than 30 days and used fortransporting their personal goods orcarry passengers without compensation

• Commercial motor vehicle operatedunder specific plates and permits on atemporary basis

• Bus with a designed seating capacityless than 10 and used for thetransportation of persons

• Bus used for personal purposeswithout compensation

• Ambulance• Fire apparatus• Hearse• Casket wagon• Mobile crane• Motor home• Tow truck

Accountability:

Each operator is responsible and accountable for driver behaviour, vehicle operation andcondition, and compliance with highway-related legislative requirements.

All vehicle inspections, convictions and collisions against the operator and theoperator’s drivers while operating a commercial motor vehicle are recorded on theoperator’s CVOR record. The number of incidents on each operator’s CVOR record aremonitored. If an operator’s safety performance is unsatisfactory, the CVOR certificate,plates or permits may be suspended or cancelled or a limit may be imposed on thenumber of vehicles that it may operate.

Safety Rating:

Each operator is assigned a safety rating based on audit results and on road performance.

The safety ratings assigned are: excellent, satisfactory, satisfactory – unaudited,conditional and unsatisfactory.



HOURS OF WORKHTA 190, Reg. 4/93

General Information:

The Hours of Work regulation sets out the number of:• hours a driver is allowed to drive• consecutive hours that a driver must take off before driving again• hours a driver can accumulate in the three driving cycles

It also provides information on other requirements, including documents that must becompleted. Refer to the regulation for complete details.

Vehicles Exempt:

The regulation does not apply to a driver of one of the following vehicles:• A two or three axle commercial motor vehicle being used to transport primary

farm, forest, sea or lake products produced by the driver or the operator• A commercial motor vehicle that is responding to or returning from an

emergency• A bus operated by or on behalf of a municipality as part of a passenger bus

service in the municipality and no further than twenty-five km beyond themunicipality’s boundaries

• A vehicle designed as mobile accommodation, whether self-propelled or not,used for personal or recreational purposes

The above exemptions include vehicles that have a gross weight or registered grossweight of 4,500 kg. (9900 lbs) or less.

Driver’s Logs:

A driver is not required to make a log on a day that the driver stays within 160 kmradius of the place they report to work and returns within 15 hours of leaving andimmediately goes off duty. The operator must keep records of the times the driver goeson and off duty and the total time the driver is on duty.

A driver must keep a log on any day when the log is required and it must show thedriver’s total on duty time in the previous seven or thirteen consecutive days. Althougha driver may not be required to make a log, it does not relieve the driver of any otherrequirement under the regulation.

TRUCK INSPECTION STATION (TIS)HTA 82, Reg. 619, TTA 21, 22

Types of Vehicles to Enter TIS:

All commercial vehicles must enter Truck Inspection Stations (weigh scales). Bypolicy, the ministry may exclude certain types of commercial vehicles. The ministrymay be contacted for assistance in determining if a specific vehicle is exempt/excluded.

Speed Limits:

The speed limit on any part of a highway that is within the truck inspection station is 40km/hr.



TRIP INSPECTIONSHTA 107, Reg. 575

Trip Inspections:

Examples of vehicles that are exempt and not exempt are as follows:

Vehicles Exempt Vehicles Not Exempt• Trucks and highway tractors

having a gross weight or registeredgross weight of 4,500 kg (9900lbs) or less

• Two and three axle trucks,highway tractors and farm platedtrucks that ARE NOT towingtrailers and are primarily used totransport primary products of afarm, forest, sea or lake producedby the driver of the vehicle or thedriver’s employer

• Recreational vehicles• Trucks leased for not longer than

30 days by an individual for thetransportation of goods kept forthat individual’s personal use

• Trucks and highway tractors havinga gross weight or registered grossweight over 4,500 kg. This includesfour axle farm plated trucks.

• Two and three axle trucks, highwaytractors and farm plated trucks thatARE towing trailers and areprimarily used to transport primaryproducts of a farm, forest, sea orlake produced by the driver of thevehicle or the driver’s employer

Documents Required:

Vehicles, other than buses, that are not exempt from trip inspections must complete andcarry a trip inspection report at all times regardless of the distance travelled.

Other Publications:

The “Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Trip Inspection and Equipment InformationGuide” also provides details on driver inspections, annual safety inspections andmaintenance requirements. This publication is available through Publications Ontario(see Contact List).

ANNUAL SAFETY INSPECTIONSHTA 85, Reg. 611

Evidence of Inspection Required:

A commercial vehicle may not be operated on a highway unless there is evidence thatthe inspection has been done and affixed in the appropriate place. The regulations setout the complete details for the types of vehicles that require these inspections and thedocuments issued.

Vehicles Requiring Annual Safety Inspections:

A commercial vehicle weighing over 4,500 kg (9900 lbs) must obtain an Annual SafetyInspection. This includes the following combinations of vehicles and trailers:

• A trailer towed by a truck where the truck weighs over 4,500 kg• A truck towing a trailer where the trailer weighs over 4,500 kg• Both the truck and trailer being towed when the combined weight of the truck and

trailer is over 4,500 kg

Weight means the higher of the vehicle’s actual, registered or manufacturers’ grossweight rating.

Documents Issued and Length of Validation:

Once the inspection has been completed, an annual inspection certificate is issued. Theannual inspection sticker, which corresponds to the certificate, is completed indicatingthe month and year of the inspection. The inspection is valid in any province or stateuntil the end of the 12th month after the month of inspection.

Replacement Certificate or Sticker:

If an annual inspection certificate or annual inspection sticker is damaged or destroyedduring the period of validity, a replacement certificate and sticker will be issued andaffixed by the station that issued the originals. The replacement must contain the sameinformation as the original.

Locations Allowed to Perform Annual Safety Inspections:

Any garage that has been licenced by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) maycomplete the annual safety inspection.



LOAD SECURITYHTA 111, Reg. 614

A motor vehicle or trailer cannot be operated on a highway unless the load has beensecured in such a way that it cannot become dislodged or fall. Proper securementincludes, but is not limited to, being bound or covered.

Although load security requirements do not apply to all vehicles, such as farmequipment, an unsafe vehicle cannot be operated and unsafe load cannot be transportedon a highway.

OVERHANGING LOADSHTA 111

Every vehicle carrying a load that overhangs the rear of the vehicle 1.5 metres (5 ft) ormore must display a red flag or red marker at the extreme rear of the load to sufficientlyindicate the load’s projection. A slow moving vehicle sign satisfies the requirement fora red marker on farm equipment.

The red flag or red marker must be replaced with a red light when the load is transportedone-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise or at any other time, whenthere is insufficient light or atmospheric conditions.



OFF-ROAD VEHICLES (ORV)ORVA, Reg. 863

Driver’s Licence Required:

The ORVA permits a farmer to drive an off-road vehicle on, along or across a highwayif the vehicle is designed to travel on more than 2 wheels and bears a SMV sign. Thefarmer must have a valid driver’s licence and must be using the ORV for agriculturalpurposes. In addition, all applicable ORVA provisions must be complied with.

Age Limit for Driving:

An ORV operator holding a valid driver’s licence (HTA) may drive the ORV directlyacross the highway.

Children 12 (twelve) and older or a person who does not have a valid driver’s licencemay drive an ORV as long as the person does not drive on or across a highway andcomplies with all applicable ORVA provisions.

The owner of an ORV cannot allow a child under the age of 12 (twelve) to drive theORV unless the vehicle is:

• driven on land occupied by the vehicle owner; or• under the close supervision of an adult

Registration, Plates/Permits:

ORV’s must be registered and the registered owner cannot be under 16 years of age. Alicence plate and registration (permit) must also be obtained. The licence plate must beappropriately attached and the registration (permit), or a true copy, must be carried andsurrendered if requested by a Peace Officer. A registration (permit) does not need to becarried if the ORV is being operated on the owner’s land.

Helmets:

Helmets must be worn by everyone when driving or riding on an ORV or a conveyancetowed by an ORV unless it is operated on the owner’s property. Helmets must complywith applicable helmet regulations.

Highway Restrictions:

ORV’s are restricted from operating on:

• All of the King’s Highway known as No. 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 409, 410,417, 420, 427, and the QEW.

• Part of the King’s Highway known as No. 2A, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 20, 27, 33, 86, 400

Refer to the regulations listed above for a complete list of the highway restrictions.

Towing Trailers/Implements:

An ORV being driven by a farmer may tow a trailer, either empty or loaded, orimplement on, along or across a highway.

Insurance:

Insurance is required for all ORV’s. If the ORV is being driven anywhere other than onland owned or occupied by the vehicle owner, proof of insurance must be carried andpresented if requested to do so by a Peace Officer. (See Insurance section)



INSURANCEInsurance Industry

Most farm liability policies cover farm equipment, including tractors, SPIH andimplements, when this equipment is operated on highways. Implements towed by motorvehicles are normally covered under the motor vehicle’s insurance policy.

Contact your insurance company to determine if/how implements, SPIH, convertedvehicles and vehicles towed by a pickup or car, are ensured.

COLOURED FUELFuel Tax Act, Reg 464/90

What is Coloured Fuel:

Coloured Fuel is fuel that contains a specific quantity and type of dye. The dye mayonly be added by a person authorized to do so.

Coloured fuel may only be used for non-taxable purposes and can be purchased tax-free.It is an offence under the Fuel Tax Act to use coloured fuel in a licensed motor vehicle.

Acceptable Uses of Coloured Fuel:

Coloured fuel may be used for the following non-taxable purposes:• in unlicensed farm equipment• as a heating fuel• for the generation of electricity• by commercial fishermen in fishing vessels• by Status Indians provided the fuel is purchased on the reserve• in unlicensed business equipment• by ship builders in testing newly constructed marine vessels or reconditioned

vessels

Storage of Coloured Fuel:

Coloured fuel must be stored in separate facilities and used only for non-taxablepurposes.



SEAT BELTSHTA 106, Reg. 613

When a motor vehicle is being operated on a highway, drivers and passengers must weara complete seat belt and wear it in a properly adjusted and securely fastened mannerunless:

• The driver is going in reverse• The person holds a medical certificate containing an exemption• The person is engaged in work which requires entering and exiting the vehicle

frequently and where the speed does not exceed 40 km/h• The person is under 16

Although everyone must wear a seat belt as described above, drivers are responsible forensuring everyone under 16 years old wear seat belts.

MIRRORSHTA 66

Motor vehicles must be equipped with a mirror or mirrors placed so that the driver has aclearly reflected view.

The mirror cannot extend more than 305 mm (12 inches) from the side unless anothervehicle is being towed.



ROADSIDE GRASSHTA (policy)

The cutting or trimming of grass, weeds etc. along or adjacent to a farm by a farmerwith a tractor or SPIH is considered an extension of the vehicle’s agricultural use.



CRIMINAL CODE OF CANADACCC 253, 254, 259

The Criminal Code of Canada applies to drivers of vehicles both on and off thehighway. It is illegal to operate a farm tractor or a self-propelled implement ofhusbandry on or off the highway when impaired by alcohol or drugs.

A conviction under the Criminal Code of Canada for drinking and driving offencesautomatically incurs a minimum one year driving prohibition; a second offence incurs aminimum two year prohibition; a subsequent offence incurs a minimum three yearprohibition. A conviction may also carry a fine and a jail sentence.

During any period of prohibition, you are prohibited from operating any vehicle,including self-propelled implements of husbandry and farm tractors, on a highway or ina public place.

DRINKING AND DRIVINGHTA 32,36,41,42,43,44,48,53,54, 55

The following is a brief description of Ontario’s drinking and driving laws.

• 12 hour roadside suspensions for over 50 mg% or refuse a breath test• Graduated licensing: Zero blood alcohol level for novice drivers, 30 day driver’s

licence suspension if blood alcohol level is above zero• 90 day driver’s licence suspension for drivers who provide a sample over the legal

limit (.08) or refuse a breath test (Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension)

The Ministry of Transportation also imposes the following upon conviction of aCriminal Code impaired driving offence:

• A conviction for drinking and driving offences automatically incurs a minimumone year driving prohibition; a second offence incurs a minimum 3 yearprohibition; a subsequent offence incurs a lifetime prohibition (may be reduced to10 years under specific conditions)

• Mandatory remedial measures program prior to getting your licence back

• Vehicle Impoundment Program for drivers caught driving while suspended forCriminal Code offences



SAFETY TIPS

Both attitude and the amount of danger in your job play an important role in workingsafely. If you are interested in safety, take pride in your work, and watch for dangeroussituations you are less likely to have an accident.

Some Good Safety Tips:

• Do not abuse or neglect safety features built into the equipment• Don’t operate equipment when your ability is impaired by illness, fatigue, alcohol

or drugs; check potential side effects of prescription drugs with your doctor• Before moving into the travelled portion of a highway, check to make sure you

can do it safely, signal, then look again before pulling out• When operating slow-moving equipment, don’t hold up traffic unnecessarily; pull

off to the side of the road and stop when it is safe to do so to allow traffic to pass• No-one should ride on the fenders, bumpers, steps or running board of any vehicle• The engine should be shut off whenever the operator dismounts from behind the

steering wheel unless a running engine is necessary for repairs, adjustments andinspections

• Whenever you leave your vehicle, take the keys with you and lock all doors andcompartments (as applicable)

• Never stop on the travelled portion of the roadway (except for normal trafficdelays)

• If your vehicle becomes disabled on a roadway, move it off the highway so itdoesn’t interfere with traffic

• Seat belts save lives so buckle up• Do not coast down hills by disengaging the clutch or shifting to neutral; you do

not have full control when the vehicle is not under power• During refuelling, turn the engine off; do not leave automatic fuelling nozzles

unattended and don’t smoke or allow smoking within 3 m (10 ft) during filling• Leave equipment in such a way that it cannot pose a hazard for others• Obey the law: all laws and traffic regulations should be obeyed; you as the

operator are responsible to find out and obey the laws of the province, county,township or municipality in which you are operating; you are required to answerany summons and pay any fine imposed for traffic offences you have committed

• Know the rules of the road and any county, township and municipal by-laws



CONTACT LIST

MTO Website: www.mto.gov.on.ca

CVOR:

Ministry of TransportationCarrier Sanctions & Investigation Office301 St. Paul St., 3rd FloorSt. Catharines, OntarioL2R 7R4Phone: 905-704-2500 or 1-800-387-7736 Fax: 905-704-2525

All Other Questions:

Contact the Ministry of Transportation District Enforcement Office nearest you.District Offices in Ontario are as follows:

DURHAM REGION67 Thornton Rd South, OshawaTel: 905-728-7505 Fax: 905-728-1889

HALTON REGION1182 North Shore Blvd. E, BurlingtonTel: 905-637-4108, Ext. 234Fax: 905-637-4114

HAMILTON / NIAGARA903 Barton St, Stoney CreekTel: 905-643-7947, Ext. 200Fax: 905-643-7529

KENORA808 Robertson St, KenoraTel: 807-468-2778 or 2779Fax: 807-468-2784

SUDBURY782 LaSalle Boulevard, Montrose Mall,SudburyTel: 705-566-1414 Fax: 705-675-4122

OTTAWA1570 Walkley Rd, OttawaTel: 1-800-600-9933 Fax: 613-731-1444

TORONTO2064 Kennedy Rd, ScarboroughTel: 416-325-2519 Fax: 416-325-8591

WINDSOR2470 Dougall Rd, WindsorTel: 519-972-7349, Ext. 216Fax: 519-973-1492

YORK REGION1st Floor, 50 Bloomington Rd, AuroraTel: 905-713-7324 Fax: 905-713-7328

KINGSTON355 Counter St, KingstonTel: 613-544-2220 Ext. 4021Fax: 613-545-4632

KITCHENER1405 Ottawa St. N. KitchenerTel: 519-893-2314 Fax: 519-893-5467

THUNDER BAY615 South James St, Thunder BayTel: 807-473-2021 Fax: 807-473-2133

TIMMINSOntario Government ComplexHwy 101 E., East Wing, South PorcupineTel: 705-235-1469 Fax: 705-235-1475

SAULT STE. MARIE740 Great Northern Rd, Sault Ste. MarieTel: 705-945-9395 Fax: 705-945-6851

LONDON659 Exeter Rd, LondonTel: 519-873-4285 Fax: 519-873-4306

NORTH BAY447 McKeown Ave, North BayTel: 705-497-5411 Fax: 705-497-5415

PEEL REGIONJohn Rhodes Centre, 7900 Airport Rd,BramptonTel: 905-793-4345 Fax: 905-874-4038

Ontario Publications: www.publications.gov.on.ca

Phone or Fax Order Mail Order Personal Shopping

TORONTO: 416-326-5300Toll free in Ontario:

1-800-668-9938Fax: 416-326-5317

Publications Ontario50 Grosvenor StToronto, OntarioM7A 1N8

880 Bay StToronto, OntarioM7A 1N8

OTTAWA: 613-238-3630Toll free outside Ottawaand in area 613 only:

1-800-268-8758Fax: 613-566-2234

Access Ontario161 Elgin St, Level 2Ottawa, OntarioK2P 2K1

Access Ontario161 Elgin St, Level 2Ottawa, OntarioK2P 2K1(Ontario CourtHouse)

Coloured Fuel: www.fin.gov.on.ca

Ministry of FinanceMotor Fuels and Tobacco Tax Branch33 King St. W., 3rd FloorOshawa, OntarioL1H 8H9Phone: 905-433-6393 Fax: 905-436-4511



INDEX

SUBJECT PAGEAnnual Safety Inspections .......................................................................................... 24Appendix A: Chain Grades ......................................................................................... 34Appendix B: Tire Tread Depth Measurement ............................................................ 35Brakes ......................................................................................................................... 17Coloured Fuel ............................................................................................................. 27Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) ............................................. 22Contact List ................................................................................................................ 32Criminal Code of Canada ........................................................................................... 30Dangerous Goods ....................................................................................................... 20Definitions .................................................................................................................. 6Drinking and Driving .................................................................................................. 30Driver Licenses ........................................................................................................... 8Escort Vehicles ........................................................................................................... 16Highway Restrictions .................................................................................................. 14Hours of Work ............................................................................................................ 23Insurance ..................................................................................................................... 27Legislation and Regulation ......................................................................................... 5Licence Plates ............................................................................................................. 9Lighting Requirements ............................................................................................... 12Load Security .............................................................................................................. 25Mirrors ........................................................................................................................ 28Off-Road Vehicles ...................................................................................................... 26Overhanging Loads ..................................................................................................... 25Oversize/Overweight Permits ..................................................................................... 16Overview ..................................................................................................................... 4Roadside Grass ........................................................................................................... 29Rules of the Road ........................................................................................................ 5Safety Tips .................................................................................................................. 31Seat Belts .................................................................................................................... 28Secondary Means of Attachment ................................................................................ 18Self-Propelled Implements of Husbandry ................................................................... 10Signalling Requirements ............................................................................................. 14Size of Farm Equipment and Loads ............................................................................ 15Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) Sign ............................................................................ 11Tires ............................................................................................................................ 17Towing Implements .................................................................................................... 18Trip Inspections .......................................................................................................... 24Truck Inspection Station (TIS) ................................................................................... 23Weight ......................................................................................................................... 15



Appendix A

PROOF COIL GRADE - 30, HIGH TEST GRADE – 43, AND

TRANSPORT GRADE – 70Minimum Breaking ForceTrade Size Actual Size

30 43 70inch mm inch mm lbs. kg lbs. kg lbs. kg1/8 4 .156 4 1,600 725 ---- ---- ---- ----

3/16 5.5 .217 5.5 3,200 1,450 ---- ----¼ 7 .276 7 5,200 2,360 7,800 3,540 ---- ----¼ 7 .281 7 ---- ---- ---- ---- 12,600 5,700

5/16 8 .331 8.4 7,600 3,450 ---- ----5/16 8.7 .343 8.7 ---- ---- 11,700 5,300 18,800 8,5303/8 10 .394 10 10,600 4,800 ---- ---- ---- ----3/8 10 .406 10.3 ---- ---- 16,200 7,350 26,400 11,980

7/16 11.9 .488 11.9 14,800 6,700 ---- ---- ---- ----7/16 11.9 .468 11.9 ---- ---- 21,600 9,800 35,000 15.880

½ 13 .512 13 18,000 8,160 ---- ---- ---- ----½ 13 .531 13.5 ---- ---- 27,600 12,500 45,200 20,500

5/8 16 .630 16 27,600 12,520 39,000 17,700 63,200 28,670¾ 20 .787 20 42,400 19,230 60,600 27,500 98,800 44,800

7/8 22 .866 22 51,200 23,220 73,500 33,400 ---- ----1 26 1.02 26 71,600 32,470 ---- ---- ---- ----

ALLOY GRADE - 80 AND 100Minimum Breaking ForceTrade Size Actual Size

80 100

inch mm inch mm lbs. kg lbs. kg

7/32 5.5 .217 5.5 8,400 3,800 10,800 4,9009/32 7 .276 7 14,000 6,350 17,200 7,8005/16 8 .315 8 18,000 8,160 22,800 10,3403/8 10 .394 10 28,400 12,880 35,200 15,900½ 13 .512 13 48,000 21,770 60,000 27,200

5/8 16 .630 16 72,400 32,840 90,400 41,000¾ 20 .787 20 113,300 51,350 141,200 64,050

7/8 22 .866 22 136,800 62,000 170,800 77,5001 26 1.020 26 190,800 86,550 ---- ----

MACHINE CHAIN, STRAIGHT AND TWISTED LINK,

COIL CHAIN, STRAIGHT AND TWISTED LINK, AND

PASSING LINK CHAINTrade Size Actual Size Minimum Breaking

Force# mm inch mm lbs. kg4 3 .120 3 780 3503 3.4 .135 3.4 970 4402 3.8 .148 3.8 1,180 5301 4.1 .162 4.1 1,405 640

1/0 4.5 .177 4.5 1,670 7602/0 4.9 .192 4.9 1,975 8903/0 5.3 .207 5.3 2,300 1,0404/0 5.5 .218 5.5 2,545 1,1505/0 6.4 .250 6.4 3,345 1,520

KNOWN CHAIN AND HOOK MARKINGSGrades Chain Markings Hook Markings

Proof Coil Grade-30 G3, G30, C3, M3, 3, Npc,C, 30, Canada, L, M, P,PC.

C.

High Test,Grade-43

G4, G40, G43, 4, 43, 430,HT, C4, M4, MHT, H,High Test, Canada,Canada 4, L, M, P, W,PH.

H, HT, High Test, G4,G40, G43.

TransportGrade-70

G7, G70, C7, 7, 70, 700,CM-USA, M7, L, P, TS,W.

Transport 7, 70, T7, G7,G70, S7.

AlloyGrade-80

A, T, G80, 80, 800, C8, 8,A8A, CA8, HA 800,CM-USA, L, P, TS, W.

A, AA, AL, Alloy, 4A,A8, C8, Kuplex, Herc, P8,T80.

AlloyGrade-100

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Appendix BTire Tread Depth Measurement

A tire shall not be worn to the extent that in any two adjacent major grooves, at threeequally spaced intervals around the circumference of the tire:• the tread wear indicators contact the road; or• less than 1.5 mm (2/32 in) of tread depth remains

For a motor vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 4,500 kilograms,the tread depth of a tire located on the front axle cannot be less than 3 mm (4/32 in).

Tread depth measured or wear indicatorsobserved at two major grooves, at three

equally spaced intervals around thecircumference of the tire

Make two measurements or observe two wearindicators at each of the three locations