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Heavy Vehicles

Obligations of Heavy Vehicle Users

The privilege to use a heavy vehicle comes with many obligations.

As a heavy vehicle user, you must be aware of the main highway safety rules and requirements surrounding your activities. The term “heavy vehicle users” refers to:

  • owners;
  • operators;
  • drivers;
  • transportation service intermediaries;
  • shippers;
  • applicants for services;
  • persons who offer driver services.
What to do, when and how?
Obligations When? How?
Registration in the Register of owners and operators of heavy vehicles
  • Registration is a prerequisite for the right to operate a vehicle
  • Annual update
Pre-departure inspection Within a 160 km radius Outside of 160 km radius
Perform a mandatory inspection Yes Yes
Have a report on board Yes Yes
Fill out the report If a defect is found Always
Ensure the report is signed by the operator's authorized representative If a defect is found If a defect is found
Driving time Within 160 km radius Outside of 160 km radius
Fill out daily log No (if operator accumulates hours) Always
Mandatory mechanical inspection Carrier of people Carrier of goods
Mechanical inspection performed by an authorized SAAQ agent (except if participant in the preventive maintenance program) Twice a year Once a year
Basic preventive maintenance
(Except if participant in the preventive maintenance program) Every 6 months (excluding inspection performed at the site of an authorized SAAQ agent)
Loads
Loads per axle (PNBE or GAWR) The smallest of the following values: Tire capacity or capacity of front axle or capacity prescribed under regulation.
Total loaded mass (MTC or GWR) The smallest of the following values: Total of the maximum loads per axle or the limit prescribed under regulation.
Dimensions
Maximum width 2.6 metres
Maximum height 4.15 metres
Maximum length
  • Truck: 12.5 metres
  • Bus: 14 metres
  • Combination of road vehicles: 23 metres
  • Double road train: 25 metres
Maximum overhang of load
  • 1 metre at front
  • 2 metres at rear
Cargo securement
To prevent goods from moving or falling from a vehicle
  • Contain (tank, bin, etc.)
  • Secure (walls, bulkheads, panels, doors and side rails, etc.)
  • Anchor (chain, cable, specialized latches, etc.)
  • Increase friction (friction mats, straps, etc.)
Hazardous goods
Take the necessary preventive measures when hauling hazardous goods
  • Standardization of containers
  • Driver training
  • Shipping papers
  • Safety marks (placards and labels)
  • Actions in the event of an accident
Comply with special traffic regulations
  • Prohibited use of specific tunnels
  • Mandatory stop at level crossings

Relevant Document

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Last Modification: 2012-10-11