MTO Approves Reg Change for Smart Lift Axles on Trailers and Longer Tractors with Multi-Axle Trailers
Effective July 1, 2019, Ontario Regulation 413/05 has been amended to eliminate the special vehicle configuration permits that were required to operate long wheelbase tractors with multi-axle semi-trailers, longer saddlemounts, and trailers equipped with smart lift axles.
“OTA has been working with MTO to address the use of longer tractors on
multi-axle semi-trailers and the use of smart lift axles on semi-trailers. The
speed at which the Government of Ontario and the policy team at MTO was able to
address these regulatory changes is fantastic and adds additional menu options
for fleets in spec’ing tractors and trailers,” said Geoff Wood, OTA’s
senior vice president, Policy.
Earlier
this spring MTO posted a series of proposals to
the Regulatory Register and in less than a few months they have moved
forward. The announced changes continue to strike a balance between safety,
productivity and the protection of infrastructure while accommodating
technological advances in truck and trailer equipment technology.
“The ability for the segment of the industry
operating multi-axle semi-trailers to spec longer tractors allows for
environmental equipment (after exhaust treatment and APUs) without compromising
fuel capacity or necessary space for tools and accessorial equipment and larger
sleeper berths is a positive development,” added Wood. “Equally beneficial
are allowances now for smart lift axles on all SPIF semi-trailers. Combined, we
have a regulatory change that further enhances the province’s commitment to GHG
reduction and the health and wellness of professional truck operators.”
Additional
modifications to the regulations will also allow for:
• The same tire
weight allowance extended to wide-based single tires as to dual tires when
mounted on single axles;
• Loading of boats
in stinger-steer auto carriers under the same weight and dimensional limits;
• Modifying the
conditions to allow the use of an Emergency Lift Axle Override, so to lift the
self-steering axle in emergency situations improving the general safety
operation of the truck.
For
details please visit - http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/recent-reg...