Weight Restrictions (Vehicles)

A weight restriction refers to the maximum permissible weight of a vehicle, established to safeguard public safety and preserve the integrity of transportation infrastructure.

Weight restriction season happens in the spring. The Regional Municipality of Durham and The Town of Ajax restrict the operation of motor vehicles on designated roads during that time. This affects vehicles that are heavier than 5,000 kilograms or five tonnes per axle.

When weight restrictions are in effect, vehicle loads are restricted to a maximum of FIVE TONNES per axle, in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act, Regional By-law 26-2018 and Town of Ajax traffic By-law. Signs will remain on all roads where these weight restrictions apply.

Weight restrictions are implemented to protect municipal road infrastructure and ensure public safety. During the spring thaw, as frozen roads begin to melt, water often becomes trapped within the gravel base beneath the pavement. This occurs because the surrounding soil remains frozen or is too compacted to allow adequate drainage.

As the gravel absorbs this moisture, the structural integrity of the pavement is temporarily compromised. In this weakened state, the road surface cannot support vehicles exceeding 5,000 kilograms (five tonnes) per axle. Enforcing weight limits during this period helps prevent significant damage to the road network and reduces costly repairs.