About the Service Central Traffic Unit

Reporting A Motor Vehicle Collision

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Bylaws and Regulations

Oversized Loads

Overweight Vehicles

Links and Resources

Download Center

Designated Truck Route Map

Load Securement Regulation

Bylaws

Traffic - No. 1573/77
Streets - No. 1481/77
Private Approaches - No. 6546/95

Vehicle Inspection Unit

The Vehicle Inspection Unit is responsible for the enforcement of commercial vehicle and light vehicle laws within Winnipeg city limits. Their mandate is to enhance vehicle safety through education and enforcement.

The unit also provides escorts for oversized loads and presents safety lectures to trucking companies. The officers also assist the public by answering questions about commercial vehicles, as well as passenger vehicles.

All Vehicle Inspection Unit officers are trained Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Inspectors. This qualifies them to conduct cursory mechanical inspections on commercial vehicles and enforce transportation industry legislation, including driver qualification, hours of operation, mechanical fitness, load/cargo security and the transportation of dangerous goods.

For assistance you can also go to any Winnipeg Police Service facility and request the information be forwarded to the Vehicle Inspection Unit.

Vehicle Inspections

Bylaws and Regulations

All trucks with more than 4 tires shall operate only on streets designated as truck routes
Engine retarder brakes not allowed in city
Truck parking limited to 1 hour except while loading or unloading
Loads must be secured

Current information for these bylaws can be found on the City of Winnipeg Public Works site.

Improper Load Securement

Oversized Loads

Oversized loads require police escorts. Operators of oversized vehicles or loads must obtain an over-dimensional permit and arrange for an escort before moving within city limits.

Maximum Height

4.15 m (13 ft. 6 in.) from the road surface, providing there is sufficient clearance under bridges or structures for the vehicle and the load to clear safely.

Note: Not all bridges in Winnipeg have vertical clearances that are 4.15 m. See the Truck Route Map for a listing of all vertical clearance listings.

Maximum Width

2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) measured at the widest point of the vehicle or load.

Maximum Length

12.5 m (41 ft) for any single unit (including load)
20 m (65 ft) for truck/trailer and semi-trailer ( including load )
23 m (75 ft) for tractor/double trailers

See Manitoba Regulation 575/88 for more details on weights and dimensions

The Vehicle Inspection Unit requires a minimum of three days' notice to arrange an escort. The City of Winnipeg permit must be obtained a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

Vehicles exceeding the legal dimensions and weights of these laws must contact Permit Services at 204-986-6006, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit the Public Works website for more information.

To arrange an escort, contact the Winnipeg Police Service Vehicle Inspection Unit at 204-986-5355 or 204-794-4711, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Overdimensional Load

Overweight Vehicles

The City of Winnipeg also requires overweight vehicles to have a permit. The Manitoba government establishes the maximum gross weight for particular axle and wheel configurations, which the City of Winnipeg adopts to minimize road damage.

Overweight vehicle permits for the City of Winnipeg can be obtained from the Permit Services at 204-986-6006. To apply for the permit you must provide the following information:

GVW
Wheel and axle configuration
Proposed routes
Start and destination
Vehicles applying for permit are subject to inspection by the Vehicle Inspection Unit

Visit the Public Works website for more information.

For very heavy loads, a minimum of two working days is required to review the application before a permit is issued.