"The Raw Forest product freeze up period is in effect, for the following areas:"
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | Active Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 restrictions in effect; Schedule 1 currently has no active restrictions |
| Status Timestamp | 2026-03-09T00:01:00 (confirmed via source retrieval 2026-03-11T17:18:44+00:00) |
| Coverage | Provincial (King's) Highways only Schedule 1, 2, and 3 designated highways; Schedule 3 also covers roads in unorganized territories. Local and municipal roads not covered by this source. |
| Effective Dates | Overall: March 9, 2026 June 30, 2026. Schedule 1: March 1 April 30, 2026 (none currently active). Schedule 2: March 9 May 31, 2026 (active). Schedule 3: March 9 June 30, 2026 (active). |
| Weight Limits | Specific numeric axle/gross weight limits not published on this page. Single trip permits subject to axle controls established by the Ministry of Transportation. Annual and project overweight permits not valid during restricted months unless otherwise specified on the permit. |
| Key Roads | Schedule 2: Designated King's Highways in Northern Ontario (when signs are posted). Schedule 3: Designated King's Highways and roads in unorganized territories North Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and New Liskeard areas (when signs are posted). |
| Exemptions | Single trip permits may be issued for overloads on highways NOT designated in Schedules 1, 2, or 3, subject to MTO axle controls. Annual and project overweight permits invalid during restricted months unless permit specifies otherwise. |
| Penalties | Not specified |
| Contact | MTO Oversize/Overweight Permits: mto.gov.on.ca Oversize/Overweight Permits |
| Primary Status Source URL | https://511on.ca/list/seasonalloads |
Current Status
Ontario Seasonal Load Restrictions are active as of March 9, 2026 @ 12:01am on designated King's Highways under Schedule 2 (Northern Ontario) and Schedule 3 (King's Highways and roads in unorganized territories). Schedule 1 (Southern Ontario King's Highways) is within its seasonal window (March 1 April 30, 2026) but currently shows no active restrictions "None at this time."
Restrictions apply when signs are posted on designated highways. Drivers must watch for posted signage on affected routes.
Status observed at 2026-03-09T00:01:00; source last retrieved 2026-03-11T17:18:44+00:00.
Schedule Breakdown
| Schedule | Region / Road Type | Window | Current Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule 1 | Designated King's Highways (Southern Ontario) | March 1 April 30, 2026 | No active restrictions | "None at this time" within seasonal window but no highways currently restricted |
| Schedule 2 | Designated King's Highways (Northern Ontario) | March 9 May 31, 2026 | Active | Effective March 9, 2026 @ 12:01am; when signs are posted |
| Schedule 3 | Designated King's Highways and roads in unorganized territories | March 9 June 30, 2026 | Active | Effective March 9, 2026 @ 12:01am; North Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, New Liskeard areas; when signs are posted |
Permit Restrictions Overweight Permits
The following overweight permit rules are in effect during restricted months:
- Southern Ontario: Annual and project overweight permits are not valid in March and April unless otherwise specified on the permit.
- Northern Ontario: Annual and project overweight permits are not valid in March, April, and May unless otherwise specified on the permit.
- Single trip permits may be issued for moving overloads on highways not designated in Schedules 1, 2, or 3, subject to axle controls established by the Ministry of Transportation.
The province is divided into Southern and Northern Ontario for permit restriction purposes by a line formed by the Severn River to Regional Rd. 169, continuing via Hwy 12, Hwy 7, Regional Rd. 7B, and Regional Rd. 29 to Arnprior.
Raw Forest Products Freeze-Up Period
The Raw Forest Products freeze-up period is currently in effect for Zone 1A (north of defined line) and Zone 1B (south of defined line), as defined by geographic highway intersection points. Drivers hauling raw forest products must confirm applicable zone limits before dispatch.
Weight Limits
Specific reduced load weight values (e.g., kg per axle or gross vehicle weight) are not published on this source page. The page references the Highway Traffic Act as the governing authority for axle weight controls. Single trip permits are subject to axle controls established by the Ministry of Transportation at time of issuance.
Drivers requiring specific numeric limits should consult the MTO directly: MTO Oversize/Overweight Permits.
Coverage
- Applies to designated King's Highways listed under Schedule 1, 2, and 3 only.
- Schedule 3 also covers roads in unorganized territories.
- Local and municipal roads are not covered by this data source. Check directly with local municipalities for county, regional, or local road restrictions.
Source Attribution
- Primary source: https://511on.ca/list/seasonalloads
- MTO permits contact: mto.gov.on.ca Oversize/Overweight Permits
- Status observed at: 2026-03-09T00:01:00
- Data retrieved at: 2026-03-11T17:18:44+00:00
- Verify current segment details directly at the official source.
