Half-Loads & Weight Restrictions

On this page:

• Reasons for weight restrictions
• Road exemptions
• How residents can help

Every year from March to May the Muskoka municipalities put half-load, or reduced/seasonal load restrictions on select roadways. During this period of time, there is limited truck and transport access to these areas and vehicles are restricted to load limits of 5 tonnes per axle. Vehicles over a certain weight class are not permitted to use the roadway. This includes larger vehicles like:

• Dump trucks
• Delivery trucks
• Concrete trucks
• Heavy equipment floats that haul excavators, bulldozers and cranes

These restrictions do not apply to passenger vehicles.

Reasons for weight restrictions

In the spring, as frost comes out of the ground and moisture comes out of the road bed, roads become softer and weaker. Heavy loads on roads can cause it to sink and break apart, which can lead to permanent damage. Half-load restrictions are put in place to protect our roads and road beds from being damaged, which reduces the need and cost to re-build a road after every spring thaw.

With spring thaw and changes in weather, half-load restrictions are generally March 1 to May 31, giving roads time to shed winter frost. Subscribe to our news and notices to stay informed when half-loads are in effect.

Road exemptions

How residents can help

Consider alternate routes

When a half-load restriction is in effect, the road is off limits to heavy transports. However, there may be alternate routes that can be taken in order to reach the destination. This may require additional permits such as a road occupancy approval permit.

Plan spring building projects

If your building project takes place in the spring (busiest time of year in the building industry), knowing about half-load restrictions in your area will help you in planning your project.