For Ontario load restrictions, please go to http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/loadnotice.shtml.

In Michigan:

Effective 8:00 AM Monday February 27th, 2012 weight restrictions will be imposed and enforced on all state trunkline highways within the Upper Peninsula in the State of Michigan. State trunkline highways typically carry, M, I, or US designations.

Weight restriction information and updates may be obtained by calling 1-800-787-8960. For companies located in Canada or New Jersey, information may be obtained by calling:
517-373-6256.

- On routes designated as “All Season Routes” (green or gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map) there will be no reduction in legal axle weight.

- On routes designated as “Seasonal” (solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be a weight reduction of 25% for rigid pavements and 35% for flexible pavements.

Extended permits will be valid for oversize only in the weight restricted area.

Single trip permits will not be issued for overweight loads or loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles and 150 feet in overall length in the weight restricted area.

Detailed Weight Restriction information may be obtained by linking to www..michigan.gov/truckers. Please refer to the MDOT Truck Operator’s Map for route designations.

Spring Weight Restrictions: http://mdotwas1.mdot.state.mi.us/public/alerts/bulletins.cfm?bulletin=weight

Courtesy of Steven Horwood, Michigan State Police

On October 26, the regulations regarding the use of electronic devices while behind the wheel came into force in Ontario. Yet, with all the advertising and media information about the new law, people are still using their mobile phones, blackberries, etc. while driving.

Enforcement officials have stated that drivers will be given a warning if caught, but there are other areas under the Highway Traffic Act that they can use. And hopefully will.

For just a few bucks, you can get a Bluetooth device so that you can drive while using your device hands-free. Let’s use some common sense and focus on the driving, not the number pad or keypad.

Otherwise, Commissioner Fantino will be coming after you.

Just announced: the province of Ontario will ban the use of handheld electronic devices starting October 26. Handheld devices such as cell phones, blackberries, iPhones, GPS units, DVD players etc. will be banned when you are in the driver’s seat of a vehicle.

There will be a three (3) month education period before officials issue citations.

So, some Ontario truckers are upset that the provincial government has imposed speed limiters for trucks, to be set at 105 kph.

One spokesman for truckers says that a trucker needs that extra speed for when the trailer starts to come around. Being maxed at 105 will not allow a trucker to apply the extra speed to straighten out the trailer. If your trailer is starting to pass you, doesn’t that tell you something? For instance, you are not driving to the conditions of the road.

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