Ontario opens door for longer motorhomes

Jan. 18, 2007

Ontario, Canada, will allow longer motorhomes on its highways. A $50 permit, good for three years, is required.

As part of a national agreement, Ontario will issue Special Vehicle Configuration Permits for the continued use of three-axle motorhomes between 41 feet and 45 feet 11 inches (12.5 meters to 14 meters).

Motorhome owners and dealers must complete an application for each motorhome and pay a $50 fee (Canadian funds) for each permit, which will be valid until Jan. 1, 2010.

Two-axle motorhomes longer than 41 feet are prohibited on Ontario highways and do not qualify for special permits.

Motorhomes longer than 41 feet must have at least three axles and the special permit.

Motorhomes less than 41 feet long do not require special permits, regardless of the number of axles.

Overall length includes items such as ladders and extensions, but does not include mirrors that extend beyond the front of the motorhome.

Bill Cann, of the Ministry of Transportation's Carrier Safety Policy Office, said the permit is a temporary measure. The three-year validity period is granted to give Ontario time to change the law to allow these vehicles without a permit.

U.S. motorhome owners who hold valid driver licenses in their home states, are legal in Ontario, Cann said.

For more information about qualifying and applying for permits, contact: Ontario Ministry of Transportation, O/O Permits 3rd Floor, 301 St. Paul St., St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada L2R 7R4. E-mail: OO.Permit.Department@Ontario.ca. Phone: (416) 246-7166, ext. 6306.

Ontario Ministry of Transportation
www.mto.gov.on.ca

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