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Oversize Load Permit Requirements — Nova Scotia
Legal size/weight limits, escort thresholds, travel restrictions, and permit office contact for Nova Scotia.
These figures are a reference summary of publicly published state rules, not a substitute for a state-issued permit and not legal advice. Rules change — always confirm current limits and requirements directly with the state permit office before you plan or run a move. Last verified: 2026-06-28. Oversize Ops is NOT responsible and CANNOT be held liable for decisions made from this reference. Official source ↗
Legal Maximum Dimensions (no permit required)
- Width
- 8.5ft (102in)
- Height
- 13.6ft (163in)
- Length
- 53ft
- Gross Weight
- 137,789 lbs
- Single Axle
- 20,000 lbs
- Tandem Axle
- 34,000 lbs
Escort / Pilot Car Thresholds (see glossary for terms, certification requirements for the driver)
- Front escort required over
- 10ft wide
- Rear escort required over
- 10ft wide
- Both escorts required over
- 14ft wide
- Height escort required over
- 13.6ft tall
Front escort >12ft, both escorts >14ft. NS-certified escort required.
Travel Restrictions
- Night travel
- Generally restricted
- Weekend travel
- Generally allowed
- Sunday travel
- Generally restricted
Daylight only (sunset to sunrise = prohibited). No Sunday travel or statutory holidays. Loads >12ft wide or >82ft long: no travel from 3PM Friday through Monday morning. Loads >14ft wide or >82ft long: no travel 7-9AM or 4-6PM any day. HRM/CBRM multilane: no travel 7-9AM and 4-6PM.
Holiday blackouts: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day (Nov 11), Christmas.
Superload Thresholds
- Width over
- 25.9ft
- Length over
- 130ft
- Weight over
- 154,000 lbs
Get a Permit
- Online portal
- https://novascotia.ca/sns/access/drivers/special-move-permits.asp
- Phone
- 1-800-898-7668
Exceptional move (>69,800 kg / >154,000 lbs): 7 business day processing, Dept. authorization required, no annual permit. Width >7.9m (26ft): 10 business day processing. Max permitted width: 9.1m (30ft).
Planning a move through Nova Scotia?
Plan a truck-legal route that checks bridges and construction, or find a vetted transporter or escort.
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