Pilot Program for (LCV) Long Combination Vehicles

This summer, the Ministry of Transportation will begin a pilot program to allow a limited number of commercial operators to pull two full-sized trailers - referred to as long combination vehicles (LCVs) - on designated Ontario highways.

Ontario will carefully control LCV operations. The Ministry of Transportation will gradually issue permits for up to 100 LCVs over a one-year period.

Economic Benefits

• LCVs are good for manufacturers and consumers. They allow Ontario retailers and manufacturers to bring voluminous, light-weight goods to market at a lower cost.

Environmental Benefits

• By using less fuel to carry goods, LCVs reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with shipping goods by approximately one-third.

Safety

• LCVs have been on the road in Western Canada, Quebec, and more than 20 American states for decades. They have an excellent safety record, with fewer collisions reported than single-trailer trucks.
• Studies show that LCVs had 60 per cent fewer collisions than conventional tractor-trailers.(source is 2005 Alberta study)
• Each LCV replaces two 23-metre tractor-trailers which means fewer trucks on the road and a reduced risk of collision.

Requirements and Restrictions

Rules for LCVs include:

• Can only operate on designated divided highways (primarily 400-series highways)
• Can generally travel no more than two kilometres off designated highways, and only on approved routes
• Must have special safety equipment, including enhanced braking requirements and an electronic stability control system
• May not drive in or through the Greater Toronto Area during rush hours
• May not carry more weight than existing single tractor-trailers
• May not operate at the start and end of long weekends
• May not carry dangerous goods that would require a warning on the vehicle's exterior
• May not carry livestock
• May not operate during winter months (December, January, and February)
• Are prohibited from driving in bad weather or slippery conditions
• May not exceed 90km/hr

Special requirements for LCV drivers include:

• Must be experienced tractor-trailer operators with a good safety record
• Must participate in specialized training and road testing

Learn more  

• Read the Ontario LCV Pilot Program Conditions
  • Download in Pdf format: (PDF - 600KB)
• LCV Pilot Program Questions and Answers
  • Download in Pdf format. (PDF - 32 KB)
• Find LCV Permit and Origin/Destination application forms
  

For more information contact:

Bob Nichols
Communications Branch
Phone: 416-327-1158
Email: Bob.Nichols@ontario.ca