The Region of Durham and the Town of Whitby, Ontario, will start annual spring weight limits at 12:01 a.m. on March 9, 2026. These restrictions are put in place every year to protect local roads from damage during the spring thaw.
Vehicles heavier than 5,000 kilograms per axle will be restricted on designated roads where the ground has been softened by the spring weather. The rules are tentatively scheduled to end on April 30, 2026, though this date can change depending on weather and road inspections.
In Whitby, these rules apply to municipal streets under a local by-law to prevent heavy equipment from damaging residential and rural roads. Residents waiting for large deliveries or moving services should expect potential delays or route changes for heavy trucks.
Emergency vehicles, public utility trucks, and transit services are generally exempt from these weight limits. While major highways usually stay open to full loads, secondary roads will be marked with signs to show the five-tonne limit.
A digital map is available from the Region of Durham to help drivers identify which specific road segments have restrictions. The Ontario Trucking Association also tracks these seasonal changes to help businesses plan their routes.
