Department of Transportation
DPW
Nova Scotia • Canada
The Nova Scotia Department of Public Works manages approximately 26,000 kilometers of provincial roads, including the Trans-Canada Highway through Cape Breton and the province's main arterial highways. Nova Scotia is the Atlantic gateway for Canadian freight, with the Port of Halifax — one of the deepest natural harbors in the world — handling significant container and vehicle traffic. Key freight corridors include Highway 104, Highway 102, and Highway 101. The department administers commercial vehicle permits, enforces axle weight regulations critical for protecting roads damaged by freeze-thaw cycles, and provides 511 Nova Scotia for road conditions. The province's ferry connections to Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick are also integral to regional freight flows.
| Official Website | https://novascotia.ca/tran/ |
|---|---|
| Data API | https://511.novascotia.ca/ |
| Founded | 1935 |
| Headquarters | Dartmouth |
Available Data
Social Media
- @511ns — 511 Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Trucking Regulations
Size & weight limits, OS/OW permits, and seasonal restrictions for commercial vehicles
Weight Limits
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Gross Vehicle Weight | 63500 kg |
| Single Axle | 9100 kg |
| Tandem Axle | 18000 kg |
Dimensional Limits
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Height | 4.15 m |
| Max Width | 2.6 m |
| Max Length (Single Unit) | 12.5 m |
| Max Length (Combination) | 25 m |
OS/OW Permits
Seasonal Restrictions Apr, May
Spring weight restrictions typically apply from April through May. Posted load limits reduce allowable axle weights on provincial highways during frost break-up. Nova Scotia's rural secondary road network has lower load limits than primary highways year-round.
15.4¢/L
Member
Special Exemptions
Notable Rules
Nova Scotia's maximum height of 4.15 m is lower than the 4.30 m standard in western provinces, reflecting older bridge infrastructure. The Cobequid Pass (Hwy 104) is the primary commercial corridor from New Brunswick. Trucks must comply with restrictions at the Canso Causeway (Cape Breton access). Halifax is the primary Atlantic Canada freight terminal and container port.
Sources
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