A commercial vehicle carrying an oversized dozer was stopped by Richmond RCMP officers on Garden City Road after being found operating without the required oversized vehicle permit, resulting in charges under provincial transportation legislation.

On July 22, Cpl. Hermes conducted a traffic stop of a commercial vehicle transporting an oversized dozer along Garden City Road. The combination measured approximately 3.8 metres (12.4 feet) in width, occupying nearly two full traffic lanes.

Under the Commercial Transport Act, the maximum allowable vehicle width is 2.6 metres. Vehicles exceeding this limit are required to obtain an Oversized Vehicle Permit, which outlines specific safety requirements, including approved travel routes and, where necessary, the use of pilot vehicles.

During the inspection, the driver was unable to produce a valid term oversize permit. As a result, the driver was issued violations for:

* Fail to carry permit

* Dimensions of load not conforming

Due to the inability to obtain the required permit roadside at that time and considering the vehicle’s destination was only a short distance away, the driver was permitted to proceed directly to the destination.

The RCMP remind commercial vehicle operators that oversized load permits play a critical role in ensuring road safety for all users by regulating the movement of large or unusual loads and establishing appropriate safety measures before travel begins.