Ontario weights, SPIF

**bowtie_guy** · 10.19.2011

I'm no lawyer so am confused after a buddy messaged me asking some info.

Phase 4 came into force on July 1, 2011. Straight trucks and their trailers built from that date onwards have to be built to SPIF standards or operate at reduced weights. Trucks or trailers built prior to July 2011 are grandfathered until the end of 2020. Extended grandfathering, under special permit, will be available for most types of trucks and trailers that have not yet reached 15 years of age or concrete mixers and tank trailers that have not reached 20 years of age by the end of 2020.

I seem to think it really only applies to trucks and trailers which have lift axles? Or would this mean after my tandem tractor with 244"WB is 15 years old it would have a reduced GVWR? Unless it gets a retrofit of some sort?

Thanks for clearing it up!!!!

**GOV'T_Trucker** · 10.20.2011

No this is only required for liftable axles...

You are not allowed to have a switch in the cab that lifts the axles either.. Most spif trailers will not allow the trl aux switch work anyhow.. Usually you have to put your 4 ways on---off---back on and truck in reverse they will then lift... Also they automatically go down at speeds of 50 or 60 can't remember...

The only vehicles I think are allowed to have a working axle switch in the cab are trucks that off-road (like log haulers) and trailers that need extra axles for different states --- like garbage haulers with 7 axles they run with 6 down in Ontario and when they hit michigan they drop the 7th axle to meet weight regulations in Michigan..

Hope this helps