Ontario’s trucking laws are changing in 2025. These updates affect truck drivers, tow truck operators, driving instructors, and trucking companies. If you currently work in the trucking and logistics industry or plan to start a career soon, you must be aware of these new regulations.
Let’s talk in detail:
1. Driving Instructor Licence No Longer Needed for Advanced Training
As of 2025, Ontario changed a rule that affects people who train drivers. In the past, you needed a Driving Instructor (DI) licence to offer any kind of driver training. Now, that rule only applies to beginner drivers with a G1 or G2 license.
If you train fully licensed drivers, like emergency responders or truck drivers with a valid licence, you no longer need a DI licence. This change makes it easier for trucking companies and law enforcement to train staff without extra paperwork.
This update comes from changes to Ontario Regulation 473/07 under the Highway Traffic Act. It’s part of a larger push to reduce red tape for training professionals.
2. Towing Industry Faces Stricter Oversight
The towing industry now has more rules to follow under the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA). These changes affect tow truck drivers, operators, and vehicle storage businesses.
Here’s what’s new:
- Ontario updated the rate structure for towing and storage services. This means the prices you charge or pay may now follow set limits.
- New record-keeping rules are in place. Tow operators must keep detailed logs of jobs, rates, and storage details.
- Certificate fees for tow operators, tow truck drivers, and storage lot operators are frozen until July 1, 2026. This gives businesses some financial relief while the new rules roll out.
If you operate a tow truck or manage a vehicle storage yard, you must follow these rules to stay compliant. These updates aim to protect consumers from price gouging and ensure transparency across the industry.
3. Tow Trucks Now Require a “Wrecker” Permit
In another change to the Highway Traffic Act, Ontario now requires tow trucks to carry a special permit called a “wrecker” permit. This applies to all commercial towing vehicles used to move disabled or illegally parked vehicles.
With this, the government wants to ensure tow trucks meet safety and licensing standards, just like other commercial vehicles. It also helps law enforcement identify legitimate tow operators.
In addition, the province updated the wording of fines and charges in the Provincial Offences Act to match the language used in TSSEA.
4. Reduced Load Periods and Overload Restrictions in 2025
Every spring, Ontario places weight limits on certain roads to protect them from damage caused by thawing. These limits are called Reduced Load Periods.
In 2025, the Ministry of Transportation will continue to enforce these seasonal restrictions. During these periods, trucks must carry less weight, especially on secondary and rural roads.
If you drive a commercial vehicle that hauls heavy loads, you must check local rules before starting your trip. The start and end dates for reduced load periods vary by region and depend on weather conditions. Failure to comply can lead to significant fines.
You can find these updates and zone-specific details on the Ontario Trucking Association website: https://ontruck.org/reduced-load-periods-and-restrictions-on-overloads-for-2025/
What This Means for Truck Drivers in Ontario
If you are a truck driver, here’s what you need to remember:
- You don’t need a Driving Instructor licence to train fully licensed drivers.
- Tow truck drivers must follow new rate rules and keep detailed records.
- All tow trucks now need a wrecker permit to operate legally.
- Reduced load periods are still in effect and must be followed in 2025.
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