Truck route maps and regulations

About truck routes

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  Vertical clearances

  Heights are approximate. Double check all underpasses if moving over-height trucks or freight.

  Location	Height in metres	Height in feet and inches
  1st Ave. at Highway #1 overpass - eastbound	4.80 m	15 feet 9 inches
  1st Ave. at Highway #1 overpass - westbound	4.90 m	16 feet 1 inch
  2nd Ave. at Cambie Bridge overpass - eastbound	4.95 m	16 feet 3 inches
  2nd Ave. at Cambie Bridge overpass - westbound	5.10 m	16 feet 9 inches
  Alexander St. at Heatley Ave. overpass - eastbound	4.50 m	14 feet 9 inches
  Alexander St. at Heatley Ave. overpass - westbound	4.60 m	15 feet 1 inch
  Boundary Rd. at SE Marine Dr. overpass - northbound	5.25 m	17 feet 3 inches
  Boundary Rd. at SE Marine Dr. overpass - southbound	5.55 m	18 feet 3 inches
  Boundary Rd. at pedestrian overpass - northbound	5.85 m	19 feet 2 inches
  Boundary Rd. at pedestrian overpass - southbound	6.00 m	19 feet 8 inches
  Ridgeway St. Tunnel - northbound	4.90 m	16 feet 1 inch
  Ridgway St. Tunnel - southbound	6.25 m	20 feet 6 inches
  Cordova St. (private down ramp, west of Granville St.)	3.50 m	11 feet 6 inches
  Fir St. at 4th Ave. ramp - westbound	5.30 m	17 feet 5 inches
  Fir St. at 4th Ave. ramp - eastbound	5.10 m	16 feet 9 inches
  SE Marine Dr. at Knight St. Bridge	4.70 m	15 feet 5 inches
  SE Marine Dr. at Arthur Laing Bridge	4.15 m	13 feet 7 inches
  Walker St. at Vanness Ave. (SkyTrain)	4.70 m	15 feet 5 inches
  Woodland St. at Grandview Hwy. N. (SkyTrain)	4.30 m	14 feet 1 inch
  Waterfront Rd at pedestrian overpass (Convention Centre)	4.40 m	14 feet 5 inches
  Continental St. at Granville Bridge overpass	3.90 m	12 feet 10 inches
  Rolston St. at Granville Bridge (Seymour St. ramp overpass)	3.85 m	12 feet 8 inches
  Wall St. at McGill St. overpass	4.18 m	13 feet 9 inches
  N. Skeena St. at Highway #1 overpass	4.44 m	14 feet 7 inches

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  No truck and no engine brakes signs

  We install “No Trucks” signs and “Avoid using engine brake” signs on truck routes only. They are not installed by request.

  Where signs are installed

  • “No truck” signs are only installed at terminations to truck routes.
  • ”Avoid using engine brakes” signs are only installed at entrances into the City’s truck route network.

  Installing these signs on non-truck routes would create a significant cost and maintenance challenge.

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  Benefits of truck routes

  Streets that are truck routes have infrastructure to safely handle truck size and load requirements. This includes:

  • Wider lane widths
  • Intersections that can accommodate trucks turning
  • Thicker road surfaces
  • Modifications to overhead and underground utilities

  Many of the trucks in the city are delivering goods and services that we rely on every day. When trucks and commercial vehicles can move efficiently, it positively impacts the economic health of the city.

  It is important that trucks can move efficiently on arterial streets that are designed to accommodate their size and load. Because of their requirements, it is difficult for us to modify our truck route network. All recommended changes to truck routes must be approved by City Council.

  As a part of our Transportation 2040 Plan, a key priority is encouraging a shift from private automobiles towards more sustainable modes (walking, biking and transit). By shifting some trips to other modes, more space is created for cars and trucks that do need to be on the road — for goods movement, services and deliveries, and emergency response.

Truck regulations

Engine brakes can't be used in Vancouver, except for emergency purposes.

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  Vehicle weights

  Maximum weights for vehicles traveling within Vancouver (without special permits):

  • Gross single axle weights no greater than 9,100 kg or 10,000 kg if operating as part of the public transportation system
  • Gross vehicle weight on any group of two or more consecutive axles, in an axle unit (single axle, tandem axle, tridem axle, or a similar group of axles,) can't exceed the gross weight in Schedule A of the Truck routes and truck areas guide  (270 KB)
  • Gross weight on any wheel no greater than 110 kg per cm of width of pneumatic tire
  • Gross vehicle weight can't be in excess of the licensed gross vehicle weight
  • Gross vehicle weight must be less than the load limits applicable to or posted on any bridge or structure
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  Vehicle dimensions

  Dimensions for vehicles traveling within Vancouver:

  • Total width no greater than 2.6 m (8’6”)
  • Total height no greater than 3.81 m (12’6”) on any street or 4.12 m (13’6”) on any truck route
  • Total length (inclusive of load and front and rear bumpers) no greater than:
    • 12.5 m (41’) for a single vehicle
    • 23 m (75’3”) for a vehicle with one trailer
    • 25 m (82’) for a vehicle with two trailers

  Vehicles exceeding any of these dimensions must obtain a permit. 

  • Learn how to get an oversize-truck permit
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  Vehicle projections

  Vehicles with a boom, crane, or similar projection may only operate on city streets when the projection is:

  • Less than 3 m (9’10”) high and no greater than 1 m beyond the vehicle
  • More than 3 m (9’10”) and less than 4.3 m (14’1”) above the ground, projecting no greater than 3.7 m (12’1”) at max speed of 30 km/h
  • Equipped with lights to allow the projection to be seen from the front and the sides
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  Secure loads

  Truck drivers are required to:

  • Make sure all loads are securely fastened and tarped
  • Remove any material that has fallen from their truck onto the road
  • Contain any firewood in a box, and make sure the firewood doesn't protrude more than 30 cm (1 foot) above the top of the box
  • Inspect their truck to make sure no loose rocks or debris are on the vehicle or between the dual wheels