In Nova Scotia, any load that exceeds the legal size or weight limits requires an oversize/overweight permit before it moves. Below are the legal limits and the requirements that apply at each threshold.
1When you need a permit
A load is oversize or overweight once it passes any of these:
| Dimension | Nova Scotia legal limit | Permit if over |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 8 ft 6 in | Wider |
| Height | 13 ft 7 in | Taller |
| Length (combination) | 75 ft | Longer |
| Gross weight | 91,491 lbs | Heavier |
| Single axle | 20,062 lbs | Heavier |
| Tandem axle | 39,683 lbs | Heavier |
Rear overhang is limited to 6 ft 7 in without an over-length permit.
2Escort & pilot car requirements
| Once the load is over… | Nova Scotia requires |
|---|---|
| 12 ft wide | 1 escort (pilot car) |
| 16 ft wide | 2 escorts |
| 90 ft long | 1 escort · 98 ft 5 in → 2 escorts |
| 22 ft wide | Police escort |
3When you can travel
- Daylight only — 30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset.
- Weekend travel allowed within dimensional limits.
- Holiday blackouts: New Year's Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Natal Day (1st Mon Aug), Remembrance Day, Boxing Day.
Get the full cost of your load
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?Nova Scotia permit FAQ
When do I need an oversize permit in Nova Scotia?
Once a load exceeds any legal limit: 8 ft 6 in wide, 13 ft 7 in high, 75 ft long (combination), or 91,491 lbs gross.
When do I need a pilot car in Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia requires one escort over 12 ft wide (two over 16 ft), and a police escort over 22 ft wide.
Can you drive an oversize load at night in Nova Scotia?
No — oversize loads move daylight-only, 30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset. Weekend travel is allowed within limits.
How much does a Nova Scotia oversize permit cost?
The state permit fee depends on the load's size and weight. The full cost of a move also includes escorts, police, route surveys, engineering, and the truck rate, which vary by route. FreightDeck estimates all of it for your exact load — price your Nova Scotia load with FreightDeck →.
Can oversize loads move on weekends and holidays in Nova Scotia?
Weekend travel is allowed within the same dimensional limits. Movement stops on New Year's Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Natal Day (1st Mon Aug), Remembrance Day, and Boxing Day; check the permit conditions for exact times.
How much overhang is allowed in Nova Scotia?
Rear overhang is limited to 6 ft 7 in without an over-length permit.
Does Nova Scotia have spring thaw weight restrictions?
Yes. Seasonal axle weight limits apply roughly March through May, cutting posted limits by about 33%. Overweight permits on posted roads are limited or unavailable during the window, so schedule heavy deliveries around it. Spring thaw rules by state →
Does a Nova Scotia permit cover New Brunswick?
No. Every state issues its own permit, and a move crossing into New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island needs a separate permit there with that state's escort and travel rules. FreightDeck prices every state on the route in one quote.