Determining Registered Gross Weights for Trucks Towing Recreational and Light Duty Trailers
The registered gross weight (RGW) determines the fee paid for truck licence plates. The truck's RGW is based on, and must be at least equal to the actual weight of the truck, or truck and trailer(s) and load(s). A trailer permit does not have a RGW. Generally the weight of a towed trailer(s) and its load are added to the RGW of the truck. Load includes the driver, passengers, fuel, equipment, tools, cargo, equipment, etc. carried in the truck and trailer.
The RGW is indicated on the right portion (plate portion) of a truck's ownership, to the right of "REG. GROSS WT" and is in kilograms (kg). One kilogram equals 2.204 pounds and one pound equals .4536 (kg).
"Truck" includes pickups and business type vans with truck licence plates. Farm plated trucks are subject to the same RGW rules.
The "Vehicle Permits Regulation", made under the Highway Traffic Act, provides an exemption for light trailers, specifically;
"where a trailer transmits to the highway a total weight of 2,800 kilograms (6,173 lb.) or less, that weight shall not be included in determining registered gross weight".
To determine how much an attached trailer transmits to the highway, and to determine how much a truck should be registered for:
Weigh the trailer only, with the trailer attached to the truck.
Illustration One - Weight A
Weigh the truck only, with the trailer attached.
Illustration Two - Weight B
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If the trailer weighs more than 2,800 kg (6,171 lb.);
Register the truck for at least the combined weight of the truck and trailer, weights A and B. -
If the trailer weighs 2,800 kg (6,171 lb.) or less;
Register the truck for at least the weight of the truck (weight B), which includes trailer tongue weight. Weight transmitted directly to the ground, by the trailer, is not included in the RGW.
This is an unofficial version of Government of Ontario legal materials. For accurate reference refer to the official volumes. The Highway Traffic Act and Regulations made under the Act may be viewed on the internet at www.e-laws.gov.on.ca.
