Insecure or Unsecured Load Violations in Ontario

The basic rule for any vehicle

Section 111(2) of the Highway Traffic Act applies to every vehicle on an Ontario highway, not just commercial trucks: a load has to be secured in a way that prevents it from dropping, shifting, leaking, blowing off, or otherwise becoming dislodged in a way that could endanger people or property, or interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle itself. This is the provision that covers everyday situations like a mattress, furniture, or yard waste being hauled without adequate tie-downs.

Set fines for this offence

The current set fine for an insecure or unsecured load is $130 for a regular passenger vehicle and $310 for a commercial motor vehicle. The higher commercial figure reflects both the larger loads typically involved and the additional regulatory framework that applies specifically to commercial cargo securement.

Extra rules for commercial cargo

Commercial vehicles are also governed by O. Reg. 363/04, Ontario's cargo securement regulation, which sets out detailed, load-type-specific requirements -- covering things like the minimum number and strength of tie-downs for different categories of cargo, how loads must be positioned, and additional standards for specific goods like logs, metal coils, or vehicles being transported on a trailer. This regulation goes well beyond the general rule in section 111(2) and is a frequent source of inspection findings during commercial vehicle enforcement.

When this becomes more than a basic ticket

If an unsecured load actually falls, leaks, or causes debris on the roadway -- or contributes to a collision -- the consequences can go well beyond the base set fine, potentially involving additional charges related to careless driving or the resulting damage, and for commercial carriers, implications for their CVOR safety rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

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