The Vehicle Inspection Section works in close partnership with the commercial vehicle community and MPI Vehicle Standards to keep Winnipeg roadways safe through education and enforcement. This includes:
- Conducting commercial vehicle safety inspections.
- Enforcing of city, provincial and federal; bylaws and regulations.
- Assisting with oversized loads.
- Conducting roadside safety checks on light (under 4500 kg) vehicles.
Commercial safety inspections
Vehicle Inspection Section officers are accredited Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Inspectors. This qualifies them to conduct cursory mechanical inspections on commercial vehicles and enforce transportation industry legislation, including driver qualification, hours of operation, mechanical fitness, load/cargo security and the transportation of dangerous goods.
Inspections are carried out year-round throughout the city.
By-laws and regulations
- Vehicle Equipment is regulated by:
Vehicle Equipment, Safety and Inspection regulation (Manitoba Regulation 31/2019) - The movement of trucks on streets in Winnipeg is regulated by:
- The City of Winnipeg Public Works Department provides an overview of truck regulations on its website.
- Designated Truck Routes - All trucks with more than 4 tires shall operate only on streets designated as truck routes.
- Engine retarder brakes are not allowed in Winnipeg. Please read Section 68. of City of Winnipeg Neighbourhood Liveability By-law 1/2008).
- Parking for trucks with more than four tire is limited to 1 hour on Winnipeg streets, except while loading or unloading
- Find out about current regional street lane closures
- Cargo securement on all motor vehicles/trailers in Manitoba is regulated by the Highway Traffic Act, section 61(2). Additionally, cargo securement for regulated vehicles/trailers must meet the criteria set out in The Cargo Securement Regulation (Manitoba Regulation 37/2005) and NSC Standard 10.
Commercial vehicle regulation links
- Manitoba Department of Infrastructure and Transportation (MIT)
- Transport of dangerous goods regulations
- Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations
- The North American Cargo Securement Standard
- Commercial Vehicle Trip Inspection Regulation
- Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance ( CVSA )
- Transport Canada
Oversized vehicles & loads
Oversized loads require police escorts. Operators of oversized vehicles or loads must obtain an over-dimensional permit and arrange for an escort before moving within city limits.
Find out more about applicable weights and dimensions.
The Vehicle Inspection Section requires at least three days' notice to arrange an escort. Copies of the permit and escort requests must be received by the Vehicle Inspection Section no later than the end of business on the day prior to the scheduled escort. The carrier is responsible to ensure that the Vehicle Inspection Section has received all required documentation.
To arrange an escort, contact the Winnipeg Police Service Vehicle Inspection Section at 204-986-8003, seven days a week between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Fax number is 204-986-4697. These numbers are for over-dimensional escorts only, general vehicle inspection related questions should be directed to 204-794-4711.