The regulations governing truck tarpaulins, which came into force several years ago, leave no room for interpretation. In Quebec, road transport is governed by a series of precise requirements designed to ensure public safety, environmental protection and infrastructure integrity. And when it comes to dump trucks, trailers or any other heavy vehicle, the rules are strict: every load must be properly covered, contained and secured.

The tarpaulin is not an accessory. It’s a regulatory requirement in many cases. And failure to comply can result in a fine for anyone responsible for the vehicle. It is often advisable to install custom-made truck tarpaulins. Here’s what you need to know to avoid violations and drive in compliance with the law.

1. Loading: what must be covered and when

The highway safety code is clear: any load transported on a public road must be secured to prevent it from shifting, becoming detached, escaping from the vehicle or compromising its stability.

This includes:

Unrestrained bulk transport: If your dump body is carrying unconsolidated building materials (such as sand, gravel, soil), you must use a tarpaulin. It doesn’t matter how far or how fast you’re going. A simple braking action may be enough to cause the cargo to jump.
Cargo above lip height: The top of the box must be covered with an effective device when the bucket is not fully lowered or when the load exceeds the lip height. As soon as the load exceeds the top of the sides, it becomes necessary to secure it with a tarpaulin, even if you’ve used straps or chains. This applies to all heavy vehicles, dump trucks, open containers and even certain combinations of vehicles.
Dusty or volatile loads: dry wood, shavings, bits of plastic, loose insulation: anything that can blow in the wind or soil the road surface needs to be contained. A mesh tarpaulin is often preferred here for its lightness and breathability.
Waste, construction scraps, recyclables and other debris: Required at all times. Sorting centers refuse to accept trucks that arrive uncovered.
Hot asphalt: A heat-resistant tarpaulin is required. To avoid splashing and keep the right temperature all the way to the site.
Adverse weather conditions: The law does not explicitly require tarpaulins to be fitted in bad weather, but a slippery or soggy load increases the risk of an accident. In the event of a claim, insurance companies and the authorities will not be kind. The purpose of a truck tarpaulin is to prevent rain or snow from getting under the tarpaulin and making the cargo unsafe.
Any other material likely to be thrown or scattered during transport.
Objects likely to detach or obscure the vehicle’s lights.

A tarpaulin improperly installed or missing when transporting materials in any of these cases can pose real risks on the road, and constitutes an offence.

2. What devices are permitted?

The choice of fabric cannot be improvised. The device must comply with Ministry of Transport requirements. This means:

It must be watertight, strong and suitable for the type of load being transported.
It must be securely installed and not interfere with the driver’s visibility.
It must be operable quickly and safely, even in difficult weather conditions.

A good tarpaulin system also facilitates safe unloading, by preventing materials from falling uncontrollably.

Some vehicles are now equipped with automatic tarpaulin systems (such as Cramaro, Side Roll, Rack and Tarp), enabling drivers to deploy or remove the tarpaulin without leaving the cab. These devices are a definite advantage in terms of vehicle safety and operational efficiency.

3. Vehicles carrying hazardous materials

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations impose even stricter obligations on certain types of cargo, notably those containing combustible liquids, chemicals, industrial waste or other flammable loads. Dangerous goods are covered by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR).

In this context, a tarpaulin is not enough. You need approved containers, reinforced tie-downs, closed or covered compartments, clearly visible pictograms, and sometimes a tarpaulin resistant to corrosive agents or heat.

The slightest spill can have environmental, health and legal consequences. If you’re transporting this type of load, don’t do anything without consulting both federal AND provincial regulations.

4. Who is liable in the event of non-compliance with truck tarpaulin regulations?

According to the paragraphs of the transport regulations, any person responsible for loading or vehicle drivers may be held liable if the vehicle is not fitted with a compliant system, or if the tarpaulin is incorrectly installed, damaged or ineffective.

The driver

The driver is in the front line. Whoever takes the wheel assumes immediate responsibility for the load. Even if the cargo has been prepared by a third party, it is the driver who is fined in the event of an infringement. Roadside inspectors often inspect tarpaulins and lashings, and ask questions about their compliance. If the driver finds a damaged, torn or loose tarpaulin, they must refuse to depart until the problem is corrected. This is no small matter, as his responsibility is engaged from the moment he sets off. A driver who takes to the road with a missing, loose or ineffective tarpaulin commits an offence and is liable to immediate fines.

The vehicle operator

Whoever supplies the truck, often a company or employer, also has a share of the burden. If the vehicle is in poor condition, poorly equipped, or lacks safety devices (lashing bars, turnbuckles, automatic tarpaulin systems), the operator is liable. This is even clearer in cases where an employee driver reports a problem and nothing is done. Negligence on the part of the operator can lead to administrative or even criminal sanctions, especially in the event of an accident.

The owner of the goods

This role is often underestimated, but it is not blameless. The client or cargo owner can be held responsible if he or she has demanded rapid transport at the expense of safety, or provided cargo that cannot be properly secured. For example, loading a container beyond its capacity, or imposing poorly packed materials, is tantamount to transferring risk onto the carrier. In the event of loss or accident, this third party may find itself the target of a lawsuit or claim.

5. Exceptions to the truck tarpaulin regulation

The truck tarpaulin regulation imposes a covering system for any cargo transported in a skip, container or vessel with a partially or totally open top. But like all rules, there are specific, codified and limited exceptions.

Here are the situations where the obligation to cover the load does not apply:

Crossing between a private and a public road: A vehicle that simply crosses a public road from a private road is not required to tarpaulin its load. This exception applies only to very short journeys, with no real traffic on the public highway.
Loading below the critical threshold: If the top of the load does not exceed 15 cm below the top of the lowest wall of the container, the covering system is not required. This margin is a regulatory reference point.
Large, well-contained materials: If the load exceeds the 15 cm reference point, but is composed entirely of elements over 40 mm in all three dimensions, and the periphery of the load does not exceed the lowest wall, the use of a tarpaulin is not mandatory. This is often the case for certain types of scrap or stone.
Winter operations: No covering system is required when spreading salt, sand or a mixture of salt and sand for winter road maintenance. This provision ensures that the efficiency of snow removal and road maintenance operations is not impaired.
Spreading dust suppressants: The same logic applies to vehicles spreading dust suppressants, particularly in rural areas or on gravel roads. These substances are transported for immediate dispersal.
Transporting snow or ice after snow removal: The transportation of snow, ice or any similar substance recovered during a municipal or private snow removal operation is also excluded from the tarpaulin requirement. These materials are often very compact and not very volatile, and covering them would add nothing to safety.

Drive in compliance with truck tarpaulin regulations with the right equipment

Complying with truck tarpaulin regulations isn’t just about avoiding a fine. It’s a question of safety, responsibility and sustainability. To ensure that every load arrives safely, without risk to others, you need to make sure that your transport equipment is solid, well-designed and adapted to each type of vehicle. Maintaining your truck tarpaulin also contributes to safe transport.

At Toiles GR, we understand the realities of the field. Our made-to-measure tarpaulins for dump trucks, trailer tarpaulins and heavy-duty vehicles are designed to meet standards, with materials that are resistant, waterproof and made in Canada.

Don’t be in any doubt. Equip your vehicles with a reliable system. Contact our team for a rugged, compliant tarp designed for your application.