ST.
PAUL, Minn. – Winter truck load increases will begin Monday, Dec. 8, on
unrestricted highways in the central frost zone, according to the
Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Vehicles
will be allowed to operate up to 10 percent over the standard legal
maximum loads on unrestricted highways during the winter load Increase
period. However, trucks must comply with current registration weight
laws and not exceed registered gross weight tolerances.
Drivers
should check with local agencies prior to increasing any weights on
city, county and township routes. The sign erected on the roadway
governs the load limit in effect. A winter weightincrease permit
is required to take advantage of the 10 percent weight increase on
interstate highways only; a permit is not required for state trunk
highways.
For
questions about legal weight/size trucking, call: Minnesota Department
of Public Safety - State Patrol - Commercial Vehicle Enforcement;
651-405-6196 (select option 3, option 3).
For
questions about over legal weight/size ‘heavy haul’ trucking, call:
Minnesota Department of Transportation, Freight and Commercial Vehicle
Operations - Oversize/Weight Permits, 651-296-6000 or email: ofcvopermits.dot@state.mn.us.
The
start and end dates for winter load increases are based on how weather
is affecting roadway strength. These dates are established by monitoring
roadway strength as weather conditions change. Therefore, the ending
date for winter load Increases is variable and drivers must check for
updates throughout the year. Vehicle operators are required to check
with MnDOT for the exact start and end dates.
All changes are made with a minimum three-day notice.
