ST.
PAUL, Minn. – Winter truck load increases will begin Monday, Jan. 4, on
unrestricted highways in the north frost zones, 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 before 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. The end date for winter
load Increases is variable and drivers should 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.
