Winter truck load season begins in Minn.

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Minnesota Welcome SignMinnesota’s north frost zone has entered its winter truck load season, in which vehicles can operate up to 10 percent over the standard legal maximum loads on unrestricted highways.

The season began December 14 and ends at a date to be determined. The season begins and ends based on how weather affects road strength. The season begins December 18 for the state’s north central frost zone.

Trucks still must comply with current registration weight laws and not exceed gross weight tolerances, the Minnesota Department of Transportation says. They also must have a winter weight increase permit when driving on interstates.

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.

For the most current information, go to MnDOT’s automated 24-hour message center at 800-723-6543 for the United States and Canada, or locally at 651-366-5400 for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. This information is also published on the MnDOT seasonal load limits website at dot.state.mn.us/materials.

For questions about over legal weight/size “heavy haul” trucking, call MnDOT’s Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations – Oversize/Weight Permits, 651-296-6000 or [email protected].