For heavy haulers and dispatchers, “Spring” in Minnesota isn’t just about melting snow—it’s about the critical shift in road weight limits. As of March 3, 2026, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has officially activated Spring Load Restrictions (SLR) for several key regions.
If you are moving oversize or overweight (OS/OW) loads this month, here is everything you need to know to stay compliant and avoid heavy fines.
2026 Restriction Dates by Zone
The start dates for seasonal load limits are determined by frost depth and weather patterns. As of today, the following zones have officially transitioned:
Frost Zone | : | Spring Load Restriction (SLR) Status |
South | : | Started March 3, 2026 |
Southeast | : | Started March 3, 2026 |
Metro | : | Started March 3, 2026 |
Central | : | Started March 6, 2026 |
North-Central | : | TBD |
North | : | TBD |
Note: Restrictions typically last about 8 weeks, but end dates are variable based on how the roadbeds recover.
What This Means for OS/OW Permits
During the SLR period, permitting rules change significantly to protect weakened roadbeds.
Overweight Permits: MnDOT will continue to issue permits for more than 80,000 lbs GVW only if all axle and axle group weights remain within legal limits.
Interstate Exception: Full-summer overweight permits can still be issued for travel exclusively on the Interstate system during the SLR period.
- US and MN highways are limited to legal axle limits: Steer Axle – 600 pounds per inch of tire width (13,200 pounds with 11″ tires) Tandem – 34,000 Tridem – 42,000
Pro-Tips for Dispatchers
Check the Map: Always refer to the MnDOT Seasonal Load Limit Map before routing. A road that was fine last week may now be restricted.
Verify Local Rules: Cities and counties can have stricter limits than the state. For example, many residential streets in the Metro area default to 5-ton limits during this time.
Stay safe out there and keep those axle weights legal!