Spring in North Dakota is a season of transition—not just for the landscape, but for the pavement beneath your tires. As of March 6, 2026, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and several key counties have officially initiated Spring Load Restrictions (Frost Laws).
If you are hauling equipment, grain, or oilfield supplies, here is the updated breakdown of what is happening on the ground right now.
Why the Restrictions?
During the spring thaw, the ground melts from the top down. Because the deeper layers remain frozen, water becomes trapped in the road base, making it saturated and weak. Heavy loads during this period can cause “pavement pumping” or deep structural cracks. The NDDOT uses subsurface probes and Falling Weight Deflectometers (FWD) to monitor road strength and determine exactly when to restrict hauling.
2026 Active Zones & Status
Restrictions typically begin in the southwest and move northeast as the thaw progresses. Here is the current landscape as of March 6, 2026:
Southwest & Western Region: This area was the first to see movement. Routes from Watford City down to the South Dakota border have been under active restriction since late February.
Central Region:
Bismarck & Burleigh County: Restrictions went into effect Thursday, March 5, 2026. This includes all city streets and county roads.
- Williams County: Active as of March 5, 2026, specifically for all roads south of 64th St NW.
- Eastern Region:
- Barnes County (Valley City): Restrictions are scheduled to begin Monday, March 9, 2026.
Are Interstates Affected?
The good news for long-haulers is that Interstate 94 (I-94) and Interstate 29 (I-29) are NOT affected by these seasonal weight restrictions.
However, while the interstate is clear, the ramps or intersecting state highways at your exit may be restricted to 6 or 7 tons. You can easily find yourself stuck at a truck stop with no legal way to leave.
North Dakota uses a tiered system for restricted (posted) roads:
The start dates for seasonal load limits are determined by frost depth and weather patterns. As of today, the following zones have officially transitioned:
Restriction Type | Single Axle | Tandem Axle | Max Gross Weight (GVW) |
|---|---|---|---|
Legal Weight | 20,000 lbs | 34,000 lbs | 105,500 lbs |
8-Ton | 16,000 lbs | 32,000 lbs | 105,500 lbs |
7-Ton | 14,000 lbs | 28,000 lbs | 105,500 lbs |
6-Ton | 12,000 lbs | 24,000 lbs | 80,000 lbs |
5-Ton | 10,000 lbs | 20,000 lbs | 80,000 lbs |
Source: https://www.dot.nd.