Winter load increases for Central Frost begin December 31st, 12:01am

By Paul Vold kkin@rjbroadcasting.com (12/30/21)

(Minnesota) — Winter load increases will begin Friday, December 31st at 12:01am on unrestricted state highways through the central frost zone, with load increases already in effect in the north and north-central frost zones.

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. Trucks must also comply with current registration weight laws and not exceed registered gross weight tolerances. 

Checking with cities, counties, and townships prior to increasing weights on routes will need to be addressed before heading out. A winter increase permit is required to take advantage of the 10 percent weight increase on interstate highways only but a permit is not required for state trunk highways.

For any question about legal axle weight during SLR, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – State Patrol – Commercial Vehicle Enforcement at 651-350-2000.