The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced that winter truck load increases begin today on unrestricted highways in the central frost zone.
According to a press release from the Minnesota DOT, “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.”
The department recommends drivers check with local agencies prior to increasing weights on city, county and township routes, however, signs are in place to alert drivers of weight restrictions.
“A winter weight increase 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,” MnDOT states.
Drivers who have questions about legal weight should 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:[email protected].
Visit MnDOT’s seasonal load limits website at www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us/research/seasonal_load_limits/sllindex.asp.