States Impose Seasonal Weight Restrictions

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Several Midwestern states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, and South Dakota, have enacted or will soon enact seasonal weight restrictions on highways due to changing road conditions. The restrictions aim to protect roads from damage during spring thaw and other seasonal changes.

Why it matters

Seasonal weight restrictions are an important tool for state transportation departments to maintain the integrity of highways and roads, especially during vulnerable periods like spring thaw when roads are more susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles. These restrictions help prevent costly road repairs and ensure the safe passage of all travelers.

The details

In Wisconsin, the 'frozen road law' is now in effect statewide, allowing heavier loads for trucks carrying certain materials like logs, salt, and sand for winter maintenance. Michigan will begin enforcing spring weight restrictions on February 17, with 25% weight reductions on 'seasonal' routes. South Dakota will also implement seasonal load restrictions starting on February 16 and 17 in various regions of the state.

• The Wisconsin frozen road law took effect on February 6, 2026 at 12:01 AM.
• Michigan's spring weight restrictions begin on February 17, 2026.
• South Dakota's seasonal load restrictions start on February 16, 2026 in the Pierre region and February 17, 2026 near Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Mitchell.

What’s next

State transportation departments will continue to monitor weather conditions and road temperatures to determine when to lift the seasonal weight restrictions.