Winter Truck Load Increases

The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced that winter truck load increases went into affect for the south and southeast Minnesota frost zones on Friday January 18, 2019. The winter truck load increases already went into affect in the central, 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. However, trucks must comply with current registration weight laws and not exceed registered gross weight tolerances."

Truck drivers of course still will need to check with local agencies before increasing loads on township, city and county roads. A permit is required to take advantage of the 10 percent load increase in interstate highways but a permit is not required for state trunk highways. If you have questions call the Minnesota Department of Public Safety-State Patrol-Commercial Vehicle Enforcement 651-405-6196. The end date for the winter load increase is variable depending on the weather.