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Seasonal weight restrictions

Restrictions eased when roads are frozen

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Wisconsin law provides for increased weight limitations when roads are frozen. This applies to vehicles hauling peeled or unpeeled forest products cut crosswise, abrasives or salt for highway winter maintenance. When hauling these loads during this period, no special permit is required.

Frozen road declaration

Travel restricted during spring thaw

Each spring when the ground thaws, pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes, *s. 348.17 and *s. 349.16, Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) restricts the travel of vehicles with overweight permits. This is due to the unstable condition of the roadway sub-grade. Permits allowing transport of overweight divisible loads are suspended, while permits relating to non-divisible loads are restricted by route. Detailed information is available below.   

Spring thaw declaration map (2 MB) Updated May 5, 2008

• Divisible load permits

Divisible load permits begin with any of the following: AC, AG, MI, PB, PS, RF or RS.

• Non-divisible load permits

Non-divisible load permits begin with any of the following: AA, AP, BH, GG, II, MH, MP, SA, SM, SS or ST.

If you have questions:

• E-mail: oversize-permits.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
• Call: (608) 266-7320
• FAX: (608) 264-7751
• Write to the address below:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Motor Carrier Services
PO Box 7980
Madison WI 53707-7980

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Questions about the content of this page:
Motor Carrier Services, oversize-permits.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: May 6, 2008