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Seasonal load limits

Seasonal changes to legal load limits, including spring-thaw restrictions, their dates and zones, and freeze-up allowances.

38 facts from 2 places, each quoted from the agency that sets it.

Start with a question

Open a question to read the facts on file that bear on it.

  • When are spring-thaw restrictions in effect for each zone or schedule?Nothing on file answers this yet.

  • When do freeze-up load allowances apply?Nothing on file answers this yet.

Facts

8 topics

Travel allowed during thaw period (Yes or no)

Whether the oversize vehicle or combination is permitted to travel during the spring thaw period.

  • Ontario

    No

    For all permits, designated reduced load highways. 3 more cases.

  • Quebec

    No

    For class 5 permit, unless the permit provides for the use of a towed booster axle. 1 more case.

Axle weight limit during thaw period (Measures)

Maximum legal weight carried by an axle or axle group during the spring thaw period, in kilograms, where it is lower than the normal limit.

  • Quebec
    1,000 to 24,000 kg (2,205 lb to 52,911 lb)

    Across 18 cases, each with its own conditions.

Not stated in Ontario.

Steering axle weight limit during thaw period (Measures)

Maximum legal weight carried by a steering (front) axle during the spring thaw period, in kilograms.

  • Quebec
    9,000 kg (19,842 lb)

    For during the spring thaw period; front axle steered by the steering wheel; for a 3-road-vehicle combination composed of a tractor, a towed dolly and a semitrailer.

Not stated in Ontario.

Single trip permit allowed during thaw period (Yes or no)

Whether single trip permits for moving overloads may be issued during the spring thaw restriction period on highways not designated in the applicable schedules.

  • Ontario

    Yes

    For highways subject to reduced loading restrictions, Weight and Load Engineer approval required. 2 more cases.

Not stated in Quebec.

Spring thaw restriction start date (Dates)

Calendar date on which the spring thaw reduced-load restriction period begins for a designated schedule or thaw zone.

  • Ontario

    March 1, 2026

    For Schedule 1. 2 more cases.

Not stated in Quebec.

Spring thaw restriction end date (Dates)

Calendar date on which the spring thaw reduced-load restriction period ends for a designated schedule or thaw zone.

  • Ontario

    April 30, 2026

    For Schedule 1. 2 more cases.

Not stated in Quebec.

Spring thaw restriction active (Yes or no)

Whether a spring thaw reduced-load restriction is currently in effect for a designated schedule or zone.

  • Ontario

    No

    For Schedule 1. 2 more cases.

Not stated in Quebec.

Raw forest products freeze-up period active (Yes or no)

Whether the raw forest products freeze-up period, during which additional load allowances may apply, is currently in effect for a given area.

Not stated in Quebec.

Where the comparisons come from