Minnesota Frost Laws & Spring Thaw Limits

How Minnesota handles spring thaw

Minnesota is a real frost-law state (Minn. Stat. 169.87). MnDOT posts spring load restrictions across six frost zones, re-set yearly: in 2026 the metro and south zones ran March 3 to April 20, the north zone into mid-May. Routes below 10-ton standard drop to posted 5-ton and 7-ton limits (a 5-ton axle is 10,000 lb). Interstates and 10-ton routes hold full weight; the cut hits lower-class roads. Check the current zone map before you load.

Window, reduction, and where to check

• Season: By frost zone, roughly early March to mid-May, re-set every year. In 2026 the metro/south zones ran March 3 to April 20 and the north zone March 20 to May 15.
• Reduction: Axle limits drop on routes not built to 10-ton standard, posted as 5-ton and 7-ton spring routes (a 5-ton axle limit is 10,000 lb). On restricted-period local gravel roads the default is 5 tons per axle (Minn. Stat. 169.87).
• Interstates: Exempt from the seasonal reduction
• Find the current order: Pull MnDOT's six-zone spring-load-restriction map at dot.state.mn.us/loadlimits, subscribe to the zone alerts, or call MnDOT at 651-366-5400 (toll-free 800-723-6543) before running a 5-ton or 7-ton route.
• Overweight penalty: Minnesota overweight penalty graduated by the pounds over the seasonal axle limit (Minn. Stat. ch. 169); it can reach hundreds of dollars, and you may be ordered to offload.

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