Nevada Frost Laws & Spring Thaw Limits
Nevada runs a spring-thaw restriction through its permit system. Roughly February 1 to April 30, NDOT bars its overweight over-dimensional permits (Green and Purple weight) from about 27 thaw-sensitive routes; on those you must drop to legal axle weights, 20,000 lb single and 34,000 lb tandem. Overweight fines are doubled on the listed routes during the window (NRS 484D.680). Interstates stay at legal weight. The dates and route list reset yearly, so pull NDOT's current spring-thaw list before you route.
How Nevada handles spring thaw
Nevada runs a spring-thaw restriction through its permit system. Roughly February 1 to April 30, NDOT bars its overweight over-dimensional permits (Green and Purple weight) from about 27 thaw-sensitive routes; on those you must drop to legal axle weights, 20,000 lb single and 34,000 lb tandem. Overweight fines are doubled on the listed routes during the window (NRS 484D.680). Interstates stay at legal weight. The dates and route list reset yearly, so pull NDOT's current spring-thaw list before you route.
Window, reduction, and where to check
- Season: Roughly February 1 to April 30 each year on NDOT-designated routes, set by NDOT's annual over-dimensional permit Letter of Instruction. The route list and dates reset yearly.
- Reduction: Not a percentage cut. NDOT bars its overweight over-dimensional permits (Green and Purple weight) from about 27 thaw-sensitive routes; on those routes you run legal axle weights only (20,000 lb single, 34,000 lb tandem), and overweight fines double.
- Interstates: Exempt from the seasonal reduction
- Find the current order: NDOT over-dimensional vehicle permits page (dot.nv.gov) for the current spring-thaw route list and Letter of Instruction. NDOT issues the restriction through permit conditions each year.
- Overweight penalty: Overweight fines are doubled for violations from February 1 through April 30 on NDOT-designated restricted highways (NRS 484D.680), charged over the standard per-weight schedule.
Nevada Frost Law FAQ
Does Nevada have frost laws?
When are Nevada's spring weight restrictions in effect?
How much do the limits drop in Nevada?
Do Nevada's frost laws apply to the Interstates?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://www.dot.nv.gov/doing-business/commercial-vehicles/commercial-vehicle-permits. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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