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Seasonal weight restrictions and exemptions

Restrictions eased when roads are frozen

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

Seasonal harvest exemption

Chapter trans 348.17(5)

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 most divisible loads are suspended, while permits relating to non-divisible loads are restricted by route. Detailed information is available below.   

Seasonal load limits boundaries map (530 KB)

• Divisible load permits

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

• 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. Link

If you have questions:

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

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Motor Carrier Services
P.O. Box 7980
Madison WI 53707-7980

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Questions about the content of this page:
Motor Carrier Services, oversize-permits.dmv@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: April 15, 2012