Spring road restrictions aren’t in effect everywhere yet, but it will only be a matter of days before they are. It is important for all truck drivers to be prepared for detours, especially when making rural pickups and deliveries. It is also important to note that different jurisdictions and roads have different regulations, so while you should get comfortable with the regulations for your most common routes, you should also be prepared for the routes you drive less often.

As a truck driver, it is your responsibility to be aware of the Spring Road Restrictions for the different states and provinces you will be traveling in. You are expected to abide by these restrictions and stay off roads which you are too heavy for. If you are caught traveling on roads that you shouldn’t be on you will be fined. Fines can range from a couple of hundred dollars up to a thousand dollars.

Things to Know about Spring Road Restrictions

  1. Even when empty, tractor trailers will be overweight if the road is restricted to 90%. Your steering axle will put you overweight. We really need to stay completely off any restricted road.
  2. Phone your shipper/receiver and specifically ask if they are aware of a route to them which doesn’t put you on a restricted road. Busy shippers/receivers usually are aware of the restrictions and can help you get in.
  3. Account for extra time. Sometimes we are detoured well out of the way in order to take a safe route.
  4. If you are a part of the Len Dubois fleet, you should call John if you have any questions about the restrictions. We expect our drivers to remain in compliance at all times.

Important Links to Provincial and State Regulations

Below you will find links to various state and provincial Department of Transportation websites that provide information on their specific spring road restrictions.

Manitoba Spring Road Restrictions
http://www.gov.mb.ca/mit/srr/
Manitoba DOT may restrict loads on their highways any time from March to May.

Saskatchewan Spring Road Restrictions
http://www.highways.gov.sk.ca/springroad-restrictions/
Saskatchewan DOT may restrict loads on their highways any time from March to May.

Alberta Spring Road Restrictions
http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/522.htm
Alberta DOT may restrict loads on their highways any time from March to May.

North Dakota Spring Road Restrictions
https://www.dot.nd.gov/roadreport/loadlimit/loadlimitinfo.asp
North Dakota DOT may restrict loads on their highways any time from March to May.

South Dakota Spring Road Restrictions
http://www.sddot.com/travelers/loadlimits/
South Dakota DOT may restrict loads on their highways any time from February to April.

Minnesota Spring Road Restrictions
http://www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us/research/seasonal_load_limits/thawindex/slr.asp
Minnesota DOT may restrict loads on their highways any time from February to May.

Montana Spring Road Restrictions
http://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/
Montana DOT may restrict loads on their highways any time from February to May.