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February 14, 2020
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As winter comes to an end and we head into spring, frost laws, also known as seasonal weight restrictions, will soon go into effect. These laws or restrictions exist across many northern states and Canadian provinces and can vary greatly by state or province due to different weather conditions. For employers in the transportation industry, it’s vital to stay informed of the latest laws and when they go into effect as we approach the spring season.
Frost laws are known by quite a few different names, including spring frost laws, spring thaw, spring thaw weight restrictions, spring thaw restrictions, seasonal load restrictions, etc., which is important to keep in mind when searching for your state or province.
In some northern states and Canadian provinces, frost laws can reduce or restrict speed and weight limits on roads that are thawing out during the winter and spring months as temperatures begin to change. Typically, frost laws are implemented in March and April and can last all the way into July, depending on the state or province. To determine frost laws, states and provinces adjust weight restrictions according to temperatures, rainfall, weather forecasts, and soil moisture sampling.
When roads thaw, moisture gets trapped beneath the pavement, weakening them. Trucks traveling across those roads are more likely to cause road damage than at any other time of the year. This is why weight restrictions are so important to protect the roads and ensure the safety of drivers.
When frost laws or seasonal weight restrictions are implemented, they can delay the transportation of goods through the territory in which it’s in effect to protect the public and its roads. Since the laws are based on weather conditions and vary by state and province, it’s vital that employers stay on top of the latest changes and updates in the laws.
Visiting your DOT website will help ensure that you’re aware of any frost law implementations and help you better prepare. Typically, the following states and Canadian provinces have frost laws or seasonal weight restrictions and are expected to publish for the 2019-2020 winter and spring seasons if they haven’t already done so. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check your DOT website periodically for restrictions:
*Please be advised that these states and provinces are subject to change depending upon the weather conditions and decisions made by the DOT.
DISA’s complete suite of transportation products and services will help support your DOT compliance efforts. We can offer assistance regardless of which DOT agency you report to, including FAA, FRA, FTA, FMCSA, PHMSA, and USCG. DISA professionals can assist you in ensuring that you meet your compliance standards and stay in the loop of the latest laws, regulations, and requirements for your DOT agency. Our DOT-mandated services include:
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DISA Global Solutions aims to provide accurate and informative content for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The reader retains full responsibility for the use of the information contained herein. Always consult with a professional or legal expert.
