Spring Thaw and Class II roadway restrictions begin in Zones 1 and 2 on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 12:01 AM CDT. Spring Thaw and Class II roadway restrictions were already in place in Zones 3, 4, and 5.

Posted Road restrictions begin in Zones 1, 2, and 3 Monday, March 9, 2026, at 12:01 PM CDT. Posted Road restrictions were already in place in Zones 4 and 5.

What this means for OSOW loads:

FROZEN ROAD DECLARATION

  • The Frozen Road Declaration for all zones in Wisconsin has been suspended (ended) as of Friday, Feb. 20 at 12:01 a.m.
  • The frozen road law allows heavier loads for trucks carrying logs cut crosswise (not including woodchips), and salt and sand for winter maintenance while cold weather allows.

CLASS II ROAD RESTRICTIONS

  • March 9 at 12:01 a.m. Class II road restrictions will go into effect for Zones 1 and 2 for state highways susceptible to damage from heavy trucks during the spring thaw period.
  • This means that on Class II State Roadways (only the roadways marked in red on the Class II Roadway map) all divisible and non-divisible load permits are suspended (overweight portion only). (See Divisible Load Permit section below)
  • The exception to this is that the RS – Raw forest products (98,000 pounds on 6-axles) permit issued under ss.348.27(9m)(a)4 is not suspended subject to the conditions listed on the permit.

SEASONAL POSTED ROAD RESTRICTIONS

  • March 9 at 12:01 p.m. Seasonal posted road restrictions will also go into effect.
  • This applies only to State highways with an actual sign placed along the highway indicating a seasonal weight limit restriction.
  • County highways, town roads, city and village streets may also be posted or signed with weight restriction. The local postings are separate from our State Highway seasonal posted road restrictions.

DIVISIBLE LOAD PERMITS

  • Further information can be found online for divisible load permits.
  • Divisible overweight permits are suspended on all roadways in any zones in which Class II Road Restrictions are in effect.
  • Exception: The RS – Raw forest products (98,000 pounds on 6-axles) and PS – Seed Potato overweight permits are not suspended under this section.
  • Note: The RS – Raw forest products (98,000 pounds on 6-axles) permit must comply with local roadway weight restrictions.

NON-DIVISIBLE LOAD PERMITS

  • Further information can be found online for non-divisible load permits.
  • Non-divisible overweight permits are allowed:
  • Class I roads – multiple and single trip weights allowed
  • Class II roads — legal weight is maximum allowed
  • Transportation of oversized only loads are allowed without restriction (Length, Width, Height)

LOCAL POSTED ROADS

  • County highways, town roads, city and village streets may also be posted or signed with weight restriction at their discretion.
  • The local postings are separate from our State Highway seasonal posted road restrictions.
  • The RS – Raw forest products (98,000 pounds on 6-axles) permit must comply with local roadway weight restrictions.

WisDOT Bureau of Highway Maintenance

OSOW Permit Unit

(608) 266-7320

Permits Website

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