Wisconsin’s frozen road law takes effect Sunday in northern Wisconsin, allowing heavier trucks on state and federal highways as roads freeze solid.
Wisconsin’s frozen road law goes into effect early Sunday, Dec. 14, allowing heavier trucks to operate on highways across the northern half of the state as winter conditions lock frost deeper into the ground.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced the change will begin at 12:01 a.m. and applies to Zones 1 and 2, which include U.S. 10 near Stevens Point and all numbered state and federal highways north of that corridor. Decisions for southern Wisconsin will be made later, once conditions warrant.
“The frozen road law allows vehicles hauling abrasives or salt for highway winter maintenance and certain forest products to carry more weight.”
What Changes Under the Law
The seasonal rule is designed to protect Wisconsin roads while supporting winter operations and the logging industry. Once pavement frost reaches sufficient depth, trucks hauling logs or road salt and sand can legally carry heavier loads without special permits.
“The declaration is issued once the ground under highway pavement is frozen to a depth of at least 18 inches.”
Under the frozen road law, the maximum gross vehicle weight increases from 80,000 pounds to as much as 98,000 pounds for trucks with at least five axles. Vehicles must still be licensed at 80,000 pounds to qualify for the higher limit.
Where the Law Applies — and Where It Doesn’t
The higher weight limits apply only on state and federal highways within Zones 1 and 2. County and local roads are excluded unless local agencies authorize higher limits. Posted roads and bridges with lower weight restrictions remain off-limits.
“Higher weights may not be transported on any highways or bridges specifically posted for lower weight limits.”
How WisDOT Makes the Call
WisDOT and county highway crews rely on temperature forecasts and frost tubes—liquid-filled devices installed beneath pavement—to determine when roads are frozen enough to safely handle heavier traffic.
Drivers and haulers can track current restrictions using WisDOT’s interactive seasonal weight restriction map, which shows frozen road boundaries, Class II roads and posted highways statewide.
For questions about overweight hauling, WisDOT’s Oversize/Overweight Permits Unit can be reached at 608-266-7320. A recorded road restriction hotline is also available at 608-266-8417.
