2020 Manitoba winter frost/spring thaw laws and seasonal weight restrictions.
Manitoba Spring Road Restrictions (SRR) program.
The Manitoba Ministry of Infrastructure divides its province into three sections, with each section having a unique thaw restriction start and end date. In 2020, it will begin its spring road restrictions for Region A and Region B of the province at 6 a.m. on Friday, March 10. Weight restrictions are scheduled to end at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31.
The allowable axle weights on weight restricted roads during the spring season are based on the percentages of the legal axle weights, with some exceptions for the single steer axles and in situations where essential commodities are being shipped. There are two levels of spring weight restrictions in Manitoba depending on the strength and surface conditions of the pavement structures. The Level 1 weight restriction applies to weak pavements while the Level 2 weight restriction applies to very weak pavements. The allowable axle weights on different axle configurations are calculated as follows:
Level 1 Spring Weight Restrictions:
On a single steering axle of a single or tandem drive truck tractor:
10 kg per millimeter width of tire up to a maximum of 5,500 kg on all highways.
On a single steering axle of a straight truck or a tridem drive truck tractor:
Tire size 305 mm or less: 10 kg per millimeter width of tire up to a maximum of 5,500 kg on all highways.
Tire size greater than 305 mm: 9 kg per millimeter width of tire up to a maximum of 6,570 kg on all highways.
On a tandem steering axle group of a straight truck:
9 kg per mm width of tire multiplied by 0.90 (download factor) up to a maximum of 12,240 kg on RTAC Routes or Class A1 highways and up to a maximum of 9,900 kg on Class B1 highways.
On all other axle groups:
9 kg per millimetre width of tire up to a maximum of 90% of the legal axle group weights on all highways.
Level 2 Spring Weight Restrictions:
On all single steering axles of all vehicle configurations:
6.5 kg per millimeter width of tire up to a maximum of 65% of the legal axle weights on Class A1 and Class B1 highways.
On a tandem steering axle of a straight truck:
6.5 kg per millimeter width of tire multiplied by 0.90 (download factor) up to a maximum of 8,840 kg on Class A1 highways and up to a maximum of 7,150 kg on Class B1 highways.
On all other axle groups:
6.5 kg per millimeter width of tire up to a maximum of 65% of the legal axle weights on Class A1 and Class B1 highways.
Road restrictions for Region C, the northern most regions, will begin at 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 12, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. Region C is defined as the rest of the province north of the virtual line in Region B.
Spring Weight Restrictions are classified as Level 1 and Level 2 (see table below).
Example of Maximum Allowable Axle Weights. Level 1 Spring Weight Restriction, Reduce Axle Weights to 90% Maximum Allowable Weights. Level 2 Spring Weight Restriction, Reduce Axle Weights to 65% Maximum Allowable Weights. A complete list of Charts of Allowable Axle Weights can be found at the following link: http://gov.mb.ca/mit/srr/restrictions.html
Manitoba publishes a list of road bans as conditions change. Go to the above link and look for “Road Bans” in the left column. These bans identify specific roadways and the ban imposed in percent of rated axle capacity.
It is important for truck drivers and trucking company dispatchers to make certain they are operating in accordance with the Manitoba posted frost laws, seasonal load weight and speed restrictions that are posted. Changes to these restrictions is subject to change hourly during the winter and spring months. You are expected to be aware of these changes and operate accordingly. It is possible that heavy fines may be levied as well as your truck being ordered out of service and not permitted to travel. We suggest you bookmark this page for future reference.
Seasonal weight restrictions limit the maximum weight of vehicles allowed to travel on certain roads as a way to help prevent damage and protect public investment in the roadways.
2019 Manitoba DOT shipping laws, regulations, rules and limitations, for oversize and heavy-haul the trucking over the roads and highways of Manitoba Canada.
Please share your expertise of knowledge with our other visitors below.
Trucking & pilot car directory.
Locate trucking companies and pilot car companies in Manitoba, Canada.
Length: The overall maximum length without a permit is 23 meters. Width: The maximum width allowed without a permit is 2.6 meters. Height: 4.15 meters is the maximum height allowed by Manitoba DOT without a permit. Weight: 9,100 kg on steer (seems high to us so NOT a confirmed number – use reference link below), tandem axles: 17,000 kgs, tridem: 17,000 kgs, or 3 axle combination with proper spacing of a 23,700, quadem: 31,600 kgs, 5 axle: 39,500 kgs and 6 axles: 46,500 kgs. Let me refer you to our reference on this for clarification from Manitoba DOT as there are different weight classes. Overhang: Our researchers are unable to find any information on maximum allowed legal overhang. We did find the pilot car requirements of 25 meters. We will call and update at a later time or you can call Debra Martin at: 204-326-8292 M-F 8-4 – if you do please comment below as this author is writing on a Sat. and they are closed. Thank you!
Routine oversize and heavy haul trucking permits.
Oversize and overweight trucking permits that are issued routinely by Manitoba province:
Length: 30 meters on length is about all you are going to get. Width: 5 meters wide for routine permits depending on routing. Height: Depending on routing as Manitoba DOT has designated routes the maximum height is 4.8 meters. Weight: We were unable to get a solid figure. Manitoba DOT has different zones for weight restrictions so it all depends on which zone you need to travel in. See Manitoba DOT zone map. Overhang: Based on the comment they made on 25 meters of rear overhang we are going to say that up to this amount is routine. If you need to speak to them call the number located above in “legal load limits” in the “overhang” section.
Superload information.
Manitoba DOT information on suplerloads or extra ordinary loads:
We will do more research on superloads in Manitoba in the future. The Manitoba DOT documentation does not cover or mention much about them so we will need to speak with someone on the phone. We are able to see that they are well versed in shipping superloads as they mention in their online documentation that there will make arrangements to remove road side signs and replace them for shipments that are in excess of the road width. We will get back to this section soon but in the meantime appreciate any comments you may be able to leave for other visitors below.
Permitted travel times for oversize and heavy-haul loads – restrictions.
Manitoba DOT permitted travel times and restrictions:
Daylight travel times are defined as from sunrise to sunset in Manitoba. No travel is permitted after 3 PM on Fridays during the summer months for shipments in excess of 3.4 meters (11′ 2″) wide on seasonal restricted roads. In the spring shipments in excess of 4.6 meters (15′) in width are not allowed to travel on roads during the spring restriction times. On routes that are not seasonally restricted you may proceed (multiple lane roads) until 3 PM as long as you are no wider than 3.7 meters in width (12′ 2″) on Friday and resume travel on Saturday at sunrise however if you are in excess of 25 meters in length (82′) you are not permitted to travel after 3 PM on Fridays during the summer months if you are on a seasonally restricted highway and resume on Saturday at sunrise – you are allowed however to travel on holidays. Sunday travel is permitted for loads up to 3.85 meters (12′ 7″) in width on all roads that have no seasonal restrictions. On a single lane highway on holidays you can not exceed 3.4 meters (11′ 2″) in order to travel. On multiple lane roads you can travel only if you are less than 3.7 meters (12′ 2″). This is very confusing so always refer to your permit for final verification but to help the matter lets go over the restricted routes:
Highway 1 from Falcon lake to the Manitoba/Ontario border.
Highway 6, 8, 9, 15, 16, 44, 307, 313, 317.
Highway 10 from the US border to Riding Mountain National Park.
Highway 11 but only north of highway 44.
Highway 12 but only north of highway 15.
Highway 59 from the west boundary line of Brokenhead to Grand Beach and the South perimeter of St. Malo
Here is the Manitoba link for spring road restrictions with zones to help you with interpretation. Holidays observed are: New years day, Provincial day, Good Friday, Victoria day, Canada day, Family day, Labor day, Thanksgiving day, Remembrance day, Christmas day and on Boxing day.
When pilot cars are required.
Manitoba DOT requires you to have a pilot car if your shipment is in excess of any of the following regulated limits:
Length: Shipments that are in excess of 30 meters (98′ 5″) long require 1 pilot car/escort vehicle on the rear of the shipment on all roads. For shipments that include a booster of a jeep that are over 31 meters (101′ 9″) you are required to have 1 rear pilot car vehicle on all roads. Width: If your shipment is in excess of 4.6 meters (15′) wide then you are required to have 1 front pilot car on single lane roads and 1 rear pilot car/escort on multiple lane roads. If your load is in excess of 3.66 meters (12′) but less than 4.55 meters ( 14′ 7″) then you are permitted to travel at night as long as you have 1 front and 1 read pilot car/escort vehicle on all roads and highways. Mobile homes can travel at night on multiple lane roads as long as it does not exceed 5 meters wide (16′ 4″) but are required to have 1 pilot car on the rear. Height: If you are approved for a shipment that is over the legal limits Manitoba DOT has designated routes and you are not required to have a pilot car. Weight: As long as your shipment is able to maintain the minimum speed requirements you will more than likely not be required to have a pilot car as long as your shipment is overweight only. Overhang: Overhang is approved on a case by case basis. Check with the Manitoba DOT for further information to see if your shipment will require a pilot car due to excessive overhang.
Pilot car certifications.
Manitoba DOT certifications and requirements of pilot cars (escort vehicles):
Pilot car/escort vehicle operators are required to take a Manitoba DOT certification course in order to operate in this province. The certification program is recognized by all US jurisdictions that require PEVO except for New York state. Your vehicle is required to have a lighted sign box that is a minimum of 180 cm x 35 cm x 10 cm (72″ x 14″ x 4″), 2 – 175 mm (7″) diameter flashing lights mounted on the top of the sign box on each side with 2 amber strobing or rotating lights a minimum of 203 mm (8″) mounted between the flashing lights on top of the box as well. The sign box must light up and be visible from a minimum distance of 200 meters (656′). The sign box must have either a red and white D sign or a yellow with black lettering stating “OVERSIZE LOAD”, “WIDE LOAD”, OR “LONG LOAD”. If you have the “D” sign your letter must be no less than 20 cm (8″) in height with a 4 cm (1 5/8″) line thickness. If you have the yellow sign your lettering must be no less than 20 cm (8″) with a 4 cm (1 5/8″) line thickness. The sign box must be mounted on the top of the vehicle and covered when not in operation. You are also expected to have the following items inside of the vehicle: CB radio or high powered 2-way radio, first aid kit, fire extinguisher type A, B & C of at least a 2 liters, 3 reflective road triangles, 3 traffic cones, reflective vest (worn while working), slow/stop sign, 3 red or orange safety colored flags no less than 40 x 40 cm (16″ x 16″), nose cone flashlight and a hard hat.
To operate in Manitoba you must obtain a light permit. More information is available by calling: 204-985-0920
Shipment, truck and trailer markings.
Truck, trailer and shipment required signs, banners and flags in Manitoba:
All trucks that are hauling oversize or overweight loads must have a strobing, flashing or rotating amber light mounted to the roof that is visible from 360 degrees at a minimum distance of 200 meters (656′). All 4 outermost corners corners of the overall shipment and any obtrusive points must have flags mounted to them that are safety red or orange in color no less than 40 cm x 40 cm (16″ x 16″) and have the flags exchanged for lighting if moving during the night. A sign stating the nature of the load; “OVERSIZE LOAD”, “WIDE LOAD” or “LONG LOAD” must be mounted to the front and rear of the overall shipment. Signs must be a minimum of 12′ in height and 6′ in width with a yellow background and black letting with lettering thickness no less than 4 cm (1 5/8″) thick.
Manitoba DOT contact and other information.
Manitoba DOT contact and other information:
Manitoba DOT – Central Permit Office Telephone help line, Winnipeg; 877-812-0009 or 204-945-3961 (compliance: 204-945-3890) Fax line: 204-945-3961 Hours of service: 7:30 AM until 6 PM Monday thru Friday – CENTRAL TIME ZONE.
Manitoba DOT oversize and overweight trucking permits website.
Manitoba spring thaw road restrictions information.
Manitoba DOT axle and axle group weight definitions and restrictions.
Manitoba province current road conditions and closure information.
The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Manitoba Province DOT Permits office before commencing movement.
