The 2018 spring road restrictions on state highways are or will soon be in effect. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) utilizes load restrictions to reduce damage to the roadways caused by heavy loads in spring when highway pavements are most vulnerable. The NDDOT bases these weight restrictions on weather and roadbed conditions. Restrictions are removed when roadbeds are stable enough to carry legal weight traffic thereby reducing the risk of significant damage. Load restrictions apply to all vehicles including farm trucks hauling grain and/or equipment.
NDDOT reports the most significant pavement damage occurs during the first four weeks after the onset of spring thaw. This observation has resulted in NDDOT closely monitoring weather forecasts and sub-base temperatures to allow posting of load restrictions on short notice with the overall objective of limiting damage to the highway system.
North Dakota Load Restrictions:
- LEGAL WEIGHT: Single axle – 20,000 lbs.; Tandem axle – 34,000 lbs.; 3 axle group or more per axle – 17,000 lbs.; Maximum axle group – 48,000 lbs. and not to exceed this gross weight in divisible loads; Gross weight – 105,500 lbs.
- 5 TON RESTRICTION: Single axle – 10,000 lbs.; Tandem axle – 20,000 lbs.; 3 axle group or more per axle – 10,000 lbs.; Maximum axle group – 30,000 lbs. and not to exceed this gross weight in divisible loads; Gross weight – 80,000 lbs.
- 6 TON RESTRICTION: Single axle – 12,000 lbs.; Tandem axle – 24,000 lbs.; 3 axle group or more per axle – 10,000 lbs.; Maximum axle group – 30,000 lbs. and not to exceed this gross weight in divisible loads; Gross weight – 80,000 lbs.
- 7 TON RESTRICTION: Single axle – 14,000 lbs.; Tandem axle – 28,000 lbs.; 3 axle group or more per axle – 12,000 lbs.; Maximum axle group – 36,000 lbs. and not to exceed this gross weight in divisible loads; Gross weight – 105,500 lbs.
- 8 TON RESTICTION: Single axle – 16,000 lbs.; Tandem axle – 32,000 lbs.; 3 axle group or more per axle – 14,000 lbs.; Maximum axle group – 42,000 lbs. and not to exceed this gross weight in divisible loads; Gross weight – 105,500 lbs.
Counties can set weight restrictions on county roads. These restrictions may be different from those listed above. Contact the county to find out its specific restrictions.
When road restrictions are in effect, signs are posted and maintained while the restriction in place. The signs take precedent over any electronic notifications such as the travel information map. If a highway is not marked with a road restriction weight sign, then legal weights apply.
For further information regarding spring load restrictions, visit the North Dakota Travel Information Map at http://www.dot.nd.gov/travel-info-v2/. This map provides valuable information regarding load restrictions, closures, construction and other important information regarding North Dakota’s roadways.
The mission of the North Dakota Highway Patrol is to make a difference every day by providing high quality law enforcement services to keep North Dakota safe and secure. NDHP invites you to visit the FAQ section of our website: www.nd.gov/ndhp, like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/northdakotahighwaypatrol or join us on Twitter @NDHighwayPatrol to learn more about traffic safety, tips, and NDHP news.