"the authorized load limits are reduced during the thaw period on all public roads. This is done every year to account for the road network's lower bearing capacity during this period."
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Pending restrictions not yet active; Zone 1 begins 2026-03-16 |
| Status Timestamp | 2026-03-11T20:23:10Z |
| Coverage | Quebec provincial highway network (provincial highways only local road coverage not confirmed from this source) |
| Effective Dates | Zone 1: Mar 16 May 15, 2026 | Zone 2: Mar 23 May 22, 2026 | Zone 3: Mar 30 May 29, 2026 |
| Weight Limits | Authorized load limits are reduced during the thaw period specific axle and gross weight figures not published on this page; check MTQ directly for current limits |
| Key Roads | Not specified |
| Exemptions | Not specified on this page |
| Penalties | Not specified |
| Contact | Ministre des Transports et de la Mobilit durable transports.gouv.qc.ca |
| Primary Status Source URL | transports.gouv.qc.ca Dgel: Priode de restrictions de charges |
Zone-by-Zone Schedule
Quebec's thaw restrictions operate across three defined geographic zones. Dates are staggered based on regional temperature patterns. All times are local.
| Zone | Start | End | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Monday, March 16, 2026 at 00:01 | Friday, May 15, 2026 at 23:59 | First zone to activate |
| Zone 2 | Monday, March 23, 2026 at 00:01 | Friday, May 22, 2026 at 23:59 | One week behind Zone 1 |
| Zone 3 | Monday, March 30, 2026 at 00:01 | Friday, May 29, 2026 at 23:59 | Last zone to activate and lift |
What Pending Status Means for Dispatch
- At time of retrieval (2026-03-11T20:23:10Z), no zone is yet active. Zone 1 activates in 5 days on March 16.
- Once active, authorized load limits will be reduced on the Quebec provincial highway network for the duration of each zone's period.
- Specific reduced weight figures (axle limits, gross limits) are not published on this page consult MTQ directly or the linked load restriction detail page for those numbers before dispatch.
- Restrictions apply zone by zone a load moving through multiple zones must comply with each zone's active status and timing on its route.
Weather Caveat Dates May Shift
- The published dates are projected targets, not guaranteed fixed dates. As MTQ states: "Depending on changes in weather conditions, the start and end of the load restriction period can be moved ahead or postponed."
- Verify the live MTQ page before each dispatch during the MarchMay window, especially near zone start and end dates.
Coverage Scope
- This source covers the Quebec provincial highway network only. Local and municipal road restrictions are not covered by this page.
- For local road conditions, contact the relevant municipality directly.
Source Attribution
Primary source: Ministre des Transports et de la Mobilit durable du Qubec Dgel: Priode de restrictions de charges
Retrieved: 2026-03-11T20:23:05Z
Verify current segment details directly at the official source.
Oversize.io displays data as retrieved from official sources. Always confirm current restrictions directly with MTQ before operating on Quebec highways, particularly as dates may shift due to weather conditions.
