Alberta Frost Laws, Seasonal Load Weight and Speed Restrictions – 2026

"Effective 12:01 am, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Post-Thaw season weights for heavy haul and Period 2 weights for service rigs will come into effect on roads province wide."

Current Restriction: Post-Thaw and Period 2 Weights Now Active

As of 12:01 am Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Post-Thaw season weights for heavy haul and Period 2 season weights for service rigs are in effect on Alberta provincial highways province-wide. This is a simultaneous province-wide activation no regional phasing is indicated for the June 16 effective date. These weight designations remain in effect until the next scheduled seasonal transition.

Upcoming Seasonal Weight Transitions

The source document identifies three additional seasonal weight transitions scheduled to take effect province-wide through the remainder of 2026. Plan dispatch around all four transition dates:

• 12:01 am Wednesday, July 1, 2026: Summer season weights for heavy haul come into effect province-wide.
• 12:01 am Thursday, July 16, 2026: Period 3 weights for service rigs come into effect province-wide.
• 12:01 am Tuesday, September 1, 2026: Fall season weights for heavy haul and Period 4 weights for service rigs come into effect province-wide.

Weight Season Schedule

Specific weight values (axle limits, gross limits) are not published in the frost thaw contour map source. Consult Alberta Transportation or the applicable weight schedule regulation for exact limits under each season designation.

Coverage Scope

• This source covers Alberta provincial highways only. The active and upcoming seasonal weight designations apply to the full provincial highway network province-wide.
• Local and municipal roads are not covered by this provincial source. Contact the relevant municipality directly for local road restrictions.
• Road types affected: heavy haul routes (Post-Thaw, Summer, and Fall season weights) and service rig routes (Period 2, Period 3, and Period 4 weights).

Exemptions and Permits

No exemptions, permit categories, or commodity exceptions are specified in the frost thaw contour map source for any of the active or upcoming restriction periods. Verify exemption eligibility directly with Alberta Transportation before dispatch.

Dispatch Checklist

• Post-Thaw season weights (heavy haul) and Period 2 weights (service rigs) are active now as of 12:01 am Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Apply these weight designations for all trips on Alberta provincial highways, province-wide.
• On and after July 1, 2026, apply Summer season weights for heavy haul on all Alberta provincial highways.
• On and after July 16, 2026, apply Period 3 weights for service rigs on all Alberta provincial highways.
• On and after September 1, 2026, apply Fall season weights (heavy haul) and Period 4 weights (service rigs) on all Alberta provincial highways.
• Specific per-axle and gross weight limits are not stated in the contour map source obtain the applicable weight schedule from Alberta Transportation before dispatch.
• Check the frost thaw contour map PDF before each trip for any updated effective dates or revised seasonal designations.
• For real-time highway conditions, also consult 511.alberta.ca.