"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 | Active thaw load restrictions in effect on the Quebec provincial highway network as of 2026-05-05T14:06:04Z. All three zone windows are currently running. |
| Status Timestamp | 2026-05-05T14:06:04Z |
| Coverage | Quebec provincial highway network (provincial highways only) |
| Effective Dates | Zone 1: Mar 16 May 15, 2026 | Zone 2: Apr 13 May 22, 2026 | Zone 3: Apr 20 May 29, 2026 |
| Weight Limits | Authorized load limits are reduced during the thaw period. Specific reduction percentages or axle limit values are not published on this source page. |
| Key Roads | Not specified |
| Exemptions | Not specified |
| Penalties | Not specified |
| Contact | Ministre des Transports et de la Mobilit durable du Qubec transports.gouv.qc.ca |
| Primary Status Source URL | transports.gouv.qc.ca Dgel: Priode de restrictions de charges |
2026 Zone Schedule All Zones Currently Active
As of 2026-05-05T14:06:04Z, all three Quebec thaw restriction zones are within their active windows. Zone 1 is nearest its end date. The table below shows the official 2026 schedule and current status for each zone.
| Zone | Start | End | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Monday, March 16, 2026 at 00:01 | Friday, May 15, 2026 at 23:59 | Active ending soon |
| Zone 2 | Monday, April 13, 2026 at 00:01 | Friday, May 22, 2026 at 23:59 | Active |
| Zone 3 | Monday, April 20, 2026 at 00:01 | Friday, May 29, 2026 at 23:59 | Active |
What Active Status Means for Dispatch
- Thaw restrictions are currently in effect. As of May 5, 2026, reduced load limits apply on the Quebec provincial highway network across all three active zone windows. Do not assume standard limits apply until your zone's end date has passed.
- Zone 1 ends May 15, 2026 at 23:59. Zone 2 ends May 22, 2026 at 23:59. Zone 3 ends May 29, 2026 at 23:59.
- This source covers the Quebec provincial highway network only. Local and municipal road conditions are not confirmed by this page.
- Specific reduced weight limits (percentages, axle limits, gross limits) are not published on this MTQ source page. Consult the MTQ load restriction period page directly for limit values.
- Per MTQ: "Depending on changes in weather conditions, the start and end of the load restriction period can be moved ahead or postponed." Monitor the MTQ source page for any date adjustments before dispatching.
- The 2026 dates published on this page are described as predicted dates. Actual end dates may shift with weather conditions.
Source Attribution
Primary source: Ministre des Transports et de la Mobilit durable du Qubec Dgel: Priode de restrictions de charges
Retrieved: 2026-06-26T22:06:46Z
Status observed at: 2026-05-05T14:06:04Z
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.
