"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. All three zone windows are currently open as of 2026-05-05T14:06:04Z. |
| 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 and axle limits are not published on this source page contact MTQ directly for figures. |
| 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. 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 |
| 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 in effect now. As of May 5, 2026, all three Dgel zone windows are open on the Quebec provincial highway network. Reduced authorized load limits apply.
- Zone 1 is the first to close it expires May 15, 2026 at 23:59. Zone 2 follows on May 22, and Zone 3 is last at May 29, 2026 at 23:59.
- Specific weight reduction percentages and axle limits applicable during the thaw period are not published on this source page. Contact MTQ directly before dispatching loads that exceed normal limits.
- This source covers the Quebec provincial highway network only. Local and municipal road conditions are not confirmed by this page.
- 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 schedule adjustments before and after each zone's published end date.
Source Attribution
Primary source: Ministre des Transports et de la Mobilit durable du Qubec Dgel: Priode de restrictions de charges
Retrieved: 2026-06-11T00:05:40Z
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.
