"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 all three 2026 thaw zone windows are currently in effect as of 2026-05-05T14:06:04Z. Load restrictions apply on the Quebec provincial highway network. |
| 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 | Reduced load limits apply during the thaw period. Specific reduction percentages and axle limits are not published on this page consult the MTQ source directly for current limits. |
| 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 zone windows are active. Authorized load limits are reduced on the Quebec provincial highway network.
- Zone 1 is the first to close on May 15, 2026 at 23:59. Zone 2 follows on May 22, and Zone 3 the last active window ends May 29, 2026 at 23:59.
- Specific weight reduction percentages and axle limits are not published on this page. Consult the MTQ source page directly for current limit values before dispatching.
- 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." Dates shown are official predicted dates and may shift. Monitor the MTQ source page for any changes.
- Always verify current restriction status and weight limits directly with MTQ before operating on Quebec highways during the thaw season.
Source Attribution
Primary source: Ministre des Transports et de la Mobilit durable du Qubec Dgel: Priode de restrictions de charges
Retrieved: 2026-07-31T08:04:39Z
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.
