2024 Spring Thaw: Important Dates to Remember for Truckers

The arrival of warmer spring temperatures also means the start of the thaw period.

The Ministry of Transport of Quebec would like to remind users, owners, and drivers of heavy vehicles, as well as shippers, that authorized load limits are reduced during the thaw period on all public roads.

Here are the key dates to remember for the 2024 thaw period:

• Zone 1 – From Monday, March 4 (00:01) to Friday, April 26 (23:59)
• Zone 2 – From Monday, March 25 (00:01) to Friday, May 17 (23:59)
• Zone 3 – From Monday, April 1 (00:01) to Friday, May 24 (23:59)

Please note that the start and end dates may change depending on weather conditions.

Useful information

During the thaw period, roads are 30% to 70% more fragile than usual. A single overloaded vehicle can cause significant damage. However, a small reduction in loads greatly reduces the damage to the pavement. This is why load restrictions are imposed on heavy vehicles during the thaw period. In general, these restrictions range from 8% to 20%.

Thaw zones:

 

Load regulations:

*Source: Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility