"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 Zone 1 in effect March 16May 15, 2026 (official); Zone 2 and Zone 3 predicted April 13June 12, 2026 |
| Status Timestamp | 2026-03-30T16:08:52Z |
| Coverage | Quebec provincial highway network (provincial highways only) |
| Effective Dates | Zone 1: Mar 16 May 15, 2026 (official) | Zone 2: Apr 13 Jun 12, 2026 (predicted) | Zone 3: Apr 13 Jun 12, 2026 (predicted) |
| Weight Limits | Specific axle and gross weight figures not published on this source page contact MTQ directly or consult the MTQ load restriction details page 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 |
Zone-by-Zone Schedule
Quebec's thaw restrictions operate across three defined geographic zones. Zone 1 dates are official for 2026. Zone 2 and Zone 3 dates are predicted and subject to change based on weather conditions.
| Zone | Start | End | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Monday, March 16, 2026 at 00:01 | Friday, May 15, 2026 at 23:59 | Official | Restrictions now in effect |
| Zone 2 | Monday, April 13, 2026 at 00:01 | Friday, June 12, 2026 at 23:59 | Predicted | Subject to weather-based adjustment |
| Zone 3 | Monday, April 13, 2026 at 00:01 | Friday, June 12, 2026 at 23:59 | Predicted | Subject to weather-based adjustment; last zone to lift |
What Active Status Means for Dispatch
- Zone 1 is active as of March 16, 2026. Authorized load limits are reduced on the Quebec provincial highway network within Zone 1.
- Zone 2 and Zone 3 are both predicted to activate April 13 plan multi-zone routes accordingly and monitor for any date adjustments before that date.
- Specific reduced weight figures (axle limits, gross vehicle weight) are not published on this source page contact MTQ directly or consult the MTQ load restriction details page before dispatch.
- Loads moving through multiple zones must comply with each zone's active status and timing along the entire route.
Weather Caveat Zone 2 and Zone 3 Dates May Shift
- Zone 1 dates are official. Zone 2 and Zone 3 dates are predicted targets only.
- Per MTQ: "Depending on changes in weather conditions, the start and end of the load restriction period can be moved ahead or postponed."
- Verify the live MTQ page before each dispatch during the MarchJune window, especially near zone start and end dates.
Coverage Scope
- This source covers the Quebec provincial highway network only. Local and municipal road restrictions are not confirmed by this page.
- For local road conditions, contact the relevant municipality directly.
Source Attribution
Primary source: Ministre des Transports et de la Mobilit durable du Qubec Dgel: Priode de restrictions de charges
Retrieved: 2026-03-30T16:08:52Z
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, particularly as Zone 2 and Zone 3 dates may shift due to weather conditions.
