"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 (Mar 16 May 15, 2026); Zone 2 (Apr 13 May 22, 2026); Zone 3 (Apr 20 May 29, 2026) |
| 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 | Specific axle and gross weight figures not published on this source page contact MTQ 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 |
Zone-by-Zone Schedule
As of 2026-05-05T14:06:04Z, all three Quebec thaw restriction zones are active. Zone 1 ends May 15; Zone 2 ends May 22; Zone 3 ends May 29.
| Zone | Start | End | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Monday, March 16, 2026 at 00:01 | Friday, May 15, 2026 at 23:59 | Active | In effect as of status timestamp; ends May 15 |
| Zone 2 | Monday, April 13, 2026 at 00:01 | Friday, May 22, 2026 at 23:59 | Active | In effect as of status timestamp; ends May 22 |
| Zone 3 | Monday, April 20, 2026 at 00:01 | Friday, May 29, 2026 at 23:59 | Active | In effect as of status timestamp; subject to weather-based adjustment |
What Active Status Means for Dispatch
- All three zones are active. Authorized load limits are reduced on the Quebec provincial highway network across Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3.
- Zone 1 runs through May 15, 2026 at 23:59. Zone 2 runs through May 22, 2026 at 23:59. Zone 3 runs through May 29, 2026 at 23:59.
- Specific reduced weight figures (axle limits, gross vehicle weight) are not published on this source page. Contact MTQ directly before dispatch for current limits.
- Loads moving through multiple zones must comply with each zone's active status and timing along the entire route.
Weather Caveat Dates May Shift
- 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 throughout the May window, particularly as Zone 1's end date of May 15 approaches and as Zone 2 and Zone 3 progress toward their 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: 2026-05-05T14:06:04Z
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, as dates may shift due to weather conditions.
