Minnesota commercial vehicle weight limits follow the federal Interstate standard of 80,000 lbs gross, 20,000 lbs per single axle, and 34,000 lbs per tandem axle group. The federal bridge formula (23 U.S.C. 127) applies on all routes. Minnesota imposes spring weight restrictions typically February through May on non-Interstate routes. Spring restrictions are significant and broadly applied. Check MnDOT for current restricted routes and 10-ton route availability. Oversize and overweight permits are available from MN DOT for loads exceeding standard limits. Verify current road-specific postings with the Minnesota DOT before routing heavy loads.
Minnesota imposes spring weight restrictions typically February through May on non-Interstate routes. Spring restrictions are significant and broadly applied. Check MnDOT for current restricted routes and 10-ton route availability.
Check current restrictions at MN DOT →The federal bridge formula limits the weight on any group of axles based on the distance between the outermost axles in the group. It applies in Minnesota on all routes where federal standards apply.
W = maximum weight in lbs · L = axle spacing in feet · N = number of axles
Minnesota MnDOT issues oversize/overweight permits through the online permit system. Single-trip and annual permits available. Superloads require engineering review and pre-approved route analysis. Spring weight restriction period limits permit issuance for non-10-ton-route movements February through May. County road moves may require separate county permits. Iron Range mining haul routes may require special MnDOT coordination.
Apply for Minnesota OS/OW Permit →On Minnesota Interstate highways, the maximum gross vehicle weight is 80,000 lbs — the federal standard. State routes and county roads follow the same standard limits outside spring restriction periods, but spring restrictions (February–May) can reduce allowable weights to 10,000–16,000 lbs per axle on restricted routes. Overweight permits from MnDOT are required for loads exceeding standard limits.
Minnesota's 10-ton route system is a network of designated state and county roads that remain open to 10-ton (20,000 lbs) single-axle loads during the spring weight restriction season. These routes are critical for agricultural and commercial freight that must move during restrictions. Check MnDOT for current 10-ton route maps before routing during spring restrictions (February–May).
Yes. Minnesota spring weight restrictions typically run February through May and are broadly applied to non-Interstate routes. Weight limits on restricted roads can drop to 5–8 tons per axle. Interstate highways are not restricted. The 10-ton route system provides some mobility during restrictions. Check MnDOT at dot.state.mn.us for current restricted and 10-ton routes before dispatching.
Minnesota oversize/overweight permits are issued by MnDOT through the online permit portal at dot.state.mn.us. Single-trip and annual permits are available. Spring restriction period limits permit issuance for non-10-ton-route movements. County road moves may require additional county permits. Superloads require engineering review and route pre-approval.
Yes. Minnesota provides weight accommodations for farm vehicles transporting agricultural commodities including grain, sugar beets, hay, and livestock on certain intrastate routes. Implements of husbandry are generally exempt from weight restrictions. Seasonal agricultural exemptions may apply during harvest. Contact MnDOT for current exemption details and eligible routes.
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The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: Minnesota MN Department of TransportationLast reviewed: 2026-04