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Michigan Frost Laws & Seasonal Axle Weight Restriction Guide
Interactive compliance manual for MDOT spring weight restrictions, 35% seasonal axle reductions, County Road Commission seasonal permits, and 164,000-lb multi-axle Michigan trains.
35% Axle Weight Reduction
On non-all-season state and county roads, single axle limits drop from 18,000 lbs to 11,700 lbs and tandem axles drop from 32,000 lbs to 20,800 lbs during spring thaw declarations.
All-Season Route Corridors
Interstates (I-94, I-75, I-69, I-96) and designated green routes maintain full legal axle loading year-round. Exspeedite geofencing locks dispatch routing to verified all-season roads.
11-Axle Michigan Trains
Michigan permits heavy bulk combinations up to 164,000 lbs GVW across 11 axles with maximum 13,000 lbs per axle. Precision axle weight distribution software prevents catastrophic fines.
Michigan Frost Law Payload Reduction Calculator
Adjusted Maximum Legal Payload Under Spring Thaw Restrictions:
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MDOT Seasonal Axle Weight Comparison Matrix
| Axle Configuration | Normal Highway Limit | Spring Frost Law Limit (35% Cut) | Exspeedite Pre-Dispatch Interlock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steer Axle | 18,000 lbs | 11,700 lbs (Max 450 lbs/inch tire) | Tire width telemetry rating check |
| Single Axle (Drive / Trailer) | 18,000 lbs (Class A: 20k) | 11,700 lbs | Automated scale ticket axle split audit |
| Tandem Axle Assembly | 32,000 lbs (Class A: 34k) | 20,800 lbs | Slider pin distance & load shift verification |
| Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight | 80,000 lbs (Standard 5-Axle) | 52,000 lbs (Seasonal Routes) | Route reroute to All-Season corridors |
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