During the months of March, April, and May in each year, the maximum axle load allowable on concrete pavements or pavements with a concrete base is reduced by 25 percent from the maximum axle load under normal loading, and the maximum axle loads allowable on all other types of roads during these months are reduced by 35 percent from the maximum axle loads as specified. The maximum wheel load shall not exceed 525 pounds per inch of tire width on concrete and concrete base or 450 pounds per inch of tire width on all other roads during the period the seasonal road restrictions are in effect.
On routes designated as "All Season Routes" (green or gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map) there will be no reduction in legal axle weigh (subject to Michigan Dept. of Transportation designation).
On routes designated as "Seasonal" (solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map) there will be a weight reduction of 25 percent for rigid pavements and 35 percent for flexible pavements.
Dearborn roads under local jurisdiction and subject to this chapter include, but are not limited to:
- Schaefer Road
- Southern Avenue
- Outer Drive
- Chase Road
- Lonyo Avenue
- Vernor Highway at 35 percent
Seasonal weight restrictions help to preserve and protect against the wear and tear on our roads caused by the winter thaw and heavy vehicles. The Dearborn Department and other law enforcement agencies may enforce the seasonal weight restrictions and speed reductions (35 MPH for trucks on applicable roadways) while in effect. The term "frost law" refers to the amount of frost remaining in the ground. The warming and cooling of the ground during the up and down weather of spring causes the pavement to heave and buckle, creating potholes and broken pavement.
Detailed Weight Restriction information may be obtained by linking to www.michigan.gov/truckers. Please refer to the MDOT Truck Operator's Map for route designations. For all other related issues, contact the Dearborn Police Motor Carrier Unit 313-943-2294.
TABLE OF MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE GROSS AXLE LOADINGS
| Normal Loading When Restrictions Are Not In Force | |||
| Spacing Between Axles | Class "A" | Class "B" | Class "C" |
| 9 feet or over | S/A 18,000 lbs | S/A 18,000 lbs | S/A 18,000 lbs |
| More than 3 1/2 feet, but less then 9 feet | T/A 13,000 lbs | T/A 13,000 lbs | T/A 13,000 lbs |
| When part of a tandem axle assembly | 16,000 (see footnote)* | 13,000 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| When less than 3 1/2 feet | 9,000 lbs | 9,000 lbs | 9,000 lbs |
| Maximum load on any wheel shall not exceed lbs (per inch of tire width) | 700 lbs | 700 lbs | 700 lbs |
| Loadings When Restrictions Are in Force | |||
| All Weather Routes | Class "A"25% Reduction | Class "B" - 35% Reduction | Class "C" |
| S/A 20,000 lbs | S/A 13,500 lbs | S/A 11,700 lbs | S/A 6,000 lbs |
| T/A 17,000 lbs | T/A 9,750 lbs | T/A 8,450 lbs | T/A 4,250 lbs |
| T/A 16,000 lbs (see footnote)* | T/A 12,000 lbs (see footnote)** | 8,450 lbs | 4,250 lbs |
| 9,000 lbs | 6,750 lbs | 5,850 lbs | 3,030 lbs |
| 700 lbs | 525 lbs | 450 lbs | 236 lbs |