Frost Laws in Michigan: What to Know
Even well-constructed roads are vulnerable to damage during seasonal freeze and thaw cycles. In Michigan, frost laws protect roadways from heavy commercial trucks and construction equipment. The Michigan Department of Transportation and local county administrators craft region-specific regional weight restrictions to mitigate the risk of permanent cracks and damage.
Michigan's Frost Laws, Explained
Concrete and asphalt roads are incredibly resilient, but the ground underneath constantly changes. Frozen roadbeds turn soft and spongy as frost thaws in late winter and early spring. Heavy trucks and equipment can flex the road surface over these soft spots, resulting in cracks or uneven pavement.
Who's Impacted?
Michigan's seasonal weight restrictions affect commercial vehicles weighing several tons. This can include trucks and vans from a range of important industries, including:
Construction vehicles
Logging trucks
Semi-trucks
Electrical repair and telecommunications trucks
And more
Grand Traverse County offers a road-by-road breakdown of weight restrictions by township. Local companies can subscribe to updates on frost laws or non-weather weight restrictions.
Related: Driving in a Cold Climate
When Do Michigan Frost Laws Start?
Frost laws go into effect at different times based on local weather conditions. Northern Michigan counties, like Grand Traverse and Kalkaska, tend to experience longer winters than those located downstate. MDOT has a handy tool to see when frost laws go into effect across all Michigan counties.
When Do Michigan Frost Laws End?
Seasonal weight restrictions in Michigan can extend into late April and early May. Each county road commission monitors weather and road conditions daily or weekly. Only when the roadbed is deemed dry and stable can frost laws be lifted.
Why Does Michigan Need Frost Laws?
Frost damage and general road maintenance costs Michigan roughly $3.9 billion annually.
National Transportation Research, a nonprofit organization that researches transportation costs, estimates Michigan residents pay roughly $5,000 each year when taxes and personal repair bills are tallied up. While families don't need to worry about weight restrictions, these regulations protect our roads and keep state and local repair costs from ballooning out of control.
Protect Your Car with Regular Maintenance
Michigan's roads are notoriously rough. Don't underestimate the value of regular maintenance and proactive repair to keep your vehicle safe and your family on the move. Learn more about our suspension services or schedule an appointment today; we can't wait to see you!