Frost Laws Frost Laws Frost Laws ...and what they mean for off-road travel

Wisconsin Michigan

State-wide restrictions for state roads are still in place for the northern third of Wisconsin, but as you can see below, county restrictions have been lifted in may places, including areas of the Nicolet National Forest

Minnesota

We can count on restrictions being lifted state-wide in Minnesota soon, but many local jurisdictions may have lifted the restrictions at county level- you can check the township dates on their websites

Winter is harsh on road surfaces in northern US states. "Some roadway sections are too weak to withstand even the legal load limit (80,000 pounds) during the seasonal freezing and thawing period. These highway sections have signs posted indicating the allowable weight limits during the period normally from the second week in March till late April or early May " -WisDOT

"Frost Laws" are statewide and local seasonal road weight restrictions are put in place during times of the year when the ground is soft and vulnerable to damage from heavy vehicles. These restrictions typically apply to public roads and highways, and are designed to protect the infrastructure from damage caused by heavy vehicles.

What does that mean for folks wanting to hit the two tracks in the forest? These are not off-road travel restrictions but they can give you an idea when the frost is out of the ground. If you are planning off-road travel in the upper Midwest during times when these restrictions are in place, it is important to be aware of the local conditions Even if a route is open, you may be damaging the surface if the frost is still coming out While travel is legal on open routes, if you are damaging the surface and leaving ruts, it is best to wait until conditions improve rather than risk permanent damage to the surface.

In addition to paying attention to frost conditions, it is also important to follow best practices for responsible off-road travel. This include staying on designated routes and trails, avoiding sensitive areas such as wetlands or fragile vegetation, and minimizing your impact on the environment. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your off-road travels are both safe and sustainable.