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Permits
For copies of permits required by the weighmaster please visit our permits section.
Axle Loading Information
Normal Loading Maximums
- 18,000 pounds on single axles spaced 9 feet or more apart
- 13,000 pounds on tandem axles spaced 3.5 feet to 9 feet apart
- 9,000 pounds on axles separated by less than 3.5 feet
- 13,000 pounds per axle maximum, tri-axle and multi-axles
Designated Loading
16,000 pounds per axle on one tandem axle assembly.
Seasonal Restriction Loading Maximums
35% Reduction of Normal Loading Per Axle (as follows):
- 11,700 pounds on single axles spaced 9 feet or more apart
- 8,450 pounds on tandem axles spaced 3.5 feet to 9 feet apart
- 5,850 pounds on axles separated by less than 3.5 feet
- 8,450 pounds per axle maximum, tri-axle and multi-axles
- 35 miles per hour maximum speed limit
All-Season Road Loading Maximums
- 18,000 pounds on single axles spaced 9 feet or more apart
- 16,000 pounds on tandem axles spaced 3.5 feet to 9 feet apart
- Only one tandem axle assembly permitted at 32,000 pounds., no other tandem axle assembly shall exceed 26,000 pounds
- 9,000 pounds on axles separated by less than 3.5 feet
- 13,000 pounds per axle maximum, tri-axles and multi-axles
Weight determinations are based on axle configuration in the
Michigan Truck Safety Department publication "Truck Driver's Guidebook"
Preserving County Roads -- Berrien County Frost Laws Take Effect March 11th 2019 at 6AM
Frost Laws went into effect for Berrien County on Monday, March 11, 2019 and will be lifted on Monday, April 1, 2019 at 6am.
Berrien County along with other Southwestern Michigancounties are activating annual frost laws to protect roads. Enacting Frost Lawsin the Spring helps preserve the condition of the roadway. Road surfaces cancrack and develop stress fractures in reaction to too much weight being placedupon the surfacing during this time. The length that frost laws are in effectis determined based upon weather conditions.
When conditions justify the need for frost laws, the MichiganDepartment of Transportation (MDOT) and county road agencies enact weightrestrictions on roadways that are not designated as all-season routes.Additional details of seasonal restrictions can be found in Section 257.722 ofthe Michigan Vehicle Code, Act 300 of 1949. There are a few exemptions allowedfor those hauling agricultural commodities and public utility vehicles.
The County Road Association of Michigan online provides anupdate of current weight restrictions in each county across the state ofMichigan. For the most up-to-date information on weight restrictions on stateroads, visit Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Following frost laws help maintain and protect roads fromgreater deterioration during this weather shift.
In additional to weight restrictions, there will also be aspeed restriction set of 35mph.
For more information for Berrien County contact the BerrienCounty Road Department Offices. To submit permit paperwork orpayment you can do so online or in person at the Berrien County Road Departmentlocated at 2860 E. Napier Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Office hours are Monday– Friday 7:30am until 4pm.
Historic Frost Law Seasons
Year | Start Date |
End Date |
---|---|---|
1977 | Feb. 24 |
Unknown |
1978 | Unknown |
May 1 |
1979 | Feb. 28 |
April 25 |
1980 | Unknown | April 23 |
1981 | Feb. 18 |
April 1 |
1982 | Feb. 24 |
April 22 |
1983 | Feb. 21 |
Unknown |
1984 | Feb. 14 |
Unknown |
1985 | Feb. 25 |
March 29 |
1986 | Unknown | April 3 |
1991 | Feb. 5 |
Unknown |
1995 | Unknown | April 3 |
1999 | Unknown | March 22 |
2002 | Jan. 23 |
March 25 |
2003 | March 3 |
April 7 |
2004 | Feb. 26 |
March 29 |
2005 | Feb. 21 |
April 8 |
2006 | No Frost Laws |
No Frost Laws |
2007 | March 1 |
April 2 |
2008 | Feb. 25 |
April 9 |
2009 | Feb. 9 |
March 30 |
2010 | Feb. 26 |
March 24 |
2011 | Feb. 14 |
April 1 |
2012 | Feb. 13 |
March 12 |
2013 | Feb. 25 |
April 8 |
2014 | March 12 |
April 17 |
2015 | March 10 |
April 6 |
2016 | No Frost Laws |
No Frost Laws |
2017 |
No Frost Laws |
No Frost Laws |
2018 | Feb. 19 |
March 23 |
2019 | March 11 |
April 1 |