Frost law

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Frost laws are seasonal restrictions on road traffic weight limits and speeds.

In climates that experience below freezing temperatures, frost heaving damage to roads have led to many U.S. states to enact laws.

Michigan, for example, during the months of March, April and May reduce legal axle weights of vehicles by up to 35%. Some areas also require heavy vehicles to travel a maximum of 35 mph, regardless of the posted limit.

Frost laws have a significant impact to the excavation and construction industries. Building projects, in some cases, cannot begin because the excavation equipment cannot be legally transported until the ground thaws.