Spring Load Restrictions – What you need to know!

by | Feb 28, 2026 | Important Information

As spring arrives in Minnesota, so too come Spring Load Restrictions (SLR). With outdoor construction and clean-up projects ramping up, it’s important to understand how these restrictions may affect dumpster delivery and pick-up services.

Spring Load Restrictions are directed by Minnesota Department of Transportation based on frost depth and thawing conditions. As temperatures rise, the top layers of soil and road base thaw while the ground below remains frozen. This creates a soft layer that makes roads more vulnerable to damage from heavy trucks.

2026 Spring Load Restrictions begin March 2, 2026.
By law, restrictions must end within eight weeks (April 27, 2026), though they are often lifted sooner if conditions improve.

How SLR Affects Wizard Roll-Off Dumpster Services

Wizard Roll-Off operates smaller trucks and lightweight dumpsters, allowing service on most major highways and county roads even during restrictions. However, some cities impose lower, city-wide axle weight limits that can affect deliveries and pick-ups.

Here’s how each restriction level impacts service:

3 Ton Limit

  • ❌ No deliveries or pick-ups

  • The rear axle of our smallest truck exceeds this limit

4 Ton Limit

  • ✅ 10 and 14-yard dumpsters can be delivered

  • ❌ 20-yard dumpsters cannot be delivered

  • ❌ No loaded containers can be picked up

5 Ton Limit

  • ✅ No delivery restrictions

  • 10 & 14-yard dumpsters: Max 1.5 tons (3,000 lbs)

  • 20-yard dumpsters: Max 0.75 ton (1,500 lbs)

6 Ton Limit

  • ✅ No delivery restrictions

  • 10 & 14-yard dumpsters: Max 2.75 tons (5,500 lbs)

  • 20-yard dumpsters: Max 1.75 tons (3,500 lbs)

7 Ton Limit

  • ✅ No delivery restrictions

  • 10 & 14-yard dumpsters: Max 4 tons (8,000 lbs)

  • 20-yard dumpsters: Max 2.75 tons (5,500 lbs)

8+ Ton Limit

  • ✅ No restrictions

  • Loads permitted within normal truck ratings

Important Notes

  • 3-ton limits are rare.

  • In 4-ton cities, small dumpsters can be delivered, but pick-up may be delayed until restrictions are lifted.

  • In 5-ton cities (most common), most standard projects can proceed without issue using 10 or 14-yard dumpsters.

  • 20-yard dumpsters are heavier and transfer less weight to the front axle due to their length, resulting in lower allowable load limits during restrictions.

Keep in mind that some cities may post additional limits on specific streets (gravel roads, dead-ends, high water table areas). If your property is located on a county road or major thoroughfare, city-wide restrictions may not apply.

Cities with City-Wide Spring Load Restrictions

(Restrictions apply to city-owned streets unless otherwise posted.)

3 Ton Limit Cities

  • Pine Springs

  • Centerville

  • North Oaks

  • Spring Lake Park

  • St Anthony

4 Ton Limit Cities

  • Crystal

  • Hopkins

  • Maple Plain

  • Medina

  • Minnetrista

  • Mound

  • New Brighton

  • North St Paul

  • Orono

  • Robbinsdale

  • South St Paul

  • Spring Park

  • Wayzata

5 Ton Limit Cities

  • Andover

  • Anoka

  • Arden Hills

  • Bloomington

  • Champlin

  • Chanhassen

  • Columbus

  • Coon Rapids

  • Corcoran

  • Dayton

  • East Bethel

  • Edina

  • Ham Lake

  • Hamel

  • Hugo

  • Lino Lakes

  • Little Canada

  • Mahtomedi

  • Maple Grove

  • Maplewood

  • Mounds View

  • New Hope

  • North Branch

  • Ramsey

  • Richfield

  • Rogers

  • Shoreview

  • St Francis

  • Vadnais Heights

  • West St Paul

  • White Bear Lake

  • Woodbury

  • Wyoming

6 Ton Limit Cities

  • Eden Prairie

  • Golden Valley

  • St Louis Park

7 Ton Limit Cities

  • Fridley

  • Lake Elmo

  • Oakdale

  • Roseville

9 Ton Limit Cities

  • Brooklyn Center

  • Brooklyn Park

  • Oak Park Heights

  • Stillwater

10 Ton Limit Cities

  • Blaine

Cities with No Published City-Wide Limits

(Specific streets may still be posted.)

  • Columbia Heights

  • Chisago City

  • Circle Pines

  • Falcon Heights

  • Hanover

  • Independence

  • Loretto

  • Marine on St Croix

  • Medicine Lake

  • Minneapolis

  • Minnetonka

  • Osseo

  • Rockford

  • St Paul

  • Scandia

  • Stacy

If you have questions about restrictions in your area or how they may impact your project, contact Wizard Roll-Off at 763-537-9600 — we’re happy to help you plan accordingly.