Department of Transportation
WisDOT
Wisconsin • United States of America
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) manages approximately 11,800 miles of state and US-route highways in a state with a highly diverse freight economy spanning agriculture, manufacturing, paper/forest products, and dairy. Key freight corridors include I-43, I-90, I-94, I-41, and US-151. Wisconsin's numerous dairy farms, paper mills, and automotive suppliers generate substantial freight demand. WisDOT administers commercial vehicle permits, enforces spring road restrictions during the critical frost thaw period, and provides 511WI for real-time road condition information. The department also manages critical Mississippi River and Lake Michigan crossing infrastructure essential for interstate freight flows.
| Official Website | https://wisconsindot.gov/ |
|---|---|
| Data API | https://511wi.gov/developers/doc |
| Founded | 1918 |
| Headquarters | Milwaukee |
Available Data
Social Media
- @511WI — 511 Wisconsin
Wisconsin Trucking Regulations
Size & weight limits, OS/OW permits, and seasonal restrictions for commercial vehicles
Weight Limits
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Gross Vehicle Weight | 80000 lbs |
| Single Axle | 20000 lbs |
| Tandem Axle | 34000 lbs |
Dimensional Limits
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max Height | 13.6 ft |
| Max Width | 8.5 ft |
| Max Length (Single Unit) | 40 ft |
| Max Length (Combination) | 65 ft |
OS/OW Permits
Seasonal Restrictions Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Wisconsin has significant spring frost law restrictions, typically posted February through May on county and town roads. WisDOT coordinates the frost thaw posting with county highway departments. Posted roads carry reduced weight limits and restrictions are strictly enforced. Carriers should check the WisDOT frost thaw map before routing on local roads.
Weigh Station Bypass
33¢/gal
Member
Special Exemptions
Notable Rules
Wisconsin is a major dairy state with significant agricultural transport demand. Milwaukee and Madison are the primary freight hubs; I-90, I-94, and I-43 are the primary freight corridors. Spring frost laws (February through May) significantly impact rural county road operations. Wisconsin allows GVW up to 85,500 lbs for 5+ axle vehicles on state highways under certain conditions.