Ohio Turnpike Announces New High Wind Restriction

New High Wind Restriction Issued for Ohio Turnpike Trucks

The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has issued a high wind travel restriction for certain trucks and vehicle combinations. Officials say the restriction will apply across the entire 241-mile Ohio Turnpike. The measure will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. ET Friday, March 13, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. ET the same day.

According to the commission, wind conditions may create safety risks for vehicles with large surface areas or empty trailers. Because of this, some trucks and high-profile vehicles will not be allowed to travel during the restriction period.

However, the Ohio Turnpike will remain open to passenger vehicles and most commercial trucks.

High Wind Restriction Targets Certain Trucks

The high wind restriction applies mainly to vehicles that may be more affected by strong wind gusts.

The following vehicles are prohibited from traveling on the Ohio Turnpike during the restriction:

• Commercial trucks towing an empty single 53-foot box trailer
• Commercial trucks towing an empty 53-foot tanker trailer
• High-profile tow-behind trailers taller than 7 feet 6 inches, including campers, boats, and enclosed trailers
• Mobile homes, office trailers, and livestock trailers
• Long-combination vehicles (LCV) with double trailers exceeding 90 feet
• Triple-trailer combinations
• Two-axle buses longer than 40 feet
• Buses with three or more axles longer than 45 feet
• Officials say these vehicles are more vulnerable during high wind events because gusts can affect stability and steering.

Vehicles Allowed During High Wind Conditions

Despite the restriction, many vehicles will still be allowed to travel on the Ohio Turnpike.

Allowed vehicles include:

• Passenger cars and pickup trucks
• Commercial trucks towing a loaded single 53-foot trailer
• Commercial trucks towing a loaded tanker trailer
• Self-propelled motor homes
• Low-profile trailers
• Fold-down camper trailers
• Pickup trucks with slide-on camper units
• Vehicles towing fifth-wheel trailers
• Commercial trucks hauling single flatbeds
• Commercial trucks hauling car-hauler trailers
• Double-trailer combinations less than 90 feet
• Two-axle buses under 40 feet
• Buses with three or more axles under 45 feet

Officials say these vehicles are generally less affected by high wind conditions compared with empty or tall trailers.

Restriction Applies to Entire Turnpike

The restriction covers the entire Ohio Turnpike, which runs about 241 miles across northern Ohio.

Empty trailers and tall vehicles can act like sails during high wind events. Because of this, officials often restrict those vehicles during strong wind forecasts.

These measures aim to reduce the risk of rollovers and crashes.

High Wind Restriction Will Be Monitored

Turnpike officials say the wind restriction will be evaluated throughout the weather event.

Engineering and maintenance teams will continue to monitor high wind conditions during the day. If conditions change, the restriction could be adjusted or lifted.

Drivers planning to travel across the Ohio Turnpike on March 13 should stay aware of weather updates and travel advisories.