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If in doubt, drivers should stop at the weigh station. What may be a temporary, minor inconvenience can turn into much more, as the penalties for unlawfully bypassing weigh stations can be steep.
Scope
The requirements for vehicles to stop at weigh stations are handled at the state level.
Regulatory citations
- No federal regulations; requirements determined by each state.
Key definitions
- Automated scale clearance programs: Program that allows vehicles to continue around weigh stations without stopping.
Summary of requirements
State requirements. States must certify that they are enforcing the size and weight limits in order to receive federal highway funds. Because the states rely on the funds, they will do what it takes to ensure the funds keep coming. States can decide how they want to enforce the weigh station requirements.
Who must stop. Some states, such as Pennsylvania and Indiana, require “all trucks” to stop. Sometimes, “all trucks” refers only to commercial motor vehicles; however, the requirement may not be limited to commercial motor vehicles. Other states will require those vehicles above a certain weight to stop. For example, Georgia requires all vehicles or combinations over 10,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or actual gross weight to pull into all open weight and inspection stations. In some cases, counties may even have their own requirements on weigh stations.
Carrier/Driver preparation. Carriers or drivers can contact the state(s) in which they will be traveling and simply ask about the requirements. If drivers know the exact routes, they can even call the station(s) they’ll be passing to see if they must stop. Many states will also post signage a number of miles before the weigh station so drivers will know well in advance that they’ll need to stop. The carrier or driver can also check with a state’s transportation department to find out if the state has any type of automated scale clearance program.
Automated scale clearance programs. Automated scale clearance programs allow vehicles to continue around weigh stations without stopping. The program works through a device in the cab which sends an electronic signal to the weigh station. The system electronically notifies the driver if the truck needs to stop, or if the driver can bypass the weigh station.
Contact a state’s transportation department for more information on the automated scale clearance programs.