What You Need to Know About Weigh Stations on the Highway

Weigh stations on the highway are an essential part of ensuring road safety and reducing wear and tear on our roads. They're typically located near state or national borders, where trucks often carry heavy loads.

Weigh stations are usually staffed by inspectors who check the weight and size of vehicles to ensure they comply with regulations. These regulations vary by state but are often based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle.

If you're driving a truck, it's crucial to know that weigh stations are not just for trucks - they also check the weight of cars and other vehicles.

Weigh stations are checkpoints where officials inspect the weight of commercial vehicles.

These checkpoints use scales to ensure vehicles follow Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

Weigh stations are located along highways, often near state borders.

Each state has its own vehicle weight regulations, which is why weigh stations at borders are called “ports of entry”.

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At weigh stations, drivers are assessed by a highway patrol officer, a DOT official, or a DMV official. They either roll over a weigh-in-motion scale or stop on a traditional scale.

Three potential weight violations to watch out for are:

If a vehicle isn't violating any regulations, it will be allowed to proceed.

At weigh stations, drivers are assessed by a highway patrol officer or an official from the DOT or DMV. They either roll over a weigh-in-motion scale or stop on a traditional scale.

The assessment is typically done at weigh stations to check if a vehicle is overweight. If a vehicle is found overweight, there are consequences.

Three potential weight violations are:

If a vehicle isn’t violating any regulations, it will be allowed to proceed.

Weigh stations don't just check the weight of your vehicle, they also perform inspections to ensure your safety and compliance with regulations.

In fact, there are six levels of DOT inspection that can be performed at a weigh station, and it's essential to be familiar with them.

Here are some of the key areas that are checked during these inspections:

Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds must stop at any open weigh stations along their route. If a driver doesn't stop, they could be pulled over and fined.

Drivers can tell if a weigh station is open by using road signs or mobile apps like Truckers Path Pro ahead of time. The most reliable way to check is the indicator lights and markers on the weigh station signs themselves.

Not all trucks stop at weigh stations, though - some drivers have pre-approved passes that allow them to skip them. These passes are usually given to drivers with good records.

Weigh stations are crucial for preventing damage to roads and bridges caused by overweight commercial vehicles. Overweight vehicles can cause significant damage compared to regular passenger vehicles.

Tire blowouts, longer braking times, and increased difficulty controlling the vehicle are just a few of the safety risks associated with operating an overweight vehicle. These risks can lead to serious accidents on the road.

Here are some of the safety risks associated with overweight vehicles:

Weigh stations also help ensure safety for all drivers on the road by checking that vehicles are well maintained and not at risk of breaking down.

Semi-trucks over 10,000 pounds must stop at any open weigh stations along their route. If a driver does not stop, they could be pulled over and fined.

Drivers can tell if a weigh station is open by checking the road signs leading up to it or using mobile apps ahead of time. These apps can help truckers plan their route and avoid closed weigh stations.

Commercial vehicles are defined as motor vehicles used or maintained for the transportation of persons for hire, compensation, or profit, or designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property. This includes motor trucks and vehicles over 10,000 pounds.

Most states require trucks to stop at all open weigh stations, but weight limits vary state by state. Trucks are typically weighed when crossing state lines or leaving a cargo loading area.

If a weigh station is closed, truck drivers are not required to stop. However, indicator lights and markers on the weigh station signs can indicate whether a station is open or closed.

Pre-approved passes allow some drivers to skip weigh stations, but these passes are typically reserved for drivers with good driving records.

Weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems are sensors that can instantly tell a truck's weight while it's in motion, increasing the odds of getting a "green light" and skipping the weigh station process.

Portable scales are used by DOT officials to measure the axle weight of a truck if it's selected for closer inspection.

Sensors like WIM systems can quickly and accurately determine a truck's weight, helping to streamline the weigh station process.

Automatic stations are a game-changer for freight transport, allowing vehicles to be weighed without needing to stop. This is done using sensors embedded in the road surfaces and cameras that can recognize licence plates.

Weigh in motion systems are mainly used in Europe, and they're a big help for the logistics industry. They save time and reduce congestion on the roads.

The technology used in automatic stations is also applied to industrial buildings and structures, where accurate weighing is crucial for operations.

Some examples of industries that benefit from this technology include road infrastructure and weighing instruments.

Drivewyze PreClear helps your fleet stay on the "mainline" and dodge weigh station lineups whenever possible.

By using Drivewyze PreClear, you can cut down on fuel and maintenance costs while making deliveries faster.

This service provides real-time safety notifications, giving truckers the scoop on potential hazards like low bridges or heavy traffic.

PreClear can help your fleet stay on the "mainline" more and avoid weigh station lineups, keeping your drivers happy and stress levels low.

Drivewyze PreClear is a leader in connected truck services, having helped thousands of fleets improve fleet efficiency and safety outcomes.

Here are some key benefits of using Drivewyze PreClear:

Weigh stations are strategically located to ensure safety on the roads. They're usually found just off the highway and next to a scale house where inspectors have their offices.

Weigh stations are often located in ports of entry near state borders due to the varying local laws and safety guidelines regulating the weight of trucks and commercial vehicles. This helps prevent overweight vehicles from causing damage.

In addition to fixed locations, many states use portable scales that allow weigh stations to be set up in any location that's large enough to accommodate trucks. These temporary checkpoints help prevent truck drivers from avoiding weigh stations.

Portable scales are used by DOT and state inspectors to set up seasonal and temporary checkpoints near isolated roads with a high amount of truck traffic. This helps prevent accidents caused by overweight vehicles.

Weigh stations are strategically located near highways and state borders, often next to a scale house where inspectors have their offices. This allows them to easily monitor and regulate the weight of trucks and commercial vehicles.

In addition to fixed locations, portable scales are used by many states to set up weigh stations in any location that can accommodate trucks. This flexibility enables DOT and state inspectors to establish seasonal and temporary checkpoints.

Weigh stations can be found near ports of entry, which are areas where freight is loaded into trucks or delivered. This is particularly useful for preventing truck drivers from avoiding weigh stations.

Temporary checkpoints are often set up near isolated roads with high truck traffic to prevent trucks from bypassing weigh stations. These temporary checkpoints are a useful tool for ensuring compliance with weight regulations.

Trucks typically get weighed when crossing state lines, as weight limits vary state by state.

In the United States, most states require trucks to stop at all open weigh stations.

Truck drivers are not required to stop at a closed weigh station, as they are generally closed during periods of heavy traffic, such as weekends or commuter drive times.

The most reliable way to tell if a weigh station is open is by looking at the indicator lights and other markers on the weigh station signs themselves.

You're driving a commercial vehicle and you're not sure if you need to stop at a weigh station. According to CVC Section 2813, every driver of a commercial vehicle must stop and submit their vehicle to an inspection.

A commercial vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle used for the transportation of persons for hire, compensation, or profit, or designed for the transportation of property. This includes motor trucks, which are vehicles designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.

However, not all vehicles are considered commercial. Passenger vehicles that aren't used for hire or profit, and housecars, are exempt. So if you're just driving a friend to the airport, you're likely okay. But if you're driving a big rig or a truck full of goods, you'll need to stop at the weigh station.

Specifically, CVC Section 410 defines a motor truck as a vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property. And if you're driving a pickup truck, you might be exempt if it meets certain weight and equipment requirements, as outlined in CVC Section 471.

Failing to stop at a weigh station can lead to serious consequences. Every driver of a commercial vehicle is required to stop and submit their vehicle to an inspection at any location where signs are displayed requiring the stop.

If you're driving a commercial vehicle, you're considered guilty of a misdemeanor if you fail or refuse to stop when signs are displayed. Commercial vehicles are defined as those used for transporting people for hire, compensation, or profit, or designed for transporting property.

Driving a motor truck, which is a vehicle designed for transporting property, also requires you to stop at weigh stations. Motor trucks have a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 11,500 pounds or more.

If you're driving a pickup truck, which is a motor truck with a specific weight and bed type, you're also required to stop at weigh stations. However, if your pickup truck has a utility body, it's not considered a commercial vehicle and may not be required to stop.

Don't risk getting caught and facing the consequences - always stop at weigh stations when required.