Let’s talk about weight. Don’t worry, we aren’t talking about your weight…. Just your commercial vehicle’s weight! As a truck driver, your work life is run by schedules and deadlines. Making stops is the ultimate time killer for professional drivers. This is especially the case when you don’t know for sure how long a stop might be or if it will lead to more red tape. So, what happens when you approach a weigh station? What if you see a red light go off? It’s important to be aware of weigh station rules and etiquette so that you can get back on track as soon as possible. Let’s get started on the basic overview of weigh station rules for truck drivers!
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What Exactly is a Weigh Station?
Weigh stations are roadside areas where the federal government requires commercial vehicles to stop. It’s exactly as it sounds – a place where trucks are weighed and inspected to make sure they are safe and meeting guidelines. The purpose of having these stations is to prevent unsafe and overweight vehicles from traveling on the road. Officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT, examine both the tractor and its freight to find the gross vehicle weight rating. DOT officials also perform a visual inspection, which ranges from a Level 1 to a Level 6.
Level 1 is the most thorough type of inspection that can be carried out at a weigh station. What can you expect from a ? Well, you can anticipate someone asking for your medical examiner’s certificate, your hours of service documentation, any alcohol or drug use, your usage of a seat belt, and your daily logs. As for other things that the inspector will look out for, make sure you have your driver and vehicle inspection reports and that everything about your truck is in working order, such as your tires, brake system, turn signals, tail and head lamps, etc.
Weigh Station Rules for Each State
If you’re hauling freight across the country, keep in mind that each state has its own weigh station rules. Having different rules for each state can get complicated. Most states require that trucks weighing 10,000 pounds or more must stop at all weigh stations. However, some states have a much higher weight requirement. For example, Colorado’s weight requirement is 26,000 pounds. Other states not only focus on weight, but they also have weigh station rules based on the materials that you are hauling. Before you head out on your delivery, you should research the weight station rules, if you do not already know, so that wherever you end up going, you won’t end up in any situations that you can’t handle. Each route will most likely have different regulations, so stay up-to-date with your directions!
Weight is only one of the regulations the Department of Transportation uses to ensure the safety of truck drivers and everyone else on the road. They also consider tire-load safety, road width, bridge height, and other on-the-road conditions. Width restrictions are 102 inches in general, but some states require 96 inches or less.
Weigh Station Etiquette
There is a certain weigh station etiquette that truck drivers should always follow. Everyone knows it’s not the most pleasant experience. It’s kind of like those annoying family dinners where you have to use manners and be respectful towards everyone, especially the family members that you don’t get along with.
With everyone in a hurry to get where they need to be, it’s definitely a pain in the butt to stop at a weigh station, however, when at a weigh station, it’s best to hold your tongue and remain calm. If you argue or don’t do as you are told, it will just cause even more delays for you. Another important thing when you go through the weigh station is to keep your ticket for your records. Keep all records on you at all times so you have proof. Plus, you will be more compliant and won’t have any additional issues later.
How to Get Out of Weigh Station Stops
Alright, so this is the moment you’ve been waiting for, right? Is there any way to avoid having to stop at weigh stations? The good news is that weigh stations aren’t always going to be a required stop for you. If a weigh station is closed, you won’t have to stop and waste your time. This is often the case on weekends, holidays, and sometimes even late at night. There are also special gadgets you can get that allow you to bypass weigh stations along the highway. More on those gadgets below.
We are well aware that you know just how important time is while you’re on the road. Time is money, and anytime you can bypass a weigh station means that you’re putting more moolah in your bank account. You can do this without breaking the law by getting a PrePass device. This gadget lets you bypass some weigh stations along the highway, but not all. However, any weigh stations you can avoid is one less roadblock that will cause you to miss your deadline for delivery. Many companies will actually offer to pay for PrePass, so when you’re on the hunt for a new job, make sure to look for companies offering this perk! Don’t be afraid to ask either!
How’d We Do?
Do you have additional questions about the weigh station rules? Drop your thoughts and concerns below! Let us know what problems you have encountered while being on the road. Have you broken a weight station rule? How did you handle the situation! Let us know today!
August 22, 2019
Do post office class 5 and class 8 trucks have to stop for a weigh station
November 5, 2019
Each state has its own weigh station rules, so you’d have to research that question in your state!
January 8, 2021
If a weight station is full can you bypass or have to stop in Highways
June 10, 2021
I’d like to know if a company has a scale are they required to tell us drivers if our load is legal or our weight? There’s a plant in Illinois that refuses to give us any information
January 26, 2020
Just purchased a dump truck 5 days ago and I’m moving from Minnesota to Texas I have insurance and a 21 day dealer temporary plate ,I need anything else to get home
January 27, 2020
That should be good, just make sure you get everything squared away as soon as you move to Texas. You’ll need to get all your license and registration switched to your new address! Good luck with your move!
February 5, 2020
Hello Guys ! Could you assist to advise me that flat trucker in Texas carrying my goods but he got the overweight ticket and ask me to pay…! I could not accept because I dont know how he drive on the way and he has weight scale station before moving from my pick up yard ….! Who is right ? Pls help
February 7, 2020
Oh man, that’s tricky! You might want to reach out to a legal professional on that one! Good luck!
March 11, 2020
Can you bypass scales if exit ramp full
March 13, 2020
Usually you’ll see signs that tell you if you can bypass when the weigh station is full. It’s best to check the rules in each state, and keep an eye out for those signs. Weigh station fines can be hefty, so you don’t want to chance it.
March 24, 2020
There is very little information of use in this article. Why not mention important things like rolling down your window to hear the speaker? Following the signage telling you how fast to go, which lane to take or where/when to stop?
March 27, 2020
Thank you for the suggestion! Would you be interested in being interviewed on this topic?
April 19, 2020
Does having scale trickets help in case
May 10, 2020
Do you hold your brakes on the scale?
June 10, 2020
No only if the signs says to. I think your talking about the release brakes on the scale sign. Release brakes doesnt mean apply them.
August 3, 2020
I think we need to stand as one but to many of you are scared to stop your trucks for a week and say enough is enough when you get ready to go to sleep at night the truck stops are packed were the hell do you park the truck stops and police are pushing drivers out to the highways and then guess what a accident happens then it’s the driver faults drivers are having to park on off Ramps they are having to park on the side of the highways a truck driver was ticketed because he was hit by a car while parked on the side of the highway in his semi truck then another semi truck hit the car and killed the guy but everything is our faults right they said they are gonna start issuing tickets out dam if you do dam if you don’t how was it the drivers fault??? Nobody else is to blame beside the state the police the truck stops the receivers the shippers enough is enough we’re do we truck drivers out our foot down y’all wanna talk about weight stations it’s deeper then weight stations
December 1, 2020
Can anyone settle an argument for me? Is it illegal to be smoking a cigarette while in line to get weighed at a weigh station? I could swear I saw a sign to that effect in Ct, but can’t find anything in the FMCS.
December 16, 2020
Its the DRIVERS responsibility to make sure his load is legal.. He should’ve scaled close to place of departure.. Thats on him..
January 11, 2021
Can anyone provide the reference/regulation as to whether or not if you load and the first scale you can get to in route without backtracking is a state scale, are they required to give you a ‘free’ scale without citing you for being overweight? A friend and I were talking about this and we can’t find the reg or guidance and we both have 25+ years experience and would just like to be able to see it in print.
February 2, 2021
I just Started driving a tandem axel Peterbuilt with a Machinery tag and was told I can bypass CMV stations. Is this true? I have not passed one that was open yet.
December 6, 2021
Can you tell us how far out of route we are required to drive to go thru a weigh station? We were recently stopped by a mobile DOT check point who told us we should have gone to the weigh station that is nearby but out of route for our trip.
April 13, 2022
I’m driving a truck and trailer but I’m displaying Texas dealer tags and dealer transfer not for hire not in service. Am I required to stop at weight stations.
April 22, 2022
1. Failure to obey traffic control device – The device was an unmarked weight station in a rural desert area, and our driver had previously passed this weight station without incident. However, on the date of said violation, a DOT Officer was present. When the driver noticed the DOT Officer on the side of the road, he also saw the DOT Officer had several other truck drivers pulled over and at which point our driver engaged the DOT Officer, who advised our driver that this was indeed an active weight station when there is a DOT Officer present. “Note: There was no facility present and no scale present; therefore, our driver had no idea this was an active weight station. We have been passing this area several times since, and there has not been another DOT Officer present, although we pull to the shoulder just in case. Again, there was no signage, no facility, not even so much as a trash can present to alert indeed this was a weight station.” So what can we do?