Why are trucks weighed on the highway




















A level 5 inspection is a vehicle-only inspection. It's usually conducted after an arrest or accident. The inspection is rather thorough. The inspection is similar to a level 1 inspection, but also includes a check of:. Originally, weigh stations were a method of collecting taxes.

Fleet vehicles typically pay a higher tax because of their weight and the stress they put on the roads. This is why weigh stations now focus on a truck's weight for safety purposes. Roads and bridges can only handle so much weight and stress. When a truck is over the weight limit, it poses a greater risk of bridge collapse or compromise. In addition, the constant heavy weight on the roads leads to a higher rate of repair of these roads.

In the United States, the maximum weight permissible for a truck with a full trailer is 80, pounds. During weighing, trucks are also inspected to ensure drivers and trucks are safe enough to be on the road. Officials check these records at weigh stations to ensure compliance. In many states, any vehicle over 10, pounds must stop at a weigh station. The only exception to this is if the driver has a PrePass or other bypass service. These bypass services are helpful, especially in the event of a closed weigh station.

This is all common knowledge for those in the fleet industry. However, the lines get a little blurry with the differences in state to state weigh station laws.

For instance, in Colorado, the law states:. As you see, the weight is set at 26, pounds in Colorado. On the other hand, the law in Montana states:. Weigh station requirements vary by state. Check the requirements for each state on your route to be sure. Truck weigh stations are a means of ensuring safety on the road.

Azuga telematics ensures the same for your fleet. Learn more about how to stay compliant and avoid penalties with Azuga. If a truck is overweight or the weight of the truck does not match the weight of the freight paperwork, then it may indicate alternate cargo is being transported which can lead to CSA violations for the driver.

Weigh stations are located just off the highway and usually next to a scale house where inspectors have their offices. Since each state has a different set of local laws and safety guidelines regulating the weight of trucks and commercial vehicles, weigh stations are often located in ports of entry near state borders.

Weigh stations can also be located at choke points or areas where freight is loaded into trucks or delivered. In addition to fixed truck weigh stations, many states use portable scales that allow weigh stations to be set up in any location that is large enough to accommodate trucks. Portable scales allow DOT and state inspectors to set up seasonal and temporary check points near isolated roads with a high amount of truck traffic.

Temporary check points also help prevent truck drivers from avoiding weigh stations. The majority of states only require trucks and commercial vehicles that weigh over 10, pounds in gross weight to stop at weigh stations. To identify exceptions to this rule, truck drivers should research the local requirements and regulations of the states they will be hauling through.

Essentially, weigh stations serve as Department of Transportation inspection points to make sure big rigs are following the rules. Aaron is unashamed to be a native Clevelander and the proud driver of a Hyundai Veloster Turbo which recently replaced his Saturn SC He gleefully utilizes his background in theater, literature, and communication to dramatically recite his own articles to nearby youth. Widmar happily resides in Dayton, Ohio with his magnificent wife, Vicki, but is often on the road with her exploring new destinations.

Truck drivers can use Trucker Path to check ahead and see if a weigh station is open or closed in real-time. This can be extremely valuable to help truckers save valuable time. With over 1. When a truck driver sees a weigh station that says OPEN, he or she must exit the freeway and enter the scales to be weighed.

The majority of weigh stations have a rolling scale where a truck will roll past a certain area that has a scale could differ by state. Once a truck is weighed and verified to weigh under 80, pounds, the truck will be granted a green light to exit the weigh station and proceed back on its route. After a truck goes through the scales either the DOT or state inspection officer can flag the truck for an inspection. At a weigh station, trucks can be inspected for a variety of reasons.



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