Highway weigh stations

[Reg]

It's been a long time ago, but I believe it was Wyoming where I saw signs that said "all vehicles towing trailers" which surprised me so I pulled in with my travel trailer, and of course, was told that it didn't mean RVs.

I know one in PA that reads just about exactly that.
We "discuss" it every time I go through it with a horse trailer.

 

[powerstroke444e]

In IL they like stoping pickups with the portable scales but the regular scale houses I blow right by and have only been chased down once, and I was tagged for 8k on the truck and 8k on the trailer which put me under 16,001lbs the requirment to stop @ the scales. And the officer asked that next time to stop if I am loaded.

If I was a private not for hire truck that was just hauling a reasonable load as you discribed I would drive right by and if they ever stop you tell them you didn't know and promise to stop the next time, but I doubt that you will have any problems.

Keep it safe and within the vechiles limits & above all be polite.

 

[AndyMA]

RV's are exempt in most places. Trucks and trailers are not. Pleading ignorant will just upset the cops/Dot inspectors and get you a bigger fine. In conn they take out a note book computer and can easily generate you a multipage page neatly printed $2000 fien fi they so desire. You need to stop and give them the chance to wave you through. You may be surprised on how many of those binder chains, etc are not up to snuff and each one results in a separate fine. also things like the backhoe bucket can no longer hang over. I have been through it in both conn and Mass and was certainly not exempt.

Andy

 

[AndyMA]

I also should note in Conn they have several roving truck inspection teams with SUV's that have portable scales, jacks and inspectors with creepers who do a heck of a job in writing big tickets. From what I see they seem to find a lot of "frame cracks"

Andy

 

[BJN644]

I also should note in Conn they have several roving truck inspection teams with SUV's that have portable scales, jacks and inspectors with creepers who do a heck of a job in writing big tickets. From what I see they seem to find a lot of "frame cracks"

Andy

Maine has them too, unmarked GM SUV's with all the gear in back, including scales.

 

[em14]

For what it's worth I stop at all Weigh Stations and Ag Stations ... as the signs say .. the only time I'm really worried is when I'm towing with the Chevy 3500 Duramax and the GN trailer loaded with a 12000 lb tractor. I'm very close to the limit for everything with this rig!
Leo

 

[DIRTROAD]

As long as you do not have a commercial drivers license, I would not stop!!!

Like the old saying goes, "It's better to ask for forgivness than to ask for permission"

Let it be up to the officer to chase you down if he thinks you are in violation of a law. All you need to do is play dumb!!

From an LEO standpoint, In the event that a driver bypasses the scales, he is opening up hisself to being stopped and checked out really really good. It gives the officer just cause to make a stop and investigate. This being said, most LEO's have more important things to do or bigger fish to fry than to waste time on this type of infraction. Just beware of the new rookie that might end up "CUTTING HIS TEETH" with you!!!

If you have a commercial drivers license, you probably won't be able to play dumb.

 

[Jimbrown]

If youstopped here in Az they would probably ask if you had been drinking and sick the drug dogs on you. Now the border patrol stops are something else. You better stop.

 

[BJN644]

Here's a link with some good info, this is Maine and other states may be different.

Number 3 answers the question of the OP.

Farm Vehicles, Motor Carrier Services, Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles

 

[shakin]

good stuff bjn i forgot to mention that i carry flares and hazard triangles and a fire extinguisher. some of our vehicles almost meet the criteria empty. and a snowmobile trailer or a trip the the grocery store and you may be over the minimum weight.