Weigh stations are essential for many reasons that we will examine. However, truck drivers ought to understand that stopping at weigh stations is vital since it directly affects the amount the country will spend fixing roads and also how safe it is for other motorists to use the highways. The work at the weigh stations is simple, especially when truck drivers have all the necessary papers and documents.
To have a smooth time with the different kinds of law enforcement sustained on roads, drivers should follow the regulations outlined. Failing to follow the rules may cause you, the driver, to lose your job or get suspended. It may also cause the company that employs you to lose revenue. That is likely to work against you later on.
It is also impossible to get away with passing a weigh station. Some states have put up surveillance to take note of number plates on trucks that do not stop. Stopping at the weigh stations as required by the law saves you a lot of time and hassle. It also allows drivers to create a rapport with the officers at the stations. If you are a truck driver thinking of passing a weigh station, first consider how much inconvenience it could cause you. The consideration should help you to decide what part you want to play in ensuring safe roads.
Do Truck Drivers Need to Stop at Every Weigh Station?
There are laws and regulations concerning trucks around the country where drivers have to stop at all weigh stations within their routes. The principles mostly apply to trucks that weigh 10000 pounds or more. The weight requirement may vary across stateliness, but the basic rule is that commercial trucks have to stop at open weigh stations. Commercial trucks don’t include moving trucks that come exempted from stopping, significantly if the truck’s content weighs less than 1000 pounds.
Doing a bit of research before embarking helps navigate different states when transporting freight to understand their loaded trucks’ requirements. When drivers stop at weigh stations, much more happens than just the determination of the load condition. The assessment done on the trucks’ parts are also for their safety and that of other road users. Stopping at the weigh stations puts a distinct separation between god responsible drivers and those who are still learning.
What Do Weigh Station Look For?
The weigh station is a checkpoint for how much weight trucks are carrying. They are checkpoints for the weight and condition of trucks and the load. The trucks that stop at the weigh station should meet the requirement by interstate laws about the total cargo and weight. It saves a lot of time when drivers already have their goods and trucks in check.
Most checkpoints are off the highway at a spot with enough space to accommodate large trucks. Representatives from the States Department of Transportation operate the stations and inspect the trucks. State highway patrol officers can also be at the weigh-in stations to assist with the inspections.
In the past, weigh stations were tax collection points. However, in recent years there have been reviews on highway utilization, which led to the conversion of weigh stations into inspection points for trucks. We know that there are people who may not understand why trucks need to report to weigh stations.
The primary reason why trucks make a stop at weigh stations is to get their weight measured. The amount of weight a truck carries determines the amount of damage it will do to the highway. Even though most roads have tarmac, they are still susceptible to wear, and their repairs are expensive. Besides the elements and nature, overloaded trucks are also likely to cause damage on roads.
There are different inspection types done on the trucks’ load and essential parts, like tires and breaks at the weigh station. Generally, the assessment ranges from Level one to level six.
The Penalties for a Failure to Stop
Sometimes, truck drivers may lack enough knowledge to understand the importance of going through weigh-in stations. We will tell you all about what happens to a driver who fails to make a stop as required by the law. When they get to the weigh station, there is a green light to indicate to truck drivers to go into the weigh station. Sometimes the indicator, usually a red light, can signal the drivers to pass the weigh station along, which is the one time a driver should drive past the station.
There are fines and penalties for drivers who don’t stop. For drivers who don’t stop, the penalties can go up to $300. That fine does not include the amount truckers penalized for breaking any other regulations regarding the amount of load they carry.
Sometimes the repercussion for not stopping can sip to the companies that have employed the truck drivers where if the CSA score for those companies goes too high, they lose their Prepass. Some companies who receive adverse reports can even fire or suspend drivers who they think are liable, mainly when they cause their insurance rates to fluctuate.
Most states have officers standing by waiting to stop drivers determined to get away from weigh stations without getting their inspection done. Some states have especially strict chasers determined to ensure drivers follow highway regulations.
Professional Trucking Services
Osage Specialized Transportation has got your back when it comes to transporting goods across stateliness. With our headquarters in Denver, Colorado, and Mc Kinney, our location is conveniently accessible to our clients. Our portfolio continues to grow as we work with high-ranking companies in the energy sector and others to deliver freight coast to coast. We have competent drivers and the latest truck models to ensure that your goods get to their location in good condition. You can contact us to make transport arrangements the next time you have a load, no matter the size. Visit any of our headquarters or contact us for more information.
