How to Drive a Truck Through a Weigh Station
Trucks and vehicles traveling on highways are usually subject to inspection for vehicle weight. Commercial trucks as well as moving trucks and other large vehicles may have to stop at weigh stations to verify weight before proceeding along the highway. The information regarding the weight of vehicles is helpful for providing information on the loads on the roadway throughout the year. If you are ever driving a vehicle requiring weigh station stops, you can use the following steps to navigate the weigh station properly.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine whether or not stopping at a weigh station is necessary. The rules regarding stopping at weigh stations may vary from state to state. In most cases commercial trucks are required to stop but in some cases trucks transporting personal effects may be required to stop if the vehicle exceeds a certain weight. Reading signs carefully can help you determine if stopping is necessary.
-
2
Exit the road carefully to enter the weigh station. The exit for the weigh station should be marked clearly and you should proceed to this exit, if necessary.
-
-
3
Follow all directional and explanatory signs at the weigh station. These signs will direct you to an open weigh station and provide instructions for driving through the weigh station.
-
4
Wait for the vehicle ahead of you to proceed through the weigh station. Once the vehicle ahead of you has cleared the weigh station, you should receive a visual indication that it is your turn to proceed onto the scale.
-
5
Drive onto the scale according to instructions provided in the weigh station. These instructions may include maximum and minimum speeds as well as proper placement of the vehicle on the scale.
-
6
Exit the scale when the weight reading is complete.
-
7
Enter the roadway from the weigh station carefully in the same manner you would enter a highway from another on-ramp.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When operating a vehicle it is always important to avoid driving too many hours each day. If you are transporting cargo or moving your personal effects take care to avoid driving more than 11 hours each day and to pull over if you become fatigued.
