Weigh Stations? Why? What for?

Question

I've driven cross country five times (before gas prices went up) over the years and always wondered why the big rigs have to stop at weigh stations. What is the purpose? Do they have to pay something for using the roads? Why do they get weighed?

Just one of lifes mysteries for me . . . help me figure it out.

Answer 1

You got some good answers here but nobody mentioned bridge laws! Some states have a law that limits the length of the truck and trailer and weigh stations also check this as well as the weight of the trucks. If you see some trucks going past an open scale, it is because they have a transponder in the truck that gives them either a red light (stop and scale) or a green light (pass and don't stop) which is really great! So, these trucks are not trying to bypass the scale because they are over weight! Lots of companies are starting to get these transponders in their trucks as it does save time. It is no guarantee against getting stopped...they do still stop some of the trucks with transponders that are the correct weight so they can give them a DOT inspection. The whole idea behind the idea of "scales" is to keep the trucks legal and to keep them safe.  

Answer 2

hi. I am a truck driver and love to explain. we have regulations from DOT ( dept. of transportation and law enforcement) Each state has weight limits. every state is different on all highways. but for the most part our trucks can only weigh 80,000 pounds. 12,000 on steer tires, 34,000 on each set of tandems. if we go over that we can be fined alot. if you have anymore questions u r more than welcome to contact me. [e-mail]

Answer 3

Big trucks pay fuel taxes when they fuel as you do, but they pay additional road taxes based upon the number of miles driven in each state.  Careful records are kept for each trip.  There are gross weight limits for each truck and also axle weight limits.  Additionally, it is possible to move the trailer axles on most trucks and the position of the 5th wheel on some to adjust the weights for those axles, but there are limits which vary by state upon just how far the axles can be adjusted.  It's actually rather complex, but the basics are for most standard trucks 80,000 pound maximum, with 12,000 pounds on the steer tires, 34,000 pounds on the drive axles and 34,000 pounds on the trailer axles.  Unfortunately, since shippers are never fined for weight problems and some refuse to load properly drivers have to do whatever they can to keep from paying fines.  California is particularly problematic.  It isn't all about safety because if it were the fines would not vary as much as they do and in some very mountainous states you actually can go 36,000 on either drives or trailer axles as long as you are not overgross.

Additionally, a cop must have some justification for stopping a car driver, but cops can stop truck drivers anytime they wish to check anything they wish.  Frequently, those stops are at weigh stations and the driver must supply the proper license for the load and truck, medical certification, Bill of Lading for the freight, registration and insurance for tractor and trailer, as well as their log book of hours worked.  The truck is often inspected for lights, brakes, horn, air leaks, etc.  Either the truck can be put out of service for safety problems or the driver can be put out of service for log book violations.  Again log books are quite complicated, but generally a driver can only drive 11 hours in one day, work 14 hours straight without a 10 hour break and may not work more than 70 hours in 8 days though many do try.

Answer 4

To add to "B's" answer... if they are overweight, they get fined Big Time, which isn't worth it.  Some truckers will try to breeze past the weigh station.... (few) some get away with it and some get caught.  That's definitely a no no, but some do it to make up for time and some do it because they know they're overweight.

Answer 5

All roads and bridges have a weight limit on them.  In the US this limit is 80,000 pounds.  The roads and bridges are designed to handle this weight.  The weigh stations check to make sure the trucks are not over weight.

Answer 6

the purpose of the weigh station is to check the weight, 80,000 lbs. for the 18 wheeler that is truck and load. if you are over weight pay a fine so much per 1,000 lbs. the DOT of each state also does equipment checks, load  and propper brake requriments and a whole lots of other checking important  stuff medical card drivers license regs.  mainly it is a big safety check point. and yes they pay for road usage by the fuel the buy has very little tax and when a truck is registerd in mulp. states this is call apportioned plates each state gets a cut of the money. got to keep track of every gallon of fuel for tax reports. the money for fuel tax is the used for road repair etc.

Answer 7

the heavier the truck the more ware it causes to the road trucks over the weight limit get fined