Do I have to pull into Weigh Scales

[dblr]

We pull our 5th wheel with a full size class 8 Kenworth tractor with a Smart car on the deck, I do not pull into weigh scales ( unless waved in by officer) and yet to have a issue. Florida DOT stopped me entering the campground with just the truck asked a few questions looked at registration & insurance cards and said have a nice day. The truck is tagged in Delaware as a RV

[AquaMan]

Originally Posted by youroo

Sound advice! We were Stopped/Weighted in South Carolina last year,on a State road! Youroo!!

Are you sure they didn't stop to weigh you to make sure you weren't bootleggin'?

[camaraderie]

Originally Posted by Kevinmarriner

Can you provide us with a copy of this law

8. What vehicles must go through weigh stations in Maryland?

All vehicles with a gross vehicle weight or gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 10,000 pounds must stop at open weigh stations. Only vehicles that are operating in commerce may be subject to a safety inspection.
Maryland Motor Carrier Frequently Asked Questions

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Kevinmarriner

Can you provide us with a copy of this law

Law, no. But I did correspond with the MD State Highway Administration via email.

The crazy part about this response is that simply in my dually with it's 12,300 lb. GVWR- even without towing, I'm technically required to stop.

Hi -

You are correct, you would be required to enter. Although you are driving a RV for non-business use and are exempted from the commercial regulations, you must still enter the scale house with your vehicle as required by the signs “All vehicles over 5T GVWR/GCWR must enter” The reason being, if you use an RV for business (such as transporting a musical band that receives compensation ) all regulations would apply at that point, but the only way an inspector would know, is if you would make yourself available for interaction with the facility staff.

More than likely you will be flagged on through when you enter without ever having to stop, however the signs require you enter.

If signs on the approach to a scale house in other states indicate “ALL COMMERCIAL VEHICLES MUST ENTER” then you could confidently go by without entering. In Maryland however the signs do indicate “ALL VEHICLES…”

Hope this helps

Maryland State Highway Administration
Motor Carrier Division
CVISN Program
Data, Education & Compliance
Manager

If you'd like to PM me, I can provide the name and contact information for this individual if you want to get specific regulation details.

[spock123]

Originally Posted by camaraderie

8. What vehicles must go through weigh stations in Maryland?

All vehicles with a gross vehicle weight or gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 10,000 pounds must stop at open weigh stations. Only vehicles that are operating in commerce may be subject to a safety inspection.
Maryland Motor Carrier Frequently Asked Questions

I looked at that and nowhere did I see anything but commercial vehicles in there


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[spock123]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Law, no. But I did correspond with the MD State Highway Administration via email.



The crazy part about this response is that simply in my dually with it's 12,300 lb. GVWR- even without towing, I'm technically required to stop.







If you'd like to PM me, I can provide the name and contact information for this individual if you want to get specific regulation details.

I wonder why the individual did not just give you the specific regulation


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[ependydad]

Originally Posted by spock123

I wonder why the individual did not just give you the specific regulation

No clue, as that's what I asked for. But, if you'd like his contact info- PM me and I'll send it.

[camaraderie]

Originally Posted by spock123

I looked at that and nowhere did I see anything but commercial vehicles in there


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Well the language supports ALL VEHICLES and specifically excludes non commercial ones from inspection so it seems pretty clear to me that it is talking about both types of vehicles. But I can't find anything on line further that makes sense...and I have driven through MD several times without stopping and no bells and whistles have followed me!
Guess you takes yer chances.

[bob caldwell]

Been back and forth across country, up and down also, and have never stopped or intend to...

[DSQR]

[QUOTE=ependydad;1112083]Law, no. But I did correspond with the MD State Highway Administration via email.

The crazy part about this response is that simply in my dually with it's 12,300 lb. GVWR- even without towing, I'm technically required to stop.
Endquote

"educate, and don't listen to a forum" is outstanding advice, but that's easier to say than do.
I could spend a week attempting to contact the responsible office in every state I pass through. Cannot trust supposedly authoritative sources (such as AAA) and certainly not forum anecdotes. According to AAA link you do not have to stop (not agricultural, commercial or hazardous), but according to guidance given to ependydad MD signage does require "All vehicle over.."
That one instance of inconsistancy causes me to question the information given by AAA for other states as well. And I doubt AAA is going to represent you in court! Even contacting state authorities (State Police, DMV, can lead to differing interpretations and enforcement of the same statute - I had a chance to pull this string in NC a number of years ago).

Every state is different as to their weigh station requirements you need to know for each
-do the regulations apply to non-commercial vehicles?
-are the regulations based on GVWR or GCWR?

I, as most do not stop. But I do follow - all posted signs. As far as I know, all states require ALL vehicles to comply with posted traffic signs - so I carefully read all signs as I approach a weigh/inspection station.

I pass on by, but I'm prepared to have a discussion with law enforcement should I be "interviewed". I can at least state (very politely) that I misinterpreted the sign and can beg for forgiveness. But it has never happened.

Don't "cop an attitude" - you were obviously in violation and could end up invited for a weighing. Then you could end up with two violations, overweight and evading a weigh station. If you're overweight, they can park your rig 'till you comply.

[bob caldwell]

Some weigh masters also just feel they need to justify their pay check...like rookies at custom stations...

[dahagen]

if they are open, drive on by. If they are closed many still have the scales on. Drive in and check your loaded weight on the digital readout.

[bob caldwell]

X2

[CAT-RN]

I've been in 48 states in an RV. Always towing. Never stopped at a scales yet. Have only saw a couple coaches stop at the scales.

Nothing says I'm right and as previously stated if I were pulled over for not stopping I'd for sure agree with the officer and do as he asked with no argument.

I have no intent on starting stopping now. Just do as I've always done until the "law" advises me otherwise

Russell

[PenJoe]

I addressed that question to the state police about towing a cargo trailer. The answer is no. However, we do have to pull off for the ag check stations in Florida. They just ask if you are carrying any plants or produce. Not sure if RVs are exempt from the agricultural stations, but I have never seen an RV stopping. However, if the RV is towing a cargo trailer, they may have to enter. I will ask them the next time we pass through.

[bob caldwell]

Same thing entering Calif.....and they can inspect.....they really check boats

[mike.t]

Weigh Stations - AAA Digest of Motor Laws

[mike.t]

Originally Posted by Kenny kustom

Rules vary by state/province.

Please educate, and don't listen to a forum.


2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

So your not sure either.

[doc73]

I do not think anyone can answer the question with 100% certainty... Fact is the law is the law, each one can vary state to state and even with in the state they vary on how someone might interpret it which makes no help at ALL!

The MD stuff Ependydad posted is a perfect example.. I see the sign all the time along 1 (or 95 not sure) where it says ALL trucks over 5t must stop plus the work he put in contacting the DOT. But I bet if you pulled in the DOT guy would waive you by, or maybe not... Who knows.

[Delco Bobby]

Originally Posted by Kevinmarriner

Can you provide us with a copy of this law

I saw signs on the road in MD last week. I believe they stated Any vehicle over 5 tons had to pull in. The station I passed was closed and I am just under 5 tons so I scooted by.