Using Closed Weigh Stations?

Teamfour · 07-16-2014, 10:06 AM

In a post on another forum it was observed that some folks have weighed their camping rigs at closed highway weigh stations, specifically in Washington and Oregon.

Who else has done this in other states and can you provide any insight as to the process and legality of doing so?

TURBS · 07-16-2014, 10:15 AM

Trespassing comes to mind.

Kaboom · 07-16-2014, 10:22 AM

I have used a local highway truck scale several times. The screen is turned around so you can see the numbers from the outside. I have never had an issue.

Mtelkman · 07-16-2014, 10:25 AM

Depends on the station. Here in MT, some leave the scale on and you can see it from the window. Others don't. The only ones I have seen with the scale left on is the smaller stations where there is only a single or 2 pad scale. Like the ones used for primarily log or gravel trucks.

IMO, unless you have a small station that is close by and you can stop by and ask permission sometime, it is easier to just pay the $20 and go to a CAT scale. I would never try and go try and weigh on one of the larger interstate weigh stations.

Kaboom · 07-16-2014, 10:29 AM

I should have mentioned that the scale was closed. I was told that the screen was turned around so the scale could be used when no one was working.

Teamfour · 07-16-2014, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Trespassing comes to mind.

Interesting thought. I should have clarified my post by saying a state-owned (taxpayer-owned) weigh station that does not have any barricades and does not have no trespassing signs.

TURBS · 07-16-2014, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teamfour

Interesting thought. I should have clarified my post by saying a state-owned (taxpayer-owned) weigh station that does not have any barricades and does not have no trespassing signs.

I think I'll "borrow" a taxpayer owned police cruiser then....
Great logic.

There's also no sign saying..
Were closed but go ahead and use the scale.

Why wouldn't u just ask them to use it while there open?

Happy Vibe · 07-16-2014, 10:47 AM

Not the same Turbo. You are not taking anything and if the power is on then you are not even using more electricity. If they turn the screen around so people can see it from the outside it seems like they expect people to use it. Non of this is going to help you in court but it seems logical to me.

Kaadk · 07-16-2014, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

I think I'll "borrow" a taxpayer owned police cruiser then....
Great logic.

There's also no sign saying..
Were closed but go ahead and use the scale.

Why wouldn't u just ask them to use it while there open?

Gotta agree with Turbs on this one. Just because they didn't bother putting barricades up, doesn't mean it's open for business. Most of the ones around here have signs that either say "Weigh station Open" or "Weigh Station Closed". Closed, means closed. If a store has a closed sign, but forgot to lock the doors, it doesn't mean I can just go in and shop.

Cypressloser · 07-16-2014, 11:14 AM

I for my part go over almost every dot scale when it is shut down for the day/weekend and get my weights. My understanding is that in BC Canada even RV's are required to go over the scales together with heavy trucks.
I did a quick Google search and came up with a slew of information. https://www.google.ca/search?q=weigh...icial&start=10

Cypressloser · 07-16-2014, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

I think I'll "borrow" a taxpayer owned police cruiser then....
Great logic.

There's also no sign saying..
Were closed but go ahead and use the scale.
Many truckers use the scale pullout as a rest stop overnight and I've never seen the cops chasing them away.

Why wouldn't u just ask them to use it while there open?

They don't want the Joe Public interfering with their daily operations and if you would ask politely why would they chase you away, all you want is to be a responsible member of society and not endanger the motoring public

.

I'm darn sure there are surveillance cameras everywhere and if they would have an issue with it they would have let me know by now.

another_newfie · 07-16-2014, 11:48 AM

Drama... Oh my.

I've used scaled when they are closed and have yet to be involved a slow speed police chase...

Not sure if it illegal or I am committing some federal crime or not, but if I am I'm sure the penalties will be stiff and severe!

Teamfour · 07-16-2014, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by another_newfie

Drama... Oh my.

Yeah, not exactly what I thought I would get from this simple post.

Weezer · 07-16-2014, 12:17 PM

<ain't got no dog in this fight....but one could reasonably assume that if the monitor is left powered up and facing the outside of the window/building, it's not so the sunshine can dry it out.

If confronted about using the scale while closed I'd cite that powered up monitor facing the outside as an "attractive nuisance" (insurance adjuster talk) like a homeowner's swimming pool with no fence around it and/or no locks on the gates.

Not the same as borrowing a LEO's vehicle either, as that comes under "unauthorized use of a moveable", IMO.

f5moab · 07-16-2014, 12:38 PM

Never thought about using a state owned facility, next time I run into one of the local state troopers I'll ask.
I personally use a construction firm (concrete, gravel, etc), down in Spanish Valley that leaves their system running 24 hours, but one of the managers said it was ok, and they do it as a consideration to the locals.

SaskCampers · 07-16-2014, 12:54 PM

The scales around here are used all the time by truckers etc when they are closed. Heck the truckers use them for rest stops as well when they are closed.

Brother Les · 07-16-2014, 01:05 PM

Over the many years of camping/traveling on the road we have spent the night at weight stations (large parking lots) twice. One was 'open' the next morning and no official said a word to us.

Kaboom · 07-16-2014, 01:07 PM

I called the local Highway Patrol office and asked about using the scale when it is closed. The response was as follows.

It is ok to use the scale when closed, that is why the officer turns the screen toward the window. Just enter and exit safely.

Sorry, I forgot to ask about borrowing the parked and unlocked patrol car.

Still Kickin · 07-16-2014, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teamfour

Interesting thought. I should have clarified my post by saying a state-owned (taxpayer-owned) weigh station that does not have any barricades and does not have no trespassing signs.

X2. Turbs, come on, raise a valid arguement, its healthy.

How about using the "taxpayer funded scale" to determine if your overweight, thus lending itself to better highway safty. You would agree that is in the best interest of the public, wouldn't you!

I'd love to hear what you tell the cops, after a multi-state high speed chase thatsurely will ensue, when you steal a cop car.

Weezer · 07-16-2014, 01:19 PM

Well I went over and read that LONG thread about whether or not we're required to enter weight stations.

My "educated" decision is: Biff won't be draggin' Buffy through Maryland!

However, when Sneak and I moved here from FL (2001)we were driving the biggest Pensky truck offered and towing my Mazda. When we crossed the state line in one of the states (CRS strikes again) we were directed by those automated signs to pull in. Weight/scales? (shrug) just waved us on over them and directed us to the side. What they wanted was to have us open the truck and let 'em climb around in it. (chuckle) Yeah, it was packed to the ceiling and we could barely pull the door down to close it up. I'm assuming they had fun rambling around in there and were satisfied we weren't hauling drugs disguised as watermelons.

Issued an edict that we "have a nice day" and sent us on our way.

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