After all, you are driving a small house on wheels down the freeway. In most circumstances, RVs are not required to stop at weigh stations. Weigh stations are primarily concerned with the weight and safety of business cargo trucks, not private-use vehicles.
Can I Drive my RV by the weigh station?
Jun 05, 2020 · For Most States, Privately-Owned RVs Aren’t Required to Stop at Weigh Stations. If you bypass a weigh station, unless you are specifically ordered to do so by a police officer, you’re going to be just fine. If you do feel the need to stop at a weigh station, follow the instructions of the attendant of that station.
Do RVs have to stop at weigh stations in Montana?
Oct 07, 2018 · All commercial trucks with a GVWR over 18,000 pounds are required to stop at the weigh stations. 4. Montana All agricultural vehicles with a GVW of 8,000 pounds or more, and business-owned RVs 5. Nebraska According to AAA, Nebraska Law states, “All trucks over 1 ton must stop, except a pickup truck pulling a recreational trailer.”
Do RVs have to stop at Delaware weigh stations?
May 27, 2021 · Yes, you can pull into a weigh station and request to weigh your RV, though it may cost you a small fee to do so. Certified Automated Truck (CAT) scales large platform scales that will tell you exactly what the GVW of your RV is so that you know where you stand in regards to each state’s rules.
When do you have to pull over to weigh your RV?
But do RVs have to stop at weigh stations? Well, the straight answer is no, a stop at a weigh station is not required when towing an RV. However, if you happen to be driving commercial vehicles that are hauling freight, you would need to stop at a weigh station.
Do you have to weigh your RV?
How do you distribute weight in an RV?
Why do you have to weigh your RV?
Do RVs have to stop at weigh stations in California?
Are travel trailers top heavy?
Where do you put weight in a camper?
How do I find out how much my travel trailer weighs?
How do I get my RV weighed?
How do I know how much my RV weighs?
Do you need a CDL to drive an RV?
Do pickups with trailers need to stop at weigh stations?
Do Uhauls have to stop at weigh stations in California?
“Rental trucks can be a U-Haul, Ryder, Sears, Budget, Enterprise, etc. A rental truck is a motor truck, according to CVC Section 410, and must stop at the weigh stations.Feb 19, 2019
Do you have to stop at a weigh station for RV?
You can rest assured if your Gross Combined Weight Rating ( GCWR) is less than 10,000 pounds, you will never be required to stop at a weigh station in the USA. GCWR means the maximum allowed weight ...
Which states require a vehicle to stop at weigh stations?
Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey and Wisconsin require single or in combination (towing a trailer or car) vehicles to stop at weigh stations if the GCWR is 10,000 lbs. or more. Pennsylvania laws simply state that regardless of size any “large” recreational vehicle is subject to inspection.
What vehicles must stop in Louisiana?
Louisiana law states, “The following vehicles must stop: (1) agricultural vehicles; (2) passenger or specialty vehicles, either single or in combination (towing a trailer) with GVWR of 10,000 lbs . or more; (3) commercial trucks with GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or more.”. Yep, I agree with you.
Is it up to each state to enforce weigh stations?
This is federal law, but it is up to each state to enforce it via weigh stations. Having enough manpower is an issue in many state weigh stations. Trucks are known to pass weigh stations by, however, the station lacks the manpower to bring them back.
Do you have to pull over at a weigh station in Canada?
It appears that while in Canada, any officer may require you to pull over at a weigh station based upon the officer’s direction.
What is the weight limit for a vehicle in New Jersey?
New Jersey law states, “New Jersey requires all vehicles that weigh 10,001 lbs. or more to weigh.”. Louisiana law states, “The following vehicles must stop: (1) agricultural vehicles; (2) passenger or specialty vehicles, either single or in combination (towing a trailer) with GVWR of 10,000 lbs.
How much weight can a bridge hold?
Bridges throughout the USA are designed to have an acceptable maximum weight of 800 lbs. of tire pressure per square inch. This is federal law, but it is up to each state to enforce it via weigh stations. Having enough manpower is an issue in many state weigh stations.
Do you have to stop at weigh stations in Pennsylvania?
Depending on how yours was registered, you will or won’t need to stop at the weigh stations. In Pennsylvania, all agriculture vehicles, passenger or specialty vehicles towing large trailers, large recreational vehicles, and trucks are subject to inspection ad weigh station examinations.
What weight is required to stop at weigh stations in Maryland?
According to the FAQs on the Maryland Mdot website, “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.”.
What happens if the officer determines that the weight is unlawful?
If the officer determines that the weight is unlawful, the officer may require the driver to stop the vehicle in a suitable place until such portion of the load is removed as may be necessary to reduce the GVW to the permitted limit.
Do recreational vehicles have to be weighed in Maryland?
Another poster called the Maryland Department of Transportation and was told that the letter of the law stated that Recreational Vehicles are required to be weighed, but that the spirit of the law was for commercial vehicles only.
Where are weigh in motion plates installed?
For convenience and efficient processing, weigh-in-motion plates are sometimes installed into the roads near near weigh stations, and those plates can be triggered by a heavy RV. If triggered, a sign will usually flash to signal the truck driver “you” to pull over.
Which states require commercial vehicles to stop?
States that require only Commercial Vehicles, Agriculture Vehicles, or Trucks Vehicles to stop if their GVWR is 10,000 pounds or more. Alaska. Arizona * (RVs used in a commercial capacity must stop) Florida.
What is the law in Iowa that requires a driver to stop and submit to a weighing of the same?
Iowa. “Any peace officer having reason to believe that the weight of a vehicle and load is unlawful is authorized to require the driver to stop and submit to a weighing of the same by means of either portable or stationary scales and may require the vehicle to be driven to the nearest public scales.
Do RVs have to stop at weigh stations?
In most circumstances, RVs are not required to stop at weigh stations. Weigh stations are primarily concerned with the weight and safety of business cargo trucks, not private-use vehicles. However, each state has its own rules, and certain larger motorhomes, fifth wheels or a travel trailer that weigh over 10,000 pounds may be required to make ...
What do you need to know about RV weigh station protocol?
by Aaron Richardson. One of the great things about traveling in an RV is that anyone can do so with nothing more than a standard driver’s license. You can bring all of the comforts of home without any required classes or credentials, and you have the leisure of traveling according ...
What is a weigh station?
Weigh stations are primarily concerned with the weight and safety of business cargo trucks, not private-use vehicles. However, each state has its own rules, and certain larger motorhomes, fifth wheels or a travel trailer that weigh over 10,000 pounds may be required to make the stop. We’ve put together this guide on RV weigh station rules ...
Why were weigh stations put in place?
These repairs can be costly, so weigh stations were put in place to collect taxes to fund them.
Is there a call for alarm at a weigh station in Texas?
Texas. Being asked to pull into a weigh station can happen for a number of reasons and is no call for alarm. People travel across the country in RVs and trailers of all sizes on a regular basis, and as long as you are properly operating your vehicle with standard cargo, the stop should be quick and uncomplicated.
Can you weigh a RV?
Yes, you can pull into a weigh station and request to weigh your RV, though it may cost you a small fee to do so. Certified Automated Truck (CAT) scales large platform scales that will tell you exactly what the GVW of your RV is so that you know where you stand in regards to each state’s rules.
What is GVW in RV?
The Gross Vehicle Weight, or GVW, is the weight that weigh stations would be concerned with is the actual weight of your vehicle, including any cargo and people that are traveling in it. Although the exact gross vehicle weight of your RV may be difficult to determine without an actual scale, there are several other weight indicators ...
Do RVs have to be weighed?
Although it has been stated previously that RVs are not required to stop at weigh stations, some states may require large towable campers to be weighed and also be inspected. This is because some big 5th wheel campers and tiny houses may sometimes weigh more than 10,000 pounds.
Do you have to stop at a weigh station when towing an RV?
Well, the straight answer is no, a stop at a weigh station is not required when towing an RV. However, if you happen to be driving commercial vehicles that are hauling freight, you would need to stop at a weigh station. That said, the best way to be sure if you’re required to stop at weigh stations with your RV at any state in the US is to call ...
Do you need to weigh a trailer?
Although a weighing routine is not usually required for trailers, there may be a particular reason at that given time that the weighing is required. It could be due to the state of that particular stretch of road, and ignoring signs like this could cause you to end up with fines.
How much does a motorhome weigh?
Motorhomes that weigh over 10,000 pounds are usually class A motorhomes, but there are also some class C and even some class B motorhomes that weigh over 10,000 pounds. Although it has been stated previously that RVs are not required to stop at weigh stations, some states may require large towable campers to be weighed and also be inspected.
Why do you stop at weigh stations?
Stopping at weigh station are required by law for a couple of reasons. The number one reason is for safety. Some highway roads may have certain weight limitations which means they are only able to handle a certain amount of weight before they break down.
Is it unsafe to drive a car with a weight limit?
So, driving a vehicle with a weight that is above the weight limit of a road can make it become unsafe to drive. When you stop at a weigh station, they will sometimes check the weight of the vehicle as well as the gross vehicle weight that the vehicle is built to carry. If your vehicle happens to exceed any of this weight limit, ...
What happens if you exceed the weight limit at a weigh station?
If your vehicle happens to exceed any of this weight limit, you will be required to remove some weight off your vehicle before heading back out on the road.
Do RVs Have to Stop at Weigh Stations
As you begin traveling there may be questions that have come to the forefront of your mind such as, if you need to pull over at weigh stations. Some travelers have traveled for years and have never pulled into a weigh station and have never thought they had to. Whereas certain weigh station laws say otherwise but are often not strictly enforced.
Why Do Some RVs Have to Stop at Weigh Stations
The reason some heavier RVs, fifth wheels, or trailers are required to stop at weigh stations in some states is for safety concerns. Oftentimes, the roads in these states have a weight capacity that is not necessarily safe to drive on for heavier vehicles.
What States Require you to Stop at Weigh Stations
In 20 out of the 50 states if your gross combined weight exceeds 10,000 lbs, then you are required to stop. Many states have varying gross combined weight needs that require you to pull over. These include, but are not limited to, Arizona, North Dakota, Georgia, and more.
How Can I Keep My Rig Under the GCWR Weight
There are a few steps you can take to keep you from having to pull into the next weigh station.
Conclusion
When it comes to whether or not your rig needs to be weighed, every state seems to be different. Most likely, you will not need to pull over your rig to be weighed unless it is excessively huge and you have been told you should do so.
Do RVs Have to Stop at Weigh Stations?
Most states do not require privately-owned RVs to stop at weigh stations. If you operate a business out of your RV, the answer might be different.
What Are Weigh Stations For, Anyway?
Weigh stations check that large trucks aren’t overweight. It ensures that trucks are traveling safely and are compliant with state laws. Some highways have weight restrictions because they can only handle a certain amount of weight before breaking down.
What States Require You to Stop at Weigh Stations with Your RV?
There are states where a police officer can force anyone to pull off at a weigh station. These states include Alaska, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Maine, Mississippi, and Texas.
Are There Weight Limits That Exempt or Require You to Stop?
As mentioned above, the magic number seems to be 10,000 lbs. Knowing your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is essential, not just for bypassing weigh stations but for overall travel safety.
How to Find a Weigh Station Near You
Google or Apple maps will tell you the location of the nearest weigh station. You can also use a website called Coops Are Open to find weigh stations.
Can You Avoid Weigh Stations While Traveling in an RV?
The best way to avoid weigh stations is to pre-plan your route. You can take an alternate route if you look at your travel route ahead of time. However, the danger in doing this is traveling on roads that aren’t safe for your RV.
When in Doubt, Just Stop
If you have any doubt or have questions about weigh stations, don’t hesitate to call the local DMV office. It will save you time and reduce your anxiety just to have a clear answer.
Do I have to stop at weigh stations with an RV?
In most states, you do not have to stop at weigh stations with an RV. A weigh station is a chosen location that is usually located right next to the roads. Here the Department of Transportation verifies the weight of the vehicle. Its main objective is to be on the lookout for overweight vehicles that can cause damage on the roads.
The bottom line
If you are driving a larger vehicle and think you may need to stop at a weigh station, check the laws of the states you will be driving in. Most trucks come with their gross weight recorded on the side to give you an idea of how heavy a load they can handle.
Do Rvs Have to Stop at Weigh Stations?
Is The Law Really The Law?
- The AAA Digest of Motor Laws has answers about various oddities of the law while driving. There are specific state laws on weigh stations. But it appears that most states may look the other way when an RV comes rolling by. You can rest assured if your Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is less than 10,000 pounds, you will never be required to stop at a weigh station in the U…
State Specific Limits
- Colorado and Oregon’s weight limit states 26,000 pounds. If your RV or vehicle/RV combination exceeds that amount, a stop at the weigh station is necessary. An officer may require you to pull over at a weigh station or you may be directed by signage in Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming. These state…
I Really Have to Do this?
- Now with all this said, are you confused yet? Are you still asking yourself, do RVs need to stop at weigh stations? I certainly was so investigated further with some states to ensure what I was reading pertained to RVs. New Jersey law states, “New Jersey requires all vehicles that weigh 10,001 lbs. or more to weigh.” Louisiana law states, “The following vehicles must stop: (1) agricu…
Conclusion
- Hmmm, so do RVs have to stop at weigh stations? Well, despite their name, scales are not the only thing involved at weigh stations. Many weigh stations perform visual safety checks, such as checking tires and lug nuts to ensure the wheels are tight. Additionally, some inspectors will check a truck’s suspension and exterior lights. U.S. bridges have...