Interstate weigh stations

[Pete'sMH]

So driving across Illinois this week I noticed that the truck weigh stations have signage requiring that “all trucks over 8 tons must weigh”. My rig is well over 8 tons and one supposes it’s technically a truck. Now I’m pretty new at this but I’ve never even considered the possibility that perhaps that includes me. And I’ve never noticed any other RV ever stopping. Am I correct that we apparently can ignore this traveling chore? And though I’m glad, why WOULDN’T it include us?

[JamieGeek]

We are non-commercial traffic for one thing.

[airforceret]

You're considered an RV or Recreational Vehicle. Typically you would not be required to stop at weigh stations unless signage specifically states RVs. Port of Entry is different and may require you to stop.

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

We are non-commercial traffic for one thing.

Works for me. Thanks!

[wayneroe]

As I entered New Mexico last week on Interstate 40, a sign listed all vehicles that had to stop at the inbound inspection station. They had one lane for cars, another fors all trucks and all towing vehicles. Since I was towing my SUV, I got in that lane. When I got to the agent working that lane, she said, "If it is your personal vehicle, you don't need to stop. If you are hauling for someone else or are commercial you do."

[Greg84]

Originally Posted by wayneroe

As I entered New Mexico last week on Interstate 40, a sign listed all vehicles that had to stop at the inbound inspection station. They had one lane for cars, another fors all trucks and all towing vehicles. Since I was towing my SUV, I got in that lane. When I got to the agent working that lane, she said, "If it is your personal vehicle, you don't need to stop. If you are hauling for someone else or are commercial you do."

We drove though NM last month while driving the car on I-25. Saw the same signs and wondered. I would’ve pulled in like you did. Good to know I don’t have to with the RV, thanks for the info.

[sage]

Here's the other side of the question though: If you pull into a weigh station will they weigh your rig? Or tell you to get lost? Has anyone tried this?

[Blackjeepjk]

Originally Posted by sage

Here's the other side of the question though: If you pull into a weigh station will they weigh your rig? Or tell you to get lost? Has anyone tried this?

All the scales I have crossed while driving commercial have just been a rolling scale weight with a red or green light. Your weight is typically not given to you unless you get flagged and have to make the walk to the office, so it's really wouldn't give you any benefit.

[mcr1010]

You could tell them that you just stopped by to get a weight on your rig. But, that may not fly well with them.

[JamieGeek]

You could also just stop at any Cat Scale and pay the $15--they are all over the place (probably more of them than the law scales).

[blw2]

in the mid to late 90's I used to occasionally pull around a mobile test lab for qwork occasionally.... A goosneck trailer behind a dually truck. I forget how much it weighed, but it was about the size of what is now a mid-sized 5th wheel camper.

Anyway, since it was commercial, I'd routinely pull through the scales rather than to risk a ding on my personal license. 99% of the time I'd get annoyed looks and wave through. the other 1% would just be a wave through.

Back in those days, some of the older scales, usually on US highways and not the ones on the interstates, would have a digital readout facing the window so that you could see your weight. I believe they would even be "on" when the scale was "closed" and not manned.

Anyway I've often wondered if any modern scales have that.

I'd say, that if there's no truck traffic the worst they would do is to say no. I wouldn't try it if they were busy at all....