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Does Rental Moving Box Truck Need to make a stop at a truck weigh station?

Moving trucks are helpful for local and cross-country relocations. Anyone looking to save money and complete a move on their schedule can reserve a moving rental truck. However, there are important rules and regulations when utilizing trucks and transporting cargo. Rental moving box trucks are subject to the same regulations as other commercial vehicles when stopping at weigh stations.

Who should rent a moving truck when moving?

If you're looking for ways to cut costs while moving, you may benefit from renting out a moving truck and handling the transportation of your belongings on your own. Homeowners, small business office owners, companies, and anyone needing a truck for moving and transporting short-term should consider renting a moving truck to complete their goals.

What exactly is a weigh station?

In the United States, weigh stations are facilities located along highways where commercial vehicles are required to stop and have their weight and dimensions measured. The purpose of weigh stations is to ensure that commercial vehicles operate safely and comply with weight and size limits.

Do moving trucks have to make a stop at weigh stations? 

Whether or not a rental moving box truck is required to make a stop at a truck weigh station depends on the size and weight of the truck, in addition to the type of belongings or goods being transported. Generally, vehicles over a certain weight or size limit or carrying certain types of cargo are required to make a stop at weigh stations.

What states require rental trucks to make a stop at weigh stations?

If you are operating a rental moving box truck and are unsure whether you must stop at a truck weigh station, you should check with the rental company or refer to your state's Department of Transportation for guidance.

Following all applicable laws and regulations when operating a commercial or rental vehicle is essential, including stopping at weigh stations as required. Here are the ordinances by the state requirements for weigh stations regulations:

Alabama – Not Required – A police officer may request for a box truck or any size trailer to be weighed.

Alaska - Required – Any truck 10k lbs. GVWR must stop for weighing.

Arizona – Required - Fees are based on gross weight are required for semitrailers and trailers that have a GVWR of 10k pounds or more, in addition to all commercial trailers and semitrailers.

Arkansas – Required – All vehicles, with a GVWR of 10k pounds or more (including single vehicles and those with cargo in tow).

California – Required – All daily moving rental and moving trucks of any company must stop. Pickup trucks do not have to stop, but those with a flatbed or utility bed must stop.

Colorado – Required – All motor vehicles with a GVWR over 26k pounds require a valid clearance.

Connecticut – Not required

Delaware – Not required

Florida – Required – All vehicles with a GVWR of 10k lbs or more, vehicles designed to transport more than ten passengers, and those used to transport hazardous materials must stop for clearance.

Georgia – Required – All passenger or specialty vehicles, whether single or with a trailer, that have a GVWR of 10k pounds or more must stop.

Hawaii – Required – Any and all trucks with 10k lbs. or more GVWR must stop.

Idaho – Required – Any and all trucks with 26k lbs. or more GVWR must stop.

Illinois – Required – Any and all trucks over 16k lbs. GVWR must stop.

Indiana – Required – Any and all trucks with a GVWR of 10k lbs. or more must stop.

Iowa – Required – Any vehicles that weigh over 10k lbs. must stop.

Kansas – Required – Registered trucks are required to make stops at weight stations and motor carrier stations when signs direct them.

Kentucky – Not required

Louisiana – Not required

Maine – Not required

Maryland – Required – All vehicles with a 10k lbs. or greater GVWR must stop.

Massachusetts – Not required

Michigan – Not required

Minnesota – Required- All vehicles with more than 10k lbs. GVWR must stop.

Mississippi – Not required

Missouri – Required – All vehicles with a GVWR of more than 18k lbs. must stop.

Montana – Required – Any vehicles with a GVWR of more than 26k lbs. must stop.

Nebraska – Required – Only trucks weighing over one ton must stop, and pickup trucks pulling a recreational trailer.

Nevada – Not required

New Hampshire – Not required

New Jersey – Required – Only trucks with a GVWR of more than 10k lbs. must stop.

New Mexico – Required – Only trucks with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more must stop.

New York – Required – Any vehicles with a GVWR of more than 10k lbs. must stop.

North Carolina – Required – All vehicles of more than a GVWR of 10k lbs. must stop.

North Dakota – Required – Any vehicles of more than a 10k lbs. GVWR must stops, except for in the case of recreational and personal use.

Ohio – Required – Any commercial vehicles weighing more than 10k lbs. are required to stop and cross the scales if the Ohio station is open.

Oklahoma – Not required

Oregon – Required – Vehicles with an excess of 10k lbs. in GVWR must stop.

Pennsylvania – Required – All agricultural vehicles when using public highways, passenger and specialty vehicles when towing large trailers, large recreational vehicles and all trucks must stop.

Rhode Island – Not required

South Carolina – Required – Only required upon request from the Department, and conducted with a portable or nearby stationary scale.

South Dakota – Required – All agricultural vehicles weighing more than 8k lbs. GVWR, trucks over 8,000 lbs., and drive-away operations of more than 8k lbs. are required to stop.

Tennessee- Not required

Texas – Not required

Utah – Not required

Vermont – Not required

Virginia – Required – Registered trucks must stop when GVWR exceeds 7.5k lbs.

Washington – Not required

West Virginia – Not required

Wisconsin – Required – All trucks with a GVWR over 10k lbs. must stop.

Wyoming – Required – Trucks must stop when instructed by a regulatory sign or when randomly selected by a police officer.

How do weigh stations work?

When you arrive at a weigh station, you can expect to be directed into a lane by traffic signals or signs. You will pull the vehicle onto a scale, typically a large platform with sensors that measure the vehicle's weight. If the vehicle's weight is within legal limits, you will be given the green light to proceed.

If the vehicle's weight exceeds legal limits, you will be given a red light and directed to a designated area for further inspection. This may involve unloading some of the cargo or making other adjustments to bring the vehicle's weight back within legal limits. Once the vehicle's weight is within legal limits, you will be given the green light to continue.

What is GVWR and what does it mean for my box truck rental?

GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. It is the maximum allowable weight of a vehicle, including the weight of the vehicle itself, passengers, fuel, and cargo. For a box truck rental, the GVWR is an essential factor because it determines the maximum weight the vehicle can safely carry. 

If the weight of the vehicle and its cargo exceed the GVWR, it can be unsafe to drive and may be illegal. When renting out a box truck, check the placard inside the driver's door or the vehicle's manual to ensure you stay within the payload and cargo limitations. 

How much do rental trucks weigh?

The weight of a rental truck can vary significantly depending on the size and model. Here are some common types of rental trucks:

  • Compact cargo van: 4,000-6,000 pounds

  • 12-foot moving truck: 7,000-8,000 pounds

  • 16-foot moving truck: 9,000-10k pounds

  • 24-foot moving truck: 14,000-16,000 pounds

 These estimates are regarding the empty trucks. In addition to the GVWR, you should also be aware of the vehicle's payload capacity, which is the amount of weight the vehicle can carry in addition to its weight.

Why do some trucks not stop at weigh stations?

It is illegal for drivers to bypass stations without stopping when necessary. However, there are some instances when stopping at a weigh station is not required. 

Here are a few reasons why some trucks do not stop at weigh stations: 

  • State and local ordinances do not require them to stop

  • The truck is traveling empty

  • The truck is equipped with AOBRD or ELD, which records weight in real-time

Drivers who do not stop at weigh stations when required can face fines and other penalties, so it's essential to be aware of state requirements and when you are required to take your truck to the weigh station for inspection.

Which vehicles need to make a stop at a truck weigh station?

The specific vehicles that are required to make a stop at a truck weigh station can vary depending on the location and the laws of the state in which the station is located. In general, however, the following types of vehicles are typically required to make a stop at weigh stations:

  • Commercial trucks: Most states require commercial trucks, including semi-trucks and large vehicles, to stop. This includes both trucks that are carrying cargo and those that are empty.

  • Buses: Buses used for commercial purposes, such as charter or school buses, are often required to make a stop at weigh stations.

  • Vehicles with a GVWR over a specific limit: Some states require vehicles with a GVWR over a particular limit to make a stop at weigh stations. 

  • Vehicles carrying certain types of cargo: In some cases, certain types of cargo, such as hazardous materials, may require a vehicle to make a stop at a truck weigh station for inspection.

It's important to note that the requirements for stopping at weigh stations can vary by state, and drivers should be familiar with the laws in the states through which they will be traveling. 

What happens if I don’t stop at a truck weigh station?

Failing to make a stop at a truck weigh station can result in fines and penalties since this is against the law. Penalties can vary from state to state. However, these consequences are generally what follows for breaking this law:

  • Fines: Drivers who do not stop at weigh stations when required to do so can be issued a citation and may be required to pay a fine.

  • Points on the driver's license: Some states may add points to a driver's license for failing to make a stop at a truck weigh station.

  • Vehicle impoundment: In some cases, a vehicle that fails to make a stop at a truck weigh station may be impounded by law enforcement until the driver can provide proof that they follow weight limits and other regulations.

  • Civil or criminal penalties: Depending on the circumstances, failing to make a stop at a truck weigh station could potentially result in civil or criminal penalties.

For truck renters, consequences can vary for skipping required weigh station screenings. Knowing your state and local ordinances is best once you are packed and ready to go. Inspect your truck and be sure you understand what's needed when driving from point A to point B.

How do you avoid truck weigh stations in a rental moving truck?

Weigh stations are an essential safety measure that helps to ensure that commercial vehicles are not overloaded and are fit to be on the road. Following the weigh station operator's instructions and stopping when required can help keep the streets safe and avoid potential legal consequences.

To avoid truck weigh station requirements, avoid overloading your vehicle and choose the right size for your rental truck. This can eliminate the need to make a stop at a truck weigh station if your vehicle does not meet requirements.

What if I’m still not sure whether or not I need to make a stop at a truck weigh station?

Knowing when and where you'll be required to make a stop at a truck weigh station. If you need more clarification, there are different ways to find out. Typically, you can start by checking your state's requirements and evaluating your rental truck's GVWR once it's ready.

If you are not sure whether you need to make a stop at a truck weigh station, you can try the following:

  1. Check the laws of the state in which you are driving

  2. Check the placard on the inside of the driver's door or the owner's manual

  3. Check the signs at the weigh station

  4. Ask the weigh station operator

If you ever need more clarification or clarification, be sure to use your state's resources and plan your route. You'll likely be able to find areas where a weigh station is required if your truck rental is legally obligated to be inspected.

Traveling with a rental truck is helpful for different reasons, such as convenience. However, all trucks must maintain a safety weight when on the road. If you're traveling with your rental truck, check your state's requirements for weigh station check-ins to avoid consequences and interruptions to your relocation.