Weigh stations and TT's

[Javi]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

But in calif. pick up trucks are registered as commercial vehicles, and pay weight fees. It may be confusing to someone who doesn't live in Ca. I just finished paying over $100.00 in weight fees last month, and I have "commercial" plates.

Same issue with DL here in Texas... folks just refuse to comprehend.

Javi

[Bolo4u]

Originally Posted by spdracr39

The key word is commercial. If you are not selling or hauling things to make money with your rv you are not required to stop because you are not a commercial vehicle.

I'm guessing you haven't read my earlier posts... In California a Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Ford F150, Chevy Silverado/2500, Ram 3500, even a taxi cab, are registered as commercial vehicles. it has nothing to do with being used in a commercial manner or commerce. It has to do with weight fees (for pickups). You can drive your Ram 2500 to the store and back once a week for your weekly purchase of one banana and your pickup is registered as a commercial vehicle.

The exception to a pickup NOT being required to be registered commercial is with a PM (permanent mount camper shell), because in theory you can't effectively use it to carry heavy cargo (similar to an SUV, which have passenger vehicle plates). Now for larger (heavier) pickups (F350/Ram 3500 or any pickup with a GVWR of 11500 and over, or any truck being operated at 10001 or more) they are REQUIRED to declare their weight (pay additional fees and get the little CVRA sticker), based on what you will anticipate carrying/towing, as these vehicles are now considered motor carriers. Conversely, on smaller pickups, if you have a utility body or flatbed on smaller pickups, then you are under different rules as well, (but thats really getting into the weeds).

Now, lets say you fail or refuse to declare your weight... guess what, you can have enforcement action taken which can include significant fines and back penalties. So yes you are required to declare your weight on the larger trucks. Now, once you declare your weight you are LEGALLY obligated to stop at a scale facility. If you don't you ~can~ absolutely have enforcement action taken, and may need to return to the scale facility, however, it is unlikely if you drive by the scale as you wave, they will come after you. Just understand the possibility is definitely out there. Yes, its clear as mud...

[chuckster57]

Well said....AGAIN

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by BethH

Had to laugh!! I grew up in California and drove an El Camino in the late 70's it had a commercial plate and I still remember what it was 1C66675.


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Me, too. Had a '70 in 1974-75 and a '74 in 1977. I now have a '72...finally without commercial plates.

Mine weren't "666" even though appropriate for that state.

[GMcKenzie]

So, to change the focus a little, how many use the scales when closed to check their weights?

I try but a couple around here don't have the weight reading where you can read it. It's inside the building where only the scale staff can see it. Annoying.

[Frank G]

Originally Posted by GMcKenzie

So, to change the focus a little, how many use the scales when closed to check their weights?

I try but a couple around here don't have the weight reading where you can read it. It's inside the building where only the scale staff can see it. Annoying.

Not quite the same, but we use the local grain elevator, we offer but never a charge as long as an official weigh slip is not involved. There are a lot of places that don't advertise that will weigh you.

[BuxCamper]

There is a stone quarry near me that leaves the scale on all the time.

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[GMcKenzie]

We used to have a courtesy highways scale in the middle of town, but highway changes took it away. Was nice as it was 3 minutes away, usually wasn't busy and you could spend time there getting things set up nice. Now I just use a tape measure.

[Bolo4u]

The two different scales I have used for personal reasons (a CAT scale and an independent local scale) each have a certified weight and non-certified weight. Both will get you a weight receipt but the certified is for legal use i.e. contesting some enforcement action or other legal purpose.


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[Ken / Claudia]

Here in the old days. When the DOT scales were closed they had had a readout sitting on top of the desk. They rotated that device so, when closed you could pull up and stop someone had to go to shack to see the weight displayed thru the window. Might double check that possibility. Now all display weight is seen from a overhead lit display for the drivers when open or closed. While on the scale the driver looks out the windshield foreword and right about 15 ft above ground.