Written by: Kate Becker
Date:

If you are preparing for a huge adventure that is a relocation process, and you opted for a DIY move, you’ll probably need a rental moving truck. Aside from short local moves, going over any long distances without a professional truck designed for relocation purposes would be near impossible to do. But, relocation with a rental truck is more than just loading it and driving it from point A to point B. One of the things this trip would include is potential weigh station stops. And that’s what we’re here to discuss today. Even though Verified Movers reviews specialize in matching you with moving professionals from all over the USA, which we would be more than happy to do for you if you change your mind, we also want to help you successfully move by yourself if that’s your choice. So, let’s see whether your moving truck would need to stop at a weigh station or not.

What is a weigh station?

If you’re moving for the first time with a truck, you may not even know what weigh stations are and what’s their purpose. So, we’ll start from scratch here. As we said, besides loading a truck properly and driving it to your destination, there are a few more things to learn about these trips, and weigh stations are one of those things. But, what exactly are they? Weigh stations are the checkpoints located right off the highway. At weigh stations, your vehicle is subject to inspections due to safety reasons. So, upon stopping there, the representative from either the Department of Transportation of that respective state or from that state’s highway patrol would check on your vehicle to see if everything is in compliance with laws and regulations.

A highway in the forest with a few cars on the road
Weigh stations are located right off the highway.

The importance of weigh stations

We mentioned safety concerns as the reason your truck would be subject to an inspection, and this is precisely why we need weigh stations. They are here to make sure that the vehicle doesn’t present a danger to the road and other vehicles. It needs to be perfectly suitable for long distances trips. The main thing that representatives at the weigh stations are checking is whether the truck is overweight. While the weight of the truck may sound irrelevant to you at first, it is actually very important.

Overweight trucks could severely damage the road. Bridges especially would be at severe risk of overweight trucks passing on them all the time. Weight limits are simply there for a reason, and this is something that every carrier and every individual with a truck has to comply with. While some of this is regulated by the FMCSA rules, which is the agency that, along with the US Department of Transportation, regulates commercial carriers on the interstate level, each state has its own laws to follow as well. So, you really ought to get to know these regulations before hitting the road. Now that you know what exactly is a weigh station and which purposes it serves, it’s time to see if your vehicle will be subject to stopping there.

A slightly cracked road
If there weren’t for weigh stations, roads would be at a much bigger risk of damage due to overweight trucks.

So, does your moving truck need to take a weigh station stop?

The truth is, it depends. It depends on the states you’re moving across, as every state has its own regulations. Some states don’t require stops at all, and some do, depending on the size of the moving truck among many things. Even if you’re moving within the borders of one state, if your state requires you to make a stop at a weigh station, you’ll have to do it. For example, commercial vehicles have to make a stop in almost every state. However, rental trucks count as non-commercial, so the typical threshold is a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs.

State-by-state guide for weigh station stops

We want to give you as much precise information as we can. This wouldn’t be possible without mentioning every state along with their requirements (or mentioning if they don’t require stops), so this is exactly why we decided to take a state-by-state approach and show you what you can expect.

A chart saying: Alabama – no stops, but a representative or an officer may ask for weighing a truck Alaska – stop required for all trucks over 10,000 lbs. Arizona – stop required for all trucks over 10,000 lbs., as well as all commercial trailers Arkansas – stop required for all agricultural vehicles, passenger and commercial vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. and above California – stop required for every rental moving truck Colorado – stop required for all motor vehicles with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or more Connecticut – no stops required Delaware – no stops required Florida – stop required, but only for commercial vehicles heavier than 10,000 lbs. along with vehicles that are carrying agricultural products Georgia – stop required for all vehicles that have a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or more Hawaii – stop required for trucks with over 10,000 lbs. GVWR Idaho - stop required for trucks with over 26,000 lbs. GVWR Illinois - stop required for trucks with over 16,000 lbs. GVWR Indiana - stop required for trucks with over 10,000 lbs. GVWR Iowa - stop required for trucks with over 10,000 lbs. GVWR Kansas – stop required for all vehicles that are registered as trucks, regardless of their weight Kentucky – no stops required Louisiana – no stops required Maine – no stops required Maryland - stop required for all vehicles with over 10,000 lbs. GVWR Massachusetts – no stops required Michigan – no stops required Minnesota - stop required for all vehicles with over 10,000 lbs. GVWR Mississippi – no stops required Missouri - stop required for all vehicles with over 18,000 lbs. GVWR Montana - stop required for all vehicles with over 26,000 lbs. GVWR Nebraska – stop required for trucks weighing over 1 ton, unless it’s a pickup truck that’s pulling a recreational trailer Nevada – no stops required New Hampshire – no stops required New Jersey – stop required for trucks with a GVWR greater than 10.000 lbs. New Mexico – stop required for trucks that have a GWVR of 26,001 lbs. or more New York - stop required for all vehicles with over 10,000 lbs. GVWR North Carolina - stop required for all vehicles with over 10,000 lbs. GVWR North Dakota - stop required for all vehicles with over 10,000 lbs. GVWR unless for recreational vehicles that are being used for either recreational or personal purposes Ohio – stop required for all commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs. GVWR Oklahoma – no stops required Oregon - stop required for all vehicles with over 10,000 lbs. GVWR Pennsylvania – stop required for all trucks, large recreational vehicles, vehicles towing trailers, and agricultural vehicles regardless of their weight Rhode Island – no stops required South Carolina – stops are required only if the SC Department of Transportation has a reason to believe that the weight of a vehicle is not in completion with laws South Dakota – stops are required for all trucks with a GVWR of over 8,000 lbs., as well as for all drive-away operations and agricultural vehicles that exceed the aforementioned weight. Tennessee – no stops required Texas – no stops required Utah – no stops required Vermont – no stops required Virginia - stop required for all trucks with a weight that exceeds 7,500 lbs. Washington – no stops required West Virginia – no stops required Wisconsin - stop required for all trucks with over 10,000 lbs. GVWR Wyoming – stops are required only if the driver is instructed to do so by a police officer or a regulatory sign

What to do exactly once you start approaching the weigh station?

You’re probably interested in how the whole process of stopping at a weigh station works. While we understand you’re curious, there’s really not too much to tell. The most important thing is to follow all the instructions. By this, we mean literally all, from road signs, following speed guidelines, stopping at a designated spot, and listening to all the instructions that the officer, or any representative, gives you. We’d also recommend you emphasize that you’re transporting household goods. This may lead to you being simply waived through.

In the case that doesn’t happen, and you are stopped for inspection, patiently wait for all the guidelines and answer all the questions. Since there are thousands of vehicles passing on US highways on a daily basis, this is just a routine procedure and it’s really not worth stressing about. Also, keep in mind that you won’t waste too much of your time by stopping at weigh station, since the process usually lasts less than 30 minutes. As long as you carefully follow all the guidelines, the whole thing will be completed in the blink of an eye and without any hiccups. Also, if you want to get more familiar with the regulations regarding interstate transport, you can check for FMCSA updates and you’ll certainly learn an important thing or two.

What happens if I decide not to stop at a weigh station?

Well, you wouldn’t be the first person to think of avoiding a weigh station. However, if you don’t feel like stopping, there are ways to avoid them. For example, you could do this by taking alternative, although usually longer, routes. Or, of course, you could just hire a professional moving team and avoid this process altogether. However, once you have decided to go on a DIY move with a rental moving truck, if you’re not up for alternative routes, make sure to comply with the rules, as they are there for good reasons.

An officer writing a ticket to a person for not stopping at a weight station.
If you don’t stop at a weigh station, you will probably get fined.

In fact, if you don’t stop at a weigh station, you’re facing hefty fines. It’s hard to give an exact number because, once again, every state has its own rules. However, one thing is sure. If you’re caught, and there are several ways you can be, most notably due to roadside cameras, you’ll definitely get a ticket. On average, it is a $300 fine, but it could be more or less depending on the state. Remember, there are many DIY moving mistakes to avoid, but this is most definitely one of the most important ones.

Don’t feel like dealing with weigh stations? Hire professionals and enjoy an effortless move

Now that you know everything about the weigh stations, you’ve probably realized that it’s not as complicated as it sounds. However, when you accumulate this with dozens of other relocation tasks you have to take on, it may simply be too much for some people. That’s perfectly understandable and the main reason why so many people decide to move with professionals. Organizing a DIY move is a real challenge, and hiring professional movers could help you avoid that. Once you ask reputable movers for assistance, you can expect a safe relocation, which is first and foremost. And also, your move will likely be quick, and without any hassle. Moving experts are there to help you avoid all the heavy tasks, and transport is certainly one of them.

Plan and analyze your moving route carefully, and you won’t have any issues with weigh station stops

We’ve slowly reached the end of this article. Weigh station stops may seem like an unnecessary burden at first, but they are really important for the safety of our roads. That’s why you should follow all the rules of the states you’re passing through and respond to the instructions given by the departments of transportation. Just plan your route carefully, as it will help you understand where exactly your moving trucks need to stop, and everything will be fine. Sooner rather than later, you’ll reach your destination, and all the relocation challenges will be behind you. Once that happens, you’ll reap the benefits of the move and start enjoying your new life chapter.