Weigh Station
A weigh station is a roadside facility operated by state departments of transportation where commercial vehicles are required to stop for weight and safety inspection. They verify that trucks comply with federal and state axle weight limits and safety regulations.
In Depth
Weigh stations check gross vehicle weight, axle weight distribution, and in some cases, perform safety inspections (Level 1–6 DOT inspections). Trucks exceeding posted weight limits can be fined and required to offload freight before proceeding.
Most weigh stations now use weigh-in-motion (WIM) technology that weighs trucks as they drive through at highway speed. Trucks within weight limits typically get a green light and can bypass the scale. Those that trigger a concern are directed to pull over for static weighing.
PreClearance programs like PrePass and Drivewyze use transponders to allow compliant trucks to bypass weigh stations, saving 5–15 minutes per station. These programs are worth subscribing to for drivers who run high-traffic corridors.
Usage Example
Example: 'I rolled through the weigh station and my PrePass transponder flashed green — I bypassed without stopping and saved 10 minutes.'
Related Terms
Scale Ticket
A scale ticket is a printed receipt from a certified commercial scale showing the date, time, truck identification, and recorded gross and axle weights. Scale tickets are used to document legal compliance with weight limits before entering a weigh station.
Axle Weight
Axle weight is the total load transmitted to the road through a single axle or tandem axle group. Federal law limits single axles to 20,000 lbs and tandem axles to 34,000 lbs, and states may impose stricter limits.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum safe operating weight of a single vehicle as specified by the manufacturer, including the vehicle itself and its maximum cargo load. For combination vehicles (truck + trailer), the combined GVWR is called the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).
Oversize/Overweight Permit
An oversize or overweight (OS/OW) permit is a state-issued authorization that allows a vehicle to operate above standard size or weight limits. Permits are required when loads exceed 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet tall, 53 feet long, or 80,000 lbs gross.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bypass a weigh station?
With PrePass or Drivewyze transponders, compliant trucks receive a green bypass signal. Without a transponder, most states require all CMVs to pull in.