do all truck and trailers have to pull into weigh stations in illinois

Nowadays, weigh stations enforce safety regulations. However, systems have been put in place so that is no longer the main job of a weigh station. Weigh stations were originally built as a way to collect taxes for road use because heavier trucks would cause more damage to roads. Because there are some variations between states, make sure to do your research when planning your trip to know for sure if you need to stop. Who needs to stop at vehicle weigh stations?įor most states, only commercial vehicles that are over 10,000 pounds in gross weight need to stop at vehicle weigh stations. DOT can perform a visual inspection, which can be different levels ranging anywhere from level one (the most thorough) to level six (the most basic). That means that the two things that a weigh station checks for is the gross (total) weight of the truck and a safety inspection of both the truck and the trailer. For some states this weight can be higher, but the rule is the same - all commercial trucks should stop at every weigh station when they are open.Ī weigh station acts as a checkpoint for weight restriction and safety inspections. Most states have requirements that any truck that weighs 10,000 pounds or more has to stop at any, and all, weigh stations. We’ve put together an in-depth guide to help you learn more about DOT vehicle weigh stations, why they exist, and their significance for truck drivers.ĭo truck drivers have to stop at every weigh station? You never had to worry about them before, but for a truck driver, they are important landmarks on their drives and are more than just something to ignore. The scales are sometimes open and have a long line of trucks waiting outside, but other times the scales are closed and no one is there. If you’re driving your family’s car or truck, you see weigh stations any time you cross state lines.

Do all truck and trailers have to pull into weigh stations in illinois