Weigh Station Protocol for RVs
You’re cruising your RV down the vacation highway while enjoying the scenic views. Up ahead, you see an upcoming weigh station. The thought pops through your head: Do RVs need to stop at weigh stations?
When driving a large motorhome, it is easy to assume that you might fall under the same regulations as the commercial trucks barrelling alongside you down the highway. In today’s guide, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know about RVs and weigh stations, covering the most frequently asked questions about these roadside checkpoints.
Do RVs Need to Stop at Weigh Stations?
The most common question RV owners have in regards to weigh stations is whether or not they are required to stop at them or not.
In almost every case, the answer is no. To begin with, if your Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is less than 10,000 pounds, there is no reason to stop at a weigh station. These stations exist to regulate vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds. In some states, the weight limit is higher.
Additionally, weigh stations are meant to be used by commercially owned and operated vehicles only in most states. If you use your RV for leisure, weigh stations aren’t generally designed for you. However, in some states, the area becomes grayer if you use your RV for business. If you run a business out of your RV, it is worth checking with the state you plan to visit before your trip to validate whether or not you are required to stop.
Additionally, there are certain states where RVs may be required to stop if they weigh more than 10,000 pounds, including Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island, Washington (State), and Wisconsin.
Therefore, if you have an RV weighing less than 10,000 pounds, keep cruising down the highway. But if you decide to pull into a weigh station, follow the attendant’s instructions. Often, they will let you know that you do not need to weigh in and that you are not required to stop at any further checkpoints along the way.
Another exception would be if a cop is pulling you over into a weigh station. In Alaska, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Maine, Mississippi, and Texas, a cop is allowed to pull anyone into a weigh station. If this happens, don’t panic. Simply pull into the station and wait for the cop to approach your RV. In most cases, being pulled over into a weigh station will have nothing to do with the weight of your RV but will instead be related to a safety concern or speeding violation.
Can I Use a Weigh Station to Weigh My RV?
If you aren’t certain about the weight of your RV, you might view weigh stations as an opportunity to find out what your motorhome weighs. However, weigh stations are not meant to act as a means for weighing your personal vehicle, motorhomes included. They are intended for commercial use only. For this reason, you should not pull into a weigh station simply to determine your RV’s weight.
Instead, search for a CAT Scale. These scales are often located at truck stops along the highway and will provide you with a reliable, accurate, and certified weight for a small fee. Weighing your RV is beneficial for many reasons. Knowing how much your RV weighs will help ensure that you never drive it on roadways or bridges with weight limits that it exceeds.
Typically, at the time of purchase, you are given the weight. But it’s important to consider all the weight you have added since then. Weighing it again at a certified scale will ensure that you have an accurate number on hand.
What is the Purpose of Weigh Stations?
Our country’s highways take a beating every day when large vehicles put excess strain on the pavement. Because heavy vehicles do more damage to the road than a small compact car, many states tax these large vehicles differently to help pay for repairs and maintenance. However, these taxes apply to the commercial use of large vehicles, not consumer use.
Additionally, weigh stations exist to ensure that semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles obey state-specific regulations. Many states specify the allowed weight of a vehicle on certain roads. A weigh station will indicate whether or not a truck was overfilled to the point of surpassing regulated amounts.
What If I Am Asked to Pull Into a Weigh Station?
In the rare case that you are asked to pull into a weigh station, simply follow the instructions of the officer or weigh station attendants. Unless otherwise specified, remain in your vehicle and be prepared to provide your driver’s license and proof of insurance.
Find Your Next RV
One of the benefits of owning an RV is that these motorhomes can be designed to feature all the luxuries of a home. So, even if you choose a large Class A motorhome, these recreational vehicles will most likely never include the hassle of stopping into a weigh station. From large coach motorhomes to their smaller Class B cousins, you can find an RV that matches your specific wants.
If you are looking for your next RV, find a Transwest location near you. We carry a wide selection of RVs and will be happy to help you learn more about the weight of a specific RV and any specialized regulations the RV falls under. Stop in today to purchase a new or used RV.
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