Weighing Trucks at the Weigh Station

Let’s see how a truck scale weigh station generally operates. In many states all across the United States, Weigh Stations are an important part of truck size and weight enforcement efforts. They help protect DOT investments in road and bridge infrastructure by identifying overweight violators. State DOT’s typically own and maintain multiple weigh stations around your state and usually the State Patrol, or some other related state agency, is responsible for their operation.

In addition to catching trucks that are overweight.  Another purpose of weigh stations is to increase highway safety by identifying defective vehicles and unqualified drivers. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles are weighed at the various weigh stations each year. For many years, the standard weigh station consisted of a small structure on each side of the interstate. Beside each structure was usually a couple of large truck scales. Depending on the number of vehicles that travel that particular road, some weigh stations might have many more truck scales on each side of the road.

In today’s modern world, some weigh stations even utilize weigh-in motion technology in addition to the stationary deck scale. As a truck goes by, usually there will be a lighting system and that will tell the truck which direction to go and if it gives them a green light to go to the by-pass lane. If it gives them a different signal, then they need to approach the actual truck scale. Then at that time, they will drive over the scales.

Many weigh stations have locations on each side of the road, so they are able weigh trucks going in each direction. Law enforcement usually watches as the trucks come through and are usually looking to see if there’s any weigh violations. Then after that they are also looking at the equipment to make sure a truck is in compliance with proper names on the side of the doors, DOT numbers, annual inspections that have been done on the equipment as well and making sure that everything is working as it should, as they drive over the scale.

If law enforcement find any violations, they will interact with the truck driver and collect some information. Then, sometimes the truck is pulled to the side and an inspection is conducted. DMV officers are not only looking for weight, but they are also looking for vehicle violations; such as headlights, flat tires and so on. Inspectors also look at permits, making sure that they’re in compliance within the State. Officers also monitor watching the traffic as it’s coming up to the scale. As it’s coming up to the scale, if it starts backing up where it’s backing up out onto the roadway, they can shut the scale down so they are not causing any issues on the road itself.

When a truck actually drives on the scale it usually goes something like this. You enter the lane where the scale is located. Now you need to wait for the truck ahead of you to clear the scale. The truck ahead of you is okay to go as the sign indicates. Now the sign says, pull on to scale or perhaps you see a green light. Now you will slowly drive on to the scale and the system will automatically position the driver to stop at the correct location. The sign usually says, stop or displays a red dot. The truck stops and the weight of the truck is examined. If everything is good, the driver will be given the green light from the inspector and allowed to drive off.

truck scales for weigh station

Weigh stations help to make the roads safe for all users. Weigh stations help accomplish this by creating a level playing field holding all trucking companies accountable for the same vehicle and driver regulations. And these inspection results, in turn, help trucking companies improve safety and performance. States must remain committed to providing facilities and equipment that easily and efficiently identify violators of size and weight requirements. Preserving and maintaining a states infrastructure as well as providing a safe roadway and bridge system is important for every state.

And finally, it’s important that states commitment continues regarding data collection and technology as well as investment in important weigh scale system. As many state leaders have seen, weigh stations are an important part of the overall truck size and weight compliance program. State DOT programs need to remain committed to working with partner agencies and other stakeholders in developing effective truck size and weight compliance strategies.

Central Carolina Scale, located in Sanford, North Carolina has provided truck scale sales and service for these types of scales for decades. The company understands that high quality weighing equipment is paramount when you are weighing the quantity of trucks often seen at a weigh station. For additional service or sales information, call (919) 776-7737 or visit the company website and complete the Request for Quote button.