When travelling with a travel trailer, do you have to stop at weigh stations? This is a question that a lot of people have, and the answer is not always clear.
In this blog post, we will take a look at what the law says about travel trailers and weigh stations, and help you figure out what you need to do when travelling with your RV.
Do Travel Trailers/Campers have to Stop at Weigh Stations?
The answer is no, travel trailers/campers do not have to stop at weigh stations. The only time a vehicle needs to stop at a weigh station is if it has commercial plates or the driver is hauling hazardous materials. Travel trailers and campers are considered recreational vehicles (RVs) and therefore don’t need to stop.
In California, for example, any vehicle that is towed by a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less is required to stop at weigh stations.
So, if you are pulling a travel trailer with a GVWR of 9,000 pounds or less, you will need to stop at weigh stations in California.
Other states have similar laws, so it is always best to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see if there are any specific laws about travel trailers and weigh stations in your state.
Any exceptions for travel trailers when it comes to weigh stations?
There are a few exceptions for travel trailers when it comes to weigh stations.
In some states, travel trailers that are being pulled by a passenger vehicle are not required to stop at weigh stations.
And in other states, only certain types of travel trailers are required to stop, such as those that are carrying hazardous materials.
If you are unsure about the laws in your state, you can check with your local DMV or the Department of Transportation (DOT).
As a general rule, though, it is always best to stop at a weigh station when required.
Weigh stations are important places to stop while driving on the highway with a travel trailer. Weigh stations help ensure that vehicles are not overweight, which can cause damage to the road and be dangerous for other drivers.
Most states have laws that require vehicles pulling trailers to stop at weigh stations, but there are some exceptions. In some states, only certain types of travel trailers are required to stop, such as those carrying hazardous materials.
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What if my travel trailer is over 10,000 pounds?
If your travel trailer has a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds, you are not required to stop at weigh stations in most states. However, you may be required to stop if your vehicle and trailer combination weighs more than the posted weight limit for the road you are travelling on.
For example, if you are pulling a travel trailer that has a GVWR of 11,000 pounds, and you are travelling on a road with a posted weight limit of 10,000 pounds, you would be required to stop at weigh stations.
If you are unsure about the weight limit for the road you will be travelling on, you can check with your local DMV or the Department of Transportation (DOT) in your state.
What if I am not sure if my travel trailer is over 10,000 pounds?
If you are not sure whether or not your travel trailer is over 10,000 pounds, it is always best to err on the side of caution and stop at weigh stations.
Most states have signs posted at weigh stations that tell you what types of vehicles are required to stop, so if you are not sure whether or not your vehicle falls into that category, you can always ask a staff member.
Can I get in trouble if I don’t stop at a weigh station?
If you are required to stop at a weigh station and you do not, you can be fined. The amount of the fine will vary from state to state, but it is usually around $100.
In some states, you may also be required to pay a penalty if your vehicle is overweight. The amount of the penalty will depend on how much over the weight limit you are, and it can be quite expensive.
In California, for example, the penalty for a vehicle that is 1-5 per cent overweight is $100, and the penalty for a vehicle that is 6-10 percent overweight is $200.
So, if you are pulling a travel trailer that is 11,000 pounds and you are on a road with a posted weight limit of 10,000 pounds, you could be fined $100 for not stopping at a weigh station and an additional $200 for being overweight.
The best way to avoid getting in trouble is to always make sure you know the laws about travel trailers and weigh stations in the state you are travelling in, and to make sure you stop at weigh stations when required.
How much does a typical weigh station cost to use?
Most weigh stations will charge a small fee to use their scales. The amount of the fee will vary from state to state, but it is usually around $5.
In some states, the fee may be higher if your vehicle is over a certain weight limit. For example, in California, the fee for a vehicle that is over 10,000 pounds is $10.
Final Words:-
The first thing you need to know is that, in general, travel trailers are not required to stop at weigh stations. However, some states have specific laws about travel trailers and weigh stations. There are a few states where travel trailers and campers don’t have to stop, but most states require them to be weighed.
If you are unsure about the weight of your travel trailer, you can always have it weighed at a truck stop or rest area.
Most truck stops and rest areas have scales that you can use for a small fee, and they will usually give you a printout of the weight of your vehicle and trailer.
This can be helpful if you are not sure whether or not your vehicle is over the weight limit for the road you are travelling on.
It is also a good idea to weigh your travel trailer before you leave on your trip, so you can make sure you are not overweight when you start. And it’s best to check with the Department of Transportation in your state to find out what the requirements are.