It is inevitable for you to stop at a weighing station sometime during your journey. These weighing stations are a way for the Department of Transportation and the Department of Motor Vehicles to determine whether a truck is causing any sort of damage to the bridges or any roads.
This often comes off as an inconvenience to a commercial driver. However, these weighing stations are essential to maintain the safety of all the people and commercial vehicles on the road. This is why you mustn’t ignore these traffic control devices and adhere to them the best you can.
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What Happens at a Weigh Station?
When carrying heavy goods you need to keep an eye on all the signs on the road. For instance, you might see a sign on the side of the road that tells you about the distance you need to travel until the next exit.
Moreover, you also need to check for the speed requirements so you follow them and don’t speed. If a police officer pulls you over, you have to stop the car even if they are dealing with another one at the moment.
When Must Trucks Stop at a Weigh Station?
Truck drivers need to stop at weigh stations in order to make sure that they are abiding by weight regulations set by the NHTSA.
The weight stations will check the weight of the vehicle and during that, it is important for the driver to provide proof of insurance. The station will also review the number plates of the vehicle and if the weight is more than permitted then they will issue an overload of fines.
Loaded with cargo, overweight trucks are a hazard waiting to happen to the other drivers on the road and the truck drivers themselves. These trucks are not easy to keep in control when driving and under uncertain weather conditions, there is a high probability of these trucks toppling over. In these circumstances, the braking distance increases, and trucks may not be able to slow down the vehicle in the time they should.
Learn More: How a Ticket Can Affect Your CDL
Such a truck is more than likely to collide with other vehicles on the road. Because of the heavily laden cargo, the damage can be worse.
The weight station is usually located on the roadway and this is where officials measure vehicles such as cars and trucks. When these vehicles stop, they park the vehicle on a platform or stand so the station can easily measure their weight.
The entire purpose of the weighing station is to ensure that the roads are safe for everyone. The department ensures that the vehicle weight rating stays within weight limits. These weight inspection stations are often places where it is essential to maintain weight within limits.
What Are the Penalties for Failing to Stop at a Weigh Station in Illinois?
If you fail to stop at a weigh station then you might have to face many consequences. It is very important for you to not only stop your car but you need to submit the car and all its contents so the official can weigh it. The fine can go all the way up to $2,000.
It is best for you to avoid these penalties as much as you can as it is not exactly difficult to stop at a weigh station and get your vehicle weighed.
Here are some factors you need to keep in mind when stopping at a weigh station.
- It will not take up too much of your time and will only last for up to 30 minutes.
- When you spot a weigh station, you must look out for signs that illustrate whether the weigh station is open and if you are required to stop or not. Not all vehicles have to weigh themselves before they go through the exit.
Do You Have To Stop at a Weigh Station if Your Truck is Empty?
It is a very common question for motor truck drivers. It does not matter if your truck is loaded or not, you will have to wait to see if the checkpoint shows a green light before you can cross it. If the red light is on, you cannot cross the checkpoint even if your truck is empty.
If you do not stop, there are high chances for these checkpoints to have surveillance equipment that records images and these images can guarantee that you did not stop which can lead to a penalty. Therefore, it is not worth the risk to run through the checkpoint only to face a penalty later on.
Defending Against a Missed Weigh Station Ticket
If you have a CDL and are a valid driver then you will be held to a high standard, unlike other drivers.
In this case, if you receive a ticket for missing an inspection station then that can be problematic for your driving carer. The best thing to do is to avoid getting this ticket if in any case you still do, you need to try your best to defend the ticket. In that case, you will have to take help from an expert traffic attorney.
The attorney must have experience requirements so they are able to defend you in the best ways possible. They need to know all the motor carrier safety regulations and how you managed to go against them.
Do not risk your driving career by not hiring the right lawyer. If you want to get the best expert on your team, you can reach out to us. Give our Chicago traffic lawyers a call and we will connect you with the best we have! Our team will ensure that your ticket is defended and you get the best outcomes possible.
