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Do rental trucks have to stop at weigh stations?
Feb 26, 2021
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It depends. Find out the details for your move
There are a lot of things to be aware of when driving a moving truck, but one of the most important is knowing that you may have to stop at weigh stations along the way. Because overly heavy vehicles can damage roads and are dangerous to other drivers, the law requires all commercial vehicles stop to be weighed. And rental trucks are sometimes considered commercial vehicles. If you're planning to drive across the country in a moving truck, we’ve got the information you need for each state on your route.
Which states require rental trucks to stop at weigh stations?
Here is each state’s most recent answer to whether rental trucks need to stop at weigh stations:
| Alabama | Yes |
|---|---|
| Alaska | No |
| Arizona | No |
| Arkansas | No |
| California | Yes, and at all agricultural stations |
| Colorado | No |
| Connecticut | Yes |
| Delaware | Only if the truck exceeds 10,500 lbs |
| Florida | Yes, and at all agricultural stations |
| Georgia | Only if the truck exceeds 10,000 lbs |
| Hawaii | No |
| Idaho | Only if the truck exceeds 26,000 lbs |
| Illinois | Only if the truck exceeds 16,000 lbs |
| Indiana | No |
| Iowa | Only if the truck exceeds 10,000 lbs |
| Kansas | Only if the truck exceeds 10,000 lbs |
| Kentucky | No |
| Louisiana | No |
| Maine | No |
| Maryland | Only if the truck exceeds 10,000 lbs |
| Massachusetts | According to the Massachusetts state police, "We do not use weigh stations. Our truck team pulls over commercial vehicles on an as-needed basis." |
| Michigan | Yes |
| Minnesota | Only if the truck exceeds 10,000 lbs |
| Mississippi | No |
| Missouri | Only if the truck exceeds 18,000 lbs |
| Montana | No |
| Nebraska | Yes |
| Nevada | No |
| New Hampshire | Only if the truck exceeds 10,000 lbs |
| New Jersey | No |
| New Mexico | No |
| New York | No |
| North Carolina | Only if the truck exceeds 10,001 lbs |
| North Dakota | Only if the truck exceeds 10,001 lbs |
| Ohio | No |
| Oklahoma | No |
| Oregon | Only if the truck exceeds 20,000 lbs |
| Pennsylvania | Yes |
| Rhode Island | No |
| South Carolina | No |
| South Dakota | No |
| Tennessee | No |
| Texas | No |
| Utah | Yes |
| Vermont | Yes |
| Virginia | Only if the truck exceeds 10,000 lbs |
| Washington | Only if the truck exceeds 16,000 lbs |
| West Virginia | No |
| Wisconsin | Only if the truck exceeds 10,000 lbs. |
| Wyoming | No |
If you’re in doubt or are worried laws may have changed, it’s best to stop. You’ll be waved through if it’s not needed. Note that in states where it’s required, you’ll need to stop at every open weigh station.
What to do when pulling over at a weigh station
- Watch for signs and instructions indicating that a weigh station is open, then obey lane directions as you approach.
- Slow down to the posted speed limit and keep a safe distance from other trucks.
- Comply with all directions given by an officer.
- Tell them you're transporting household goods.
- Wait for instructions. You might be waved through or stopped for questioning or inspection, then you can merge back onto the highway and continue your drive.
What happens if I don't stop?
The penalties vary by state, but you could be pulled over and face fines or tickets.
How to move without worrying about weigh stations
If you don’t want to worry about following the guidelines for weigh stations or taking extra time to make all of those stops, U-Pack® is the perfect solution. We bring the moving equipment to you, you pack and load, and we deliver it right to your new home. Prices are comparable to truck rental, and you don’t have to drive.
Learn more about what makes U-Pack a better option than rental trucks, and then get a free moving quote to compare. If you have any questions, call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 or leave a comment below.
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