Weigh Station Protocol for RVs

Picture this: You’re cruising your RV down the vacation highway, bopping to your favorite road trip playlist while taking in the scenic views around you, when just ahead, you spot an upcoming weigh station. The thought pops through your head: Do I need to stop my RV at weigh stations?

When driving a large motorhome, it’s probably easy to assume that you might fall under the same regulations as the commercial trucks barrelling alongside you down the highway. But that might not actually be the case! 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 actually, surprisingly…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. Keep in mind that in some states, the weight limit is even higher, making it even less likely you’ll need to stop in your RV.

Additionally, weigh stations are meant to be used only by commercially owned and operated vehicles in most states. Since you most likely use your RV for leisure, weigh stations aren’t typically designed for you. However, in some states, the area becomes grayer if you use your RV for business. If you run your business out of your RV, it is certainly worth checking with the state you plan to visit before your trip to validate whether or not you are required to stop at weigh stations.

Certain states also require RVs 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, you can keep on cruising down the highway, no matter where you are. But if you decide to pull into a weigh station, make sure that you 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 is if a police officer 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, police officers are 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 due to an unrelated 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 exactly how much your motorhome weighs. However, weigh stations are not meant to act as a means for weighing your personal vehicle, including motorhomes. 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. Often located at truck stops along the highway, these scales are intended to 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, when you buy an RV, you are provided with its weight before you leave with it. But it’s important to consider all the weight you have added since then. Weighing it again at a certified scale will help you make sure that you have an accurate number on hand.

What is the Purpose of Weigh Stations?

Our country’s highways suffer daily when large vehicles put excess strain on the pavement. Because heavy vehicles do more damage to the road than small compact cars, many states tax these large vehicles differently to offset the costs of repairs and maintenance. However, these taxes apply to the commercial use of large vehicles, not consumer use like RVers.

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.