Restricted roads in GA... will I get in trouble?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by JerseyBarrierRacer, Apr 8, 2021.

  1. JerseyBarrierRacer

    JerseyBarrierRacer Bobtail Member

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    So getting from 85 to snellville is a total pita, particularly because of the 16 miles of stoplights. These stoplights will trigger on a timer, and you are guaranteed to hit at least half of them.

    On this dedicated run, in order to bang it out in one go and make it back to the dc, its literally down to minutes/seconds on my 11. These stoplights that are turning red for no cars to cross can make the difference between having to take your 10 hour and getting back to dc to get a short load, or getting back in time to get another atlanta load, which is about a $200 difference... per day. These stoplights are costing me a LOT of money... and for no other reason than they are just timed poorly, not to mention now there is construction through this area. My average speed for that 16 miles stretch is between 25-35 mph.

    SO, there are a couple of other routes, but they have a gvwr restriction of no higher than 36k, and I'm a big truck pulling 53' reefer. I've been on one, and its actually 5 miles longer but keeps you on 85 much longer and has like 4 or 5 stoplights. (taking exit 104 to ronald reagan pkwy vs 115 and driving through lawrenceville where all the stoplights are)

    How much trouble will I get in if I start running this route a lot? Do local cops really care? Its late at night and the two restricted roads go through a residential area, but otherwise I can't see any other real reason why they are restricted. (The cloverleaf getting off of ronald reagan pkwy is super tight, but I have plenty of room, so I wonder if thats the reason)

    What are the odds I get busted by some local cop and have to pay a ticket?
     
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  3. Mike250rs

    Mike250rs Heavy Load Member

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    If you are loaded, it will not be enjoyable when you get popped.

    What is your empty weight for your setup?
     
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  4. JerseyBarrierRacer

    JerseyBarrierRacer Bobtail Member

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    So you are saying they will pop me? Not sure my exact empty weight, never scaled out empty. My BoLs are anywhere between 20-35k and I never scale loaded either.
     
  5. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Really expensive around here. $500 plus $1 per pound, so could be $50,000 fine. Haven’t seen one that big. But have seen one for $22,700
     
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  6. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    Yup its not a question of IF but WHEN they will pop you. Just eat the $200 a day, one overweight ticket will wipe out any posible gains.
     
  7. JerseyBarrierRacer

    JerseyBarrierRacer Bobtail Member

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    are you saying this based on first hand experience? have you been pulled over for driving on a restricted road in this area? know anyone that has? do you know if they ever make exceptions?
     
  8. LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    All it takes is one young rookie wanting to make a name for himself.

    Pop goes the weasel. There are reasons for weight limits in certain roads. Underground plumbing, so on so forth.
     
  9. JerseyBarrierRacer

    JerseyBarrierRacer Bobtail Member

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    I'm not exactly a rookie, been driving for a handful of years, just never on a route this tight. And yeah there are reasons for weight limits on certain roads. Sometimes its low clearance, or as you say underground plumbing... low weight limit bridges etc. Other times its as simple as homeowners complaining about noise or them not wanting big trucks clogging up certain arteries during times of congestion. The latter two I'd imagine are nothingburgers. I'm interested specifically about this area in GA outside atlanta. I mean its nice to know about fines in saskatchewan and I know that most of you would never dare deviate from how the signs tell you to drive your trucks, but I'm hoping to get some feedback from someone experienced and local to the area.
     
  10. Linte_Loco

    Linte_Loco Road Train Member

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    It’s not worth it working your 11 that close. Especially in a governed truck(if applicable).
    Nothing good will come of it long term. It will bite you one way or another eventually.

    Chances are you’re pushing the posted speed limit as is. Yes I’m sure you are. It’s only a matter of time.
     
  11. Mike250rs

    Mike250rs Heavy Load Member

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    At some point yes. You may get thru for a while, but all it takes is the mentioned rookie or a local complaining about your truck being there and they will be looking for you.

    Get your empty weight, you may be legal for the return empty leg.
     
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