Scale Ettiquette

Every Scale(master) is different.
If there are arrows directing you whether to go over the Scale or bypass, follow them.

The Stop Lights in front of the building, often times they don't use them.

 

Never pass a scale with a full ramp unless there are signs saying so . Every state is different . MI has signs saying to line up on the shoulder . TN has a line on the ramp with a sign saying o.k. to bypass if trucks are lined up to there .
If a red light or stop sign didn't come on when rolling across a scale I'd continue to roll slowly . Some scales have signs just saying to slow to 5 mph across scales . You have to be observant at each scale .

 

First off when entering a scale ALWAYS make sure your window is down.Most have speakers right there will either tell you to pull around back or go ahead and go.If you're on the scale too long while waiting for the DOT to signal you,thats not a good sign.When entering the scale,keep an eye on the lite not the DOT,they don't like that.Ive seen more drivers looking at the dot rather then focusing on the lite.If your entering a scale on a green lite,go very slow like 3 mph,once that lite turns red STOP then proceed slowly off the scale when it changes green unless he tells you to pull around back.When you proceeded slowly thru the scale without stopping and the dot didnt say anything,you did fine.Alway weigh your loads when in doubt before entering any weigh station.You dont wanna give the dot a reason to inspect you if youre overweight.Scales that are full usually you'll see a sign that says ok to bypass or the dot will turn on the sign that says scale closed.Try not to get nervous when entering a scale,dot can sence that and may have you pull around back just for that.

 

When i was over the road, i noticed that alot of scales you just roll at 8 mph and if no red light, keep going slowly back to the highway.

 

Guess it depends on the scale.I have entered scales at 30 mph with a dot outside waving you to keep going.Its like whats the point of even going thru,lol.

 

Yeah, goblue, it is frustrating when you first start out knowing what the correct procedure is since it does seem that every state is different. The advice above is good. You just have to be ready for anything. I like to stay just a bit left as I'm coming in to see what the drivers ahead of me are doing. Are they rolling across the scale or stopping.

A while back, MO stopped me ON the scale and told me to bring my paperwork in. I couldn't believe I heard them right with the line of trucks behind me so I asked to make sure I heard them right. I had and I guess my questioning got me a Level 2.

Needless to say, the line was considerably longer by the time they got done entering all my info in the computer.

 

Windows down, radios off, inside of truck spotless and uncluttered, neutral expression. MAINTAIN THE SPEED THAT'S ON THE SIGNS. Don't go faster, and DON'T GO SLOWER, unless you're going to smack into the rear of the idiot in front of you. If you're too far off the ramp speed, the WIM scale won't always give an accurate weight and you'll get directed to the scale instead of the bypass. Follow the arrows, only stop on red. Follow the instructions on the signs at the scale - most want you to wait for the truck in front of you to clear before you move on. Most also want a complete stop before rolling on to the scale. Roll to a stop if the light is red or goes red, don't slam the scale by stopping too hard. Once you're stopped, release your brakes; the scale should be level and you won't roll, and that will allow your wheels to roll free so that the scale will read accurately. Some scales require you to turn on your lights, and have signs to that effect. If there are no signs to that effect, I will leave my lights off during the day. No need to give them a reason to pull you around if you've got a light out.

I don't have prepass, so I pull in to all of the scales. If I have to slow to a dangerously slow speed or actually stop on the highway in order to get into the decel lane because of the line of trucks waiting, I always bypass. I've never been chased down for this.

That's about all I can think of.

 

It is frustrating when they don't have any signs indicating what they want you to do.

Sometimes almost feels like they're trying to set you up to fail