Caught On A "NO TRUCKS" Road?

Legally placed signs are required regardless of

That's when I'd appeal as well as file a complaint against the judge. That's all I can do.

 

I'm not aware of any law that requires a commercial carrier to be solely responsible for pre-planning to avoid weight restricted roads. If so, then why do they put signs on the roads? I know that oversize and overweight and highly dangerous products have special routing... that's regulated. In Arkansas, our state laws say that the road signs (traffic control devices) are the ultimate authority.

So you tell me... here's the purpose of traffic control devices as stated by the MUTCD (which all states abide by).

Section 1A.02 Principles of Traffic Control Devices Support: 01 This Manual contains the basic principles that govern the design and use of traffic control devices for all streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel (see definition in Section 1A.13) regardless of type or class or the public agency, official, or owner having jurisdiction. This Manual’s text specifies the restriction on the use of a device if it is intended for limited application or for a specific system. It is important that these principles be given primary consideration in the selection and application of each device. Guidance: 02 To be effective, a traffic control device should meet five basic requirements: A. Fulfill a need; B. Command attention; C. Convey a clear, simple meaning; D. Command respect from road users; and E. Give adequate time for proper response.
The sign you don't see until you turn on the road, does not satisfy E.

There are more places in the MUTCD that specifically talk about giving the road user or trucks an opportunity to avoid a prohibited road by either detouring or avoiding.

These signs are basically "Detour Signs" and it gives notice to avoid, not notice that you're screwed.
Again...

Section 2B.59 Weight Limit Signs 06 If used, the Weight Limit sign (see Figure 2B-29) shall be located in advance of the applicable section of highway or structure. Guidance: 07 If used, the Weight Limit sign with an advisory distance ahead legend should be placed at approach road intersections or other points where prohibited vehicles can detour or turn around.

Again...
Section 2B.39 Selective Exclusion Signs Support: 01 Selective Exclusion signs (see Figure 2B-11) give notice to road users that State or local statutes or ordinances exclude designated types of traffic from using particular roadways or facilities. A. No Trucks (R5-2), C. NO COMMERCIAL VEHICLES (R5-4), D. NO TRUCKS (VEHICLES) WITH LUGS (R5-5), 07 The Selective Exclusion sign should be placed on the right-hand side of the roadway at an appropriate distance from the intersection so as to be clearly visible to all road users turning into the roadway that has the exclusion.

 

In my case the judge agreed with me and dismissed the state's case. I was 72,000 pounds on a 63,000 pound weight limited road, but the sign was on the weight limited road, not before it. I had no opportunity to avoid the road.
So yes, I'd fight it if I were you. Doesn't cost anything to represent yourself and get a civics lesson in the process.

 

That "no truck" sign requires an advisory sign at a place where a truck can detour or turn around. To be valid according the MUTCD