Running weigh stations

I missed a scale in Oklahoma when I was new. The fine was $350. The HPD had to follow me. What they said to do was next time it happens was to stop and pull over as soon as possible. They said that they would not have ticketed me had I done so.

The Scales are linked together nation wide now. They pull you in if you haven't been entered into the system yet and they have time. You are then asked to bring in your paperwork. That includes your licenses and the truck papers. Also they will want the trailer paper that should be in the box on the nose of the trailer. I run Eclipse Logs so I bring in my Laptop. They have never made me print out anything but I have a printer in the cab and can do so.

The next thing they can do is do an inspection on the tractor trailer. If they want to find something to write you up for, they will. It can be very costly.

Some of us, run around scales, not because we are doing anything illegal but because there are times when the hassle of being pulled in is not worth it. As long as you do not go to a lower level of road it is perfectly legal to run around a scale. Just don't say that is why you are doing it. For example. I-29 North out of Kansas City has a scale at the 24 mile marker. They like to mess with certain companies. You can run around the scale by going on a Missouri State road. That is illegal. You can also run around it by taking US 169 north out of KC. That is legal.

Just remember, the Cops are your friends. It is always best to keep your friends the he ll out of your business.

 

Stop as soon as you can on the shoulder, park as safely as possible, as far off the road as possible, put your flashers on...walk back to the scale with your BOL, logbook, registration. I've done it maybe 2-3 times in 28 years. At least one time the guy in the scale house saw me walking back toward him and waved me away. Never got a ticket. You can't go by what the other trucks are doing, with all this #### weigh in motion on the main roadway, prepass, and the coop officers switching the OPEN light on, and off.

I get pissed at the idiots who know a scale is coming up, and stay in the hammerlane until the last minute, then want to force into your lane and dive into the scale if it's open.

 

I did that one night at the westbound scale on the Wyoming/Utah border on 70. I was daydreaming and before I knew it I went by it. Locked up my brakes and stopped about even with the scale on the shoulder and put my flashers on. I was debating on taking my stuff and running in and the scale master called me on 19 and told me not to back up (guess that had happened a few times) just don't do it again. I laughed and said you bet and went on my way. This stuff happens. Just don't take an attitude about it.

 

Must have really been a good dream. 70 on Wyoming and Utah?

 

I am wondering if my atlas is outdated.

 

Guessing he probably meant 80

 

I use to enjoy running the scales as much as banging the ol'lady.

 

Darn fat fingers. I80 of course

 

^^Happened to me today. I got pre-passed but couldn't get into the hammer lane because of a car, had to get on the brakes pretty hard.