Weigh Stations & Truck Scales

Weigh stations are crucial checkpoints that ensure commercial trucks comply with weight and safety regulations, safeguarding road safety. Violations of these laws can have horrible consequences. If you’ve lost a loved one or suffered a severe injury due to violations of weigh station laws, please contact a Houston truck accident lawyer with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP so we can help you obtain maximum compensation.

What is a Weigh Station?

A weigh station is a designated highway checkpoint where commercial trucks must stop for inspections. These inspections ensure that trucks comply with federal and state weight regulations, maintain proper documentation, and adhere to safety standards. Weigh stations are equipped with scales to measure the weight of the truck and its cargo. Professionals operating the stations often check a truck’s height as well.

Federal weigh station laws mandate that commercial trucks adhere to weight limits to prevent road damage and ensure safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets these regulations, including a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 80,000 pounds for trucks operating on interstate highways. In addition to weight checks, weigh stations often inspect vehicle and freight paperwork, including bills of lading and truck driver logbooks, to ensure compliance with hours-of-service regulations.

In Texas, specific state laws also govern weigh stations. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the operation of these stations, ensuring that trucks comply with federal and state weight limits. Texas law requires trucks to stop at weigh stations if they exceed 26,000 pounds or carry hazardous materials. Inspections at these stations may include checks on the vehicle’s mechanical condition, cargo securement, and driver qualifications.

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How and Why Some Truck Drivers Attempt to “Dodge” Weigh Station Scales

Some truck drivers attempt to “dodge” weigh station scales to avoid penalties for non-compliance with weight regulations. These tactics include taking alternate routes to bypass weigh stations, using mobile apps or CB radios to track open stations, and even timing their travel to avoid hours when weigh stations typically operate.

These evasive maneuvers often stem from the desire to avoid fines, delays, or out-of-service orders. Overweight trucks can incur significant fines, and drivers may face additional penalties for other violations discovered during inspections. By avoiding weigh stations, drivers hope to continue their journey uninterrupted and avoid costly penalties.

However, adhering to weight regulations is critical for safety. Here are a few reasons why:

• Commercial trucks must stay within weight limits to prevent excessive wear and tear on roadways and bridges, which can lead to structural damage and increased maintenance costs.
• Overweight trucks require more braking distance than passenger vehicles, and an overweight truck’s braking system can become less effective, increasing the risk of accidents.
• An overweight truck is also more challenging to control, particularly during emergency maneuvers.

Other Reasons Why an Overweight or Oversized Truck is So Dangerous

Overweight or oversized trucks present numerous dangers on the road. Federal weight regulations mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of all road users. The FMCSA enforces weight limits to prevent road damage and reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by mechanical failures or loss of control.

Braking Issues

One primary danger of overweight trucks is their impact on braking efficiency. Trucks already require more braking distance than passenger vehicles, and an overloaded truck can exacerbate this issue. The additional weight puts more strain on the braking system, potentially leading to brake failure or diminished braking capacity. This can result in severe accidents, especially in situations requiring sudden stops.

Why Height Limits Are Essential

Height regulations are equally important. Trucks exceeding height limits may not clear overpasses, bridges, or tunnels, leading to catastrophic collisions. Such incidents can cause significant structural damage to the infrastructure and pose severe threats to the safety of the truck driver and other road users.

Weight and height violations also affect a truck’s stability and handling. An overweight truck has a higher center of gravity, making it more prone to rollovers, especially during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. Oversized loads can shift during transit, destabilizing the vehicle and increasing the risk of accidents.

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How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Uncover Weight and Size Rules Violations

A Houston truck accident lawyer with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP knows how to uncover violations of weight and size regulations when an accident occurs. Our attorneys have the skills and resources to conduct thorough investigations, identify liable parties, and build a compelling case for our clients.

Investigating the Accident

One of our first steps is to gather evidence from the accident scene. This evidence includes obtaining police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. In addition, we may request access to the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data, which can provide valuable insights into the truck’s speed, braking patterns, and hours of operation leading up to the accident.

Examining Records

An experienced Houston truck accident lawyer will also examine the truck’s maintenance and inspection records. These documents can reveal whether the truck was overloaded or improperly maintained during the accident. If there are discrepancies or signs of negligence, such as skipped maintenance checks or falsified records, your attorney can use this information to establish liability.

Obtaining Cargo Manifests and Other Paperwork

In cases where the truck’s load is a factor, the attorney may review cargo manifests and bills of lading to determine if workers improperly loaded the cargo or exceeded legal weight limits. Consulting with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists and mechanical engineers, can further strengthen the case by providing professional assessments of the truck’s condition and the accident’s causes.

Your Houston truck accident lawyer can also subpoena trucking company records, including communication logs and internal memos, to uncover evidence of deliberate attempts to bypass weigh stations or evade regulatory compliance. By meticulously investigating all aspects of the accident, a skilled attorney can demonstrate how violations of weight and size regulations contributed to the incident and build a solid case.

Get in Touch With an Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP Houston Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP. Our experienced Houston truck accident lawyers have years of experience uncovering violations of weigh station laws and holding negligent parties accountable. Reach out today for a free consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve. You can call (832) 402-6637 or contact us online to get in touch.

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