Heavy trailers and weigh stations and crossing state lines
04-22-2010, 12:29 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
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Heavy trailers and weigh stations and crossing state lines
I know this is a very loose subject and is handled differently from state to state but I thought I would ask it anyways. When I called the Ohio BMV, they acted clueless.(maybe i just need to call the state highway patrol?)
Here's my question:
Do i need to stop at weigh stations if I am pulling a trailer with commercial tag on it?
My enclosed trailer is heavy enough that in state of ohio, I have to use a commercial tag on it. Now it's not used for commercial purposes but ohio says anything over 3000lbs is then tagged as commercial plate. I've towed to Mid Ohio and Nelson Ledges and never bothered with weigh stations. I am wondering if I go to Putnam, or Beaver Run or other neighboring states, Must i stop at the weigh station because I have a "commercial tagged" trailer?
I've recieved mixed feedback on this topic and I thought why not post to the masses here.
To make it even more interesting, this year I will be towing with an RV vs my Expedition SUV, however, the RV dealership has stated there is no requirement for RV's to stop at weigh stations..
Tom
Here's my question:
Do i need to stop at weigh stations if I am pulling a trailer with commercial tag on it?
My enclosed trailer is heavy enough that in state of ohio, I have to use a commercial tag on it. Now it's not used for commercial purposes but ohio says anything over 3000lbs is then tagged as commercial plate. I've towed to Mid Ohio and Nelson Ledges and never bothered with weigh stations. I am wondering if I go to Putnam, or Beaver Run or other neighboring states, Must i stop at the weigh station because I have a "commercial tagged" trailer?
I've recieved mixed feedback on this topic and I thought why not post to the masses here.
To make it even more interesting, this year I will be towing with an RV vs my Expedition SUV, however, the RV dealership has stated there is no requirement for RV's to stop at weigh stations..
Tom
04-22-2010, 12:42 PM
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Boy first the lug studs and now this. 
Actually you raise a good point. Most of the private toter-homes that I see on the road have "Private - not for hire" right on the side of them. If you put that on your trailer, I would not worry about it, and at least you have a point to argue from if you are ever stopped for passing a weigh station.
Actually you raise a good point. Most of the private toter-homes that I see on the road have "Private - not for hire" right on the side of them. If you put that on your trailer, I would not worry about it, and at least you have a point to argue from if you are ever stopped for passing a weigh station.
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Larry Herman
2016 Ford Transit Connect Titanium LWB
2018 Tesla Model 3 - Electricity can be fun!
Retired Club Racer & National PCA Instructor
Past Flames:
1994 RS America Club Racer
2004 GT3 Track Car
1984 911 Carrera Club Racer
1974 914/4 2.0 Track Car
CLICK HERE to see some of my ancient racing videos.
04-22-2010, 01:39 PM
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Yes, i think you have to have the "not for hire" sticker on the trailer and you will be ok. That is the rumor I have heard here in KS anyway.
04-22-2010, 02:01 PM
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Tom,
My trailer falls into the "over 3000 lbs" catagory (by 30 lbs), so I have to buy the commercial plates also. I'm sure this is covered in the Ohio BMV rule book somewhere (you can download all 26mb of it from their web page), but according to my father, a former Ohio State Trooper, I am not required to stop at weigh stations. I've been towing around the midwest for 5 years now without a problem.
However, John Haas and I were pulled over while driving through South Carolina with his 40-foot gooseneck. The officer recommeded he put a "not for hire" sticker on it. If you go that route, I'm sure you won't have any problems.
Chip
My trailer falls into the "over 3000 lbs" catagory (by 30 lbs), so I have to buy the commercial plates also. I'm sure this is covered in the Ohio BMV rule book somewhere (you can download all 26mb of it from their web page), but according to my father, a former Ohio State Trooper, I am not required to stop at weigh stations. I've been towing around the midwest for 5 years now without a problem.
However, John Haas and I were pulled over while driving through South Carolina with his 40-foot gooseneck. The officer recommeded he put a "not for hire" sticker on it. If you go that route, I'm sure you won't have any problems.
Chip
04-22-2010, 02:08 PM
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You can get the sticker on Ebay. Three dollars shipped.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PRIVATE-TRANSPOR...item8262e01cb1
http://cgi.ebay.com/NOT-HIRE-decal-s...item8262c6c234
http://cgi.ebay.com/PRIVATE-TRANSPOR...item8262e01cb1
http://cgi.ebay.com/NOT-HIRE-decal-s...item8262c6c234
04-22-2010, 02:13 PM
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Burning Brakes
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Sweet, I like the sticker idea just for simplicity of Covering my fanny and now that I think of it, I have seen that on several rigs from semi's to large gooseneck setups. See, that's why I post out here, always good ideas...
Tom
Tom
04-22-2010, 02:41 PM
#7
I'm Still Jenny
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Just be careful if you head to the SE. Florida (perhaps other states?) have agricultural inspection stations at which ALL trailers must stop. They take is pretty seriously - I was passed by a trooper doing +100mph to pull over a single horse trailer who passed the checkpoint.
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04-22-2010, 03:54 PM
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You can get the sticker on Ebay. Three dollars shipped.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PRIVATE-TRANSPOR...item8262e01cb1
http://cgi.ebay.com/NOT-HIRE-decal-s...item8262c6c234
http://cgi.ebay.com/PRIVATE-TRANSPOR...item8262e01cb1
http://cgi.ebay.com/NOT-HIRE-decal-s...item8262c6c234
04-22-2010, 04:59 PM
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Charlie:
This must be one of the most confusing subjects even for LEO's. I pass the northern weigh station all the time when I go to Roebling Road and never stop, has not been an issue. I do the same on the reverse trip but always wonder as I am driving by if I should stop. 30' tag attached to F350 not exactly easy to miss. Compounding this a friend was pulled over by DOT in his private F250 and asked for his commercial endorsement due to GVW, he did not have anything attached.
I claim absolute ignorance on this subject.
This must be one of the most confusing subjects even for LEO's. I pass the northern weigh station all the time when I go to Roebling Road and never stop, has not been an issue. I do the same on the reverse trip but always wonder as I am driving by if I should stop. 30' tag attached to F350 not exactly easy to miss. Compounding this a friend was pulled over by DOT in his private F250 and asked for his commercial endorsement due to GVW, he did not have anything attached.
I claim absolute ignorance on this subject.
04-22-2010, 05:02 PM
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Burning Brakes
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I just ordered two sets of the private transportation, not for hire version. got a set for my trailer and a set for my rv. Wopping 6 buckaroos. hehe
Tom
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04-22-2010, 06:36 PM
#11
I'm Still Jenny
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Charlie:
This must be one of the most confusing subjects even for LEO's. I pass the northern weigh station all the time when I go to Roebling Road and never stop, has not been an issue. I do the same on the reverse trip but always wonder as I am driving by if I should stop. 30' tag attached to F350 not exactly easy to miss. Compounding this a friend was pulled over by DOT in his private F250 and asked for his commercial endorsement due to GVW, he did not have anything attached.
I claim absolute ignorance on this subject.
This must be one of the most confusing subjects even for LEO's. I pass the northern weigh station all the time when I go to Roebling Road and never stop, has not been an issue. I do the same on the reverse trip but always wonder as I am driving by if I should stop. 30' tag attached to F350 not exactly easy to miss. Compounding this a friend was pulled over by DOT in his private F250 and asked for his commercial endorsement due to GVW, he did not have anything attached.
I claim absolute ignorance on this subject.
In addition to weigh stations, Florida uses Agricultural Inspection Stations. These are normally a few miles before or after the weigh stations. Drivers with PrePass can be set up for preclearance (though you are required to stop if you have agriculture on- even if you get the green light).
If you do get pulled in to an agricultural check point, they will ask to see your bills or they will ask what you are hauling and where you came from. Depending on your answer they may choose to inspect your load to be sure you don't have any contaminants that will affect Florida's produce and exports.
All rental trucks and vehicles with trailers are required to pull into the agricultural inspections. Vehicles entering Florida will be prohibited from transporting citrus plants but other types of plants are allowed. Florida will require anyone transporting plants or livestock to fill out forms at the agricultural inspection. Florida will send inspectors to the final destination marked on the forms to inspect produce plants.
If you do get pulled in to an agricultural check point, they will ask to see your bills or they will ask what you are hauling and where you came from. Depending on your answer they may choose to inspect your load to be sure you don't have any contaminants that will affect Florida's produce and exports.
All rental trucks and vehicles with trailers are required to pull into the agricultural inspections. Vehicles entering Florida will be prohibited from transporting citrus plants but other types of plants are allowed. Florida will require anyone transporting plants or livestock to fill out forms at the agricultural inspection. Florida will send inspectors to the final destination marked on the forms to inspect produce plants.
04-23-2010, 03:10 PM
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04-23-2010, 03:42 PM
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04-23-2010, 11:33 PM
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Burning Brakes
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A friend of mine got stopped in Oklahoma coming back from the Texas race. He was ticketed (F-350 pulling a 48' trailer) went to court and got most of his money back. He had to pay the fine in full when pulled over or go to jail ($670). It's just a lot of BBBSSS!!! The laws are written so vague they can use it how they like. Anyway don't put any type of racing logo's or writing on your trailer other than "Private Coach or Not For Hire" type of stuff. Tag your trailer as a recreational vehicle. This seems to take care of the issue being able to label you for profit. State of OK claimed since he had some kind of racing logo on the trailer and paid an entry fee it was for profit. Like I said BS!!!!