If you travel with a 5th wheel camper, large travel trailer, or Class A RV, you may wonder what the rules and regulations are at weigh stations in different states. We’re here to help you understand if and when you need to stop.
We’ll cover things like the maximum weight of your pickup truck and recreational trailer, states that require you to stop, exceptions to the rules, and more.
Just remember that if you’re ever unsure of state laws, it’s always a good idea to research the specific state you’re traveling to. The following is general information to serve as a guide, not a comprehensive guide of state laws.
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Weigh stations are typically located along highways and check the weight of large vehicles, such as commercial trucks, to ensure they are within legal limits. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires commercial vehicles to stop at weigh stations to weigh their cargo and check their DOT numbers.
Weigh stations are important for enforcing weight limits and preventing unsafe conditions on the road. Vehicles that are overloaded can pose a serious risk to other drivers and can cause damage to the roadways.
Most RVs do not need to stop at weigh stations because most RVs’ gross combined weight doesn’t exceed 10,000 pounds. However, larger motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers weighing over 10,000 pounds may need to stop in certain states.
If your gross combined weight (GCW) doesn’t exceed 10,000 pounds, then you almost never need to stop your RV at a weigh station. This is true whether you have a motorhome or towable RV. 10,000 pounds is the weight limit in most states, and in some states, it’s higher.
The GCW is the combined gross weight or total weight of your RV and tow vehicle and cargo. Here’s how you calculate it:
GCW = Weight of RV + Weight of Tow Vehicle (if applicable) + Weight of Cargo
Don’t confuse the GCW or GVW with ratings (GCWR or GVWR). The “R” or rating is the amount of weight the vehicle or trailer can handle, not necessarily how much it actually weighs.
If your 5th wheel camper, tow vehicle, and cargo do not exceed 10,000 pounds, you do not have to stop. However, 5th wheels range from 2,400 to 20,000 pounds. They have an average empty weight of about 13,000 pounds and an average gross vehicle weight rating of 18,000 pounds. So, you may need to stop in some states…
If your RV exceeds 10,000 pounds, you are required to stop in the following states. Remember, this is only a guide, and state regulations may change anytime.
Some states have unique laws when it comes to weigh stations. Here are three main examples:
BIG RVs that require a special RV driver’s license may be subject to different laws. Although, in some states, even RVs that require a CDL to drive aren’t required to stop at weigh stations.
If a police officer or weigh master signals for you to stop, you must comply in certain states, regardless if you’re overweight. A police officer can force any passenger vehicle to pull into a weigh station in the following states:
Don’t panic; just follow the instructions, and they’ll explain their reasons for signaling you. The important thing to remember is that it’s their job to ensure transportation safety, including RV safety.
There is also a rare exception if you operate a business out of your RV since weigh stations are intended to monitor commercial-use vehicles. If you simply ‘work from home’ in your RV, this won’t apply to you. But if you carry merchandise, haul commercial cargo, or your business is centered around your RV in certain ways, then your best option is to check with local regulations.
No, you should not pull into a weigh station to simply weigh your RV. Open weigh stations are intended for monitoring commercial use heavy vehicles and certain specialty vehicles. Instead, RVers should locate a CAT Scale…
CAT Scales are often located at truck stops along the highway. RVers can use these or any truck stop scales to determine the actual weight of personal vehicles, including RV weight.
If stopping at a truck stop, you may want to read the 7 Unwritten Rules for RV Parking Overnight at Truck Stops.
If a 5th wheel camper or recreational vehicle that is required to stop at a weigh station fails to do so, they may be subject to a fine. In most cases, however, an officer will just redirect you back to the weigh station.
So, don’t worry if you mistakenly pass by a weigh station. You’ll be corrected if necessary, usually without consequences.
Alternatively, don’t worry if you pull into a weigh station and weren’t supposed to. In most cases, they’ll just wave you through.
The best practice, of course, is to always check state laws whenever you’re about to cross state lines. RV drivers should do this for all driving laws, not just weight limitations. You can check the state’s DMV or state police websites for information.
Checking state laws before you go can save you from driving into speed traps in your RV.
So, whenever you head out on an interstate road trip, learn about any special laws of the individual states before you enter the state. That’s the easiest way to keep you and the local officials happy.
This post really gets into all the details Should I Weigh My RV?
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