Weigh Stations?

[travelinwithus]

As I was driving thru Maryland today all the Weigh Stations were closed. The signs said ALL vehicles over 5 ton GVW are required to stop. I interpret that to mean ALL including my nearly 10 ton rig. Am I correct?

[GreyEagle]

Well..... good question, you are over the limit but then ..........
in most (if not all) states motorhomes are exempt...
I've driven my motorhomes, (all 4 of them) thru many states from Tennessee to Montana and back.
Took a different route on the return trip. been to Florida and Texas covered many of the lower 48 at one time or the other and never stopped at the weight stations.
Never a problem. If they want you to stop they will let you know..........

A little research on line will enlighten you.

[Redbear]

Under Federal Law, motorhomes are specifically described as not being commercial vehicles, so they are generally exempt from any CDL restrictions such as stopping for weigh stations. But some officers may be of a different opinion, not know the Federal rule, or be enforcing some special local law.

As a rule of thumb, if I had motorhome/housecar/camper plates on my skoolie, I would keep on going unless they waved me over. If I had any type of commercial or weight-apportioned plate, I would stop unless they waved me through. As always, YMMV.

Edit: I might stop for "ALL VEHICLES" signage. But I know in at least one state the DMV driver's manual explains that roadside signs reading "ALL TRUCKS MUST STOP" only apply to CDL vehicles, not small trucks.

[lornaschinske]

The way I understand it (which may be wrong) is you must be tagged commercial with a CDL. Although my dad rarely stopped and his pickup trucks were sometimes tagged commercial. Different states may give you different responses. Find out for your home state. Don't ask a cop, they know nothing. E-Mail someone at the state website. That way you have it in writing and it is most likely to be right since it is in print. Keep a paper copy of the reply in your vehicle if it's a concern to you. But this is why you see "Private Coach. Not for Hire" on so many conversions.