Do Rental Trucks Have to Stop at Weigh Stations?

Stopping at weigh stations during a long-distance move 

Relocating out of state can have a lot of moving parts, especially if you’re renting a truck. These vehicles are much larger than personal ones, and driving a moving truck can be tricky if you’re not used to one. And depending on what states you’re traveling through, you may be required to stop at commercial weigh stations.  

Keep reading for a list of rules for each state and learn about U-Pack® — a  DIY moving alternative that allows you to skip the weigh stations. 

Road sign reading "weigh station next right."

 

Which states require U-Haul® and other rental trucks to stop at weigh stations? 

We did the research for you so you can quickly see which states require rental trucks to stop at weigh stations. Keep in mind that while this list was accurate at the time of posting, laws can change at any time.  

State Does rental truck have to stop at weigh stations?
Alabama No*
Alaska Yes, if GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.
Arizona Yes, if GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.
Arkansas No
California Yes
Colorado No*
Connecticut No
Delaware No
Florida Yes, and at all agricultural stations
Georgia Yes, if GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.
Hawaii Yes, if GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.
Idaho No
Illinois Yes, if GVWR is over 16,000 lbs.
Indiana Yes, if GVWR is over 16,000 lbs.
Iowa Yes, if GVWR is over 16,000 lbs.
Kansas Yes, all vehicles registered as trucks must stop.
Kentucky No
Louisiana No
Maine No
Maryland Yes, if GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.
Massachusetts No
Michigan No
Minnesota Yes, if GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.
Mississippi No
Missouri Yes, if GVWR is over 18,000 lbs.
Montana No
Nebraska Yes
Nevada No
New Hampshire No
New Jersey Yes, if GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.
New Mexico No*
New York Yes, if GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.
North Carolina Yes, if GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.
North Dakota Yes, if GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.
Ohio Yes, if GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.
Oklahoma No
Oregon Yes, if GVWR is over 20,000 lbs.
Pennsylvania Yes
Rhode Island No
South Carolina Yes
South Dakota Yes, if GVWR is over 8,000 lbs.
Tennessee No
Texas No
Utah No
Vermont Yes
Virginia Yes, if GVWR is over 7,500 lbs.
Washington No
West Virginia No
Wisconsin Only if the truck exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Wyoming Yes

*Trucks over 26,000 lbs. must stop, but no rental trucks should exceed this weight. 

FAQs about weigh station stops in moving trucks 

What if I don’t know if I need to stop? 

If you’re unsure about the need to go through the weigh station in your rental truck, it’s best to stop. If you’re not required to stop, officers will wave you through the line, and you’ll be back on your way.  

What if I forget to stop at a weigh station? 

Try not to miss a stop because you could be pulled over and face expensive fines or tickets. The penalties vary by state. 

How do I go through a weigh station? 

Look for signs with instructions and information. These will indicate if the station is open or closed and provide lane directions and speed limits as you approach. 

Once you enter the weigh station:

  • Keep a safe distance from other trucks. 
  • Comply with all directions given by the officers. 
  • Report that you're transporting household goods. 
  • Wait for instructions. You might be waved through or stopped for questioning or inspection. 
  • Merge back onto the highway and continue your drive when finished. 
     

Want to skip weigh stations? 

If you want a DIY move without weigh station stops, U-Pack is the perfect solution. We drive the moving equipment and deliver it to your new home — all you have to do is pack, load and unload (or hire moving labor to help!). U-Pack prices are comparable to truck rental, and you don’t have the hassle of driving a moving truck. 

Get your free moving quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. If you have questions about weigh station rules or U-Pack services, let us know in the comments. We’re happy to help! 

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