JIMLIN wrote:
Bert
those 20000 lb axle weights are "max" weights and as you say we don't come into that class truck. We come in the 10000 GVWR and higher weights that FMCSA title 49 mentions. Look at part 571.3 for definitions of terms for GVWR/GAWR/GCWR [no numbers].
Yes, i know, which is why I can never understand why they are bantered about so much here. They are pretty much irrelevant to most of us.
JIMLIN wrote:
Now we go to the state we are registered in for where those weight numbers come from and how those numbers are inforced in the state the vehicle is registered in.
My state for example, when a weight check is required for a 3500 DRW, first looks at the tires capacities. Those officers know what approx weights a 3500 DRW tires fit in. If someone has installed semi truck 22.5 wheels/tires or 4500 19.5 tires/wheels with those higher capacities on that 3500DRW that throws a red flag.
That matches pretty well what I have been told by the DOT folks here as well. Tires seem to be the paramount concern when it comes to weight.
JIMLIN wrote:
The officer then goes to the truck manufactors axle capacities from the trucks door tag and will use the smaller weight numbers between the two. Let me repeat this again, "this is how my state" enforces commercial or non commercial weights on 10000 GVWR and higher trucks. As my state dot officer says "the same weight regs", pertaining to the trucks door tag/plates, are used for that 3500 DRW when used for DOT legal commercial purposes or non commercial purposes or just hauling a RV or using the truck for farm use or going to Lowes for a load on concrete.
I would talk with your province motor vehicle authorities [2 or more] on how they determine and enforce axle weights/tires capacities/and truck GVWR for your trucks class.
JIM
I have spokent to a number of people here in Alberta and I have done a fair amount of internet research for all States and Provinces. The problem I find is that there is no shortage of people who will give you their opinion, but I have never been able to find any statutes that specify what the weight limits are for our rigs. Since my truck is registered as a private vehicle, it has no registered weight. That would seem to imply that it is not possible for my truck to be overweight. After all, if there is no registered weight, how can it be over it? But, as you mentioned, in your State, the trooper will check your door tags if s/he suspects that your rig is too heavy.
BUT, in order for that officer to give you a ticket, you must first violate a State statute. If there is no statute specifying that it is unlawful to exceed the limit listed on the door tag, you can be at ten times that limit and you cannot be ticketed
for exceeding that limit. You may be ticketed for violating some other statute, but not for being overweight. Have you been able to locate the statute in your State that allows the trooper you mentioned to ticket someone for exceeding the tagged limit?
Bert
