cab and chasis with utility body re-classified for scales
I found this today because my travels took me by a Ca. weigh scale that had 5 officers (3 motorcycles, 2 trucks) ready to pull over vehicles not entering the scales. Pulled over the side of the road were 2-3 trucks with contractor boxes. They looked to be your typical 3500 series with utility beds and maybe lumber racks. I happened to be in the VW as it's being turned into the dealership tonight! My 5500 will be a daily driver for a couple months and I'll probably creep into a scale soon to see what might be required for a personal vehicle. I'm registered for 19K with stickers on both doors. They were all-out enforcing today!
DO THESE VEHICLES HAVE TO STOP AT THE SCALES?
PICKUP -- It depends on the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), unladen weight, and bed of the truck.
GVWR under 11,500 pounds, unladen weight of less than 8,001 pounds, and open box-type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length -- NO.
GVWR 11,500 pounds or more, unladen weight 8,001 pounds or more, or not equipped with an open box-type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length -- YES.
Discussion: According to CVC Section 471, pickups are a motor truck by definition, which is required to stop at the scales per CVC Section 2813. However, all California weigh stations have signs stating: "No Pickups." So, if a vehicle meet the definition of pickup in CVC Section 471, it is not required to stop at the scales because of the signs stating: "No Pickups." If the pickup has a GVWR of 11,500 pounds or more, an unladen weight 8,001 pounds, not equipped with an open-box type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length, or the pickup bed has been removed and a utility body or flat bed has been mounted, then it no longer meets the definition of pickup in CVC Section 471; it is then a "motor truck" under CVC Section 410 and required to stop at the weigh stations.
PICKUP WITH CAMPER SHELL -- NO (May have to stop under certain conditions. Contact California Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Section for verification (916-843-3400))
Discussion: It can also display passenger vehicle plates, as long as the cargo in the bed is not being hauled for compensation.
PICKUP WITH CAB / CREW CAB WITH BOX-TYPE BED -- YES
Discussion: The utility or box bed has to enter weigh stations.
DO THESE VEHICLES HAVE TO STOP AT THE SCALES?
PICKUP -- It depends on the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), unladen weight, and bed of the truck.
GVWR under 11,500 pounds, unladen weight of less than 8,001 pounds, and open box-type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length -- NO.
GVWR 11,500 pounds or more, unladen weight 8,001 pounds or more, or not equipped with an open box-type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length -- YES.
Discussion: According to CVC Section 471, pickups are a motor truck by definition, which is required to stop at the scales per CVC Section 2813. However, all California weigh stations have signs stating: "No Pickups." So, if a vehicle meet the definition of pickup in CVC Section 471, it is not required to stop at the scales because of the signs stating: "No Pickups." If the pickup has a GVWR of 11,500 pounds or more, an unladen weight 8,001 pounds, not equipped with an open-box type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length, or the pickup bed has been removed and a utility body or flat bed has been mounted, then it no longer meets the definition of pickup in CVC Section 471; it is then a "motor truck" under CVC Section 410 and required to stop at the weigh stations.
PICKUP WITH CAMPER SHELL -- NO (May have to stop under certain conditions. Contact California Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Section for verification (916-843-3400))
Discussion: It can also display passenger vehicle plates, as long as the cargo in the bed is not being hauled for compensation.
PICKUP WITH CAB / CREW CAB WITH BOX-TYPE BED -- YES
Discussion: The utility or box bed has to enter weigh stations.
