Question on Towing and Weight Distribution for a Newbie

gmw photos wrote:
...In my state, the highway patrol could care less what the payload or GVWR number is on that sticker. What they care about is whether the actual weight on the axle is within legal limits, and also, whether I am registered ( plates ) for the correct weight class...

So in your state it's against the law to exceed the rating on your axle? What is the "legal limit" on your axle that the Highway Patrol cares about? What section of the law are they enforcing? Inquiring minds want to know!