cab and chasis with utility body re-classified for scales

[mike_kellie]

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.

[mike_kellie]

This wasn't checking for air brake leaks etc. It was full-on enforcement of any pick-up truck with a utility body that had by-passed the weigh station. I can't copy and paste the picture but it was done previously on the CHP facebook page in July. The image is of 4 motorcycles and several vehicles all looking for vehicles not entering the station. This is a single wide, small town set-up in Marin County going S Bound. The pick-up truck drivers all had a look of disbelief.

[SidecarFlip]

My farm name is on the side of my truck but no DOT number and I never stop and have never been hassled here in Michigan. Kalifornia is most likely another story....

[GordonThree]

Other than delay, what's the worry if you get pulled over?

[toedtoes]

Are you sure that's why they were pulled over? Could it have been for some other reason?

[mike_kellie]

The trucks pulled over did not have loads other than tools and ladders, nor signage of "Jim's painting". If I had my camper on, I won't stop because it completes the outfit. However my truck by itself would probably have been pulled over based on today's observation.

[2oldman]

RVs of any kind do NOT have to stop at scales. At least I never have, in CA, nor have I even been looked at sideways. And I drive a big MDT. I used to have an F450 with a hauler bed. I looked like a contractor. No scales, ever.

I think one time I got a flashing sign telling me to go in. I did not.

Scales are for commercially licensed vehicles on the job.