Carriers and owner-operators have a significant responsibility to ensure their trucks comply with weight regulations. Operating an overweight truck can lead to severe legal and financial consequences.
This blog post will examine the complexities of overweight truck laws, the potential penalties, and the importance of legal representation.
Understanding Overweight Truck Regulations
To avoid costly overweight truck violations, it's essential to understand the specific weight limits imposed by the state.
The CA Vehicle Code (VC) Sections 35550 – 35796 outline detailed regulations concerning axle weight limits.
“The gross weight imposed upon the highway by the wheels on any one axle of a vehicle shall not exceed 20,000 pounds and the gross weight upon any one wheel, or wheels, supporting one end of an axle, and resting upon the roadway, shall not exceed 10,500 pounds.”— CA VC Section 35550(a) Axle Limits.
Therefore, it is crucial for the commercial driver to periodically check their load to ensure that the cargo has not shifted so that the weight is balanced or distributed evenly.
CA VC Section 35551, Axle Limits, further defines the relationship between axle distance and weight limits. The distance between axles determines the maximum allowable weight.
For instance, multiple-axled and combination vehicles can carry up to 34,000 pounds within a specific axle distance. However, exceeding this distance can increase the weight limit to 39,000 pounds.
While CHP inspectors may not always measure axle differentials, violations can lead to severe penalties, including misdemeanor charges and hefty fines.
How to Obtain a Permit for an Overweight Truck
Contact the Caltrans Transportation Permits office for an oversized load before entering California to avoid a ticket for an oversized or overweight truck. Typically, that permit is only good for one trip.
The High Cost of Overweight Truck Violations
The financial consequences of operating an overweight truck can be substantial. An overweight truck of up to 4,500 pounds overweight is a minor infraction that might result in a fine as low as $238. However, exceeding this threshold can lead to a fine of $1.00 per pound overweight.
It's crucial to remember that carriers and drivers share responsibility for ensuring the truck's weight compliance. While carriers often have agreements with drivers regarding fines, drivers could ultimately bear the consequences of a misdemeanor record.
It's wise to speak to a traffic attorney before making a statement to law enforcement or court officials. It’s your constitutional right to remain silent; use it.
Legal Representation for Overweight Truck Violations in Woodland, CA
If you receive a citation for an overweight truck while traveling through Woodland, CA, in Yolo County, seeking legal counsel is highly recommended.
Bigger & Harman, practice only traffic law. They can provide the necessary knowledge and experience to navigate the complex legal landscape.
Their Yolo County attorneys have a proven track record of successfully representing clients facing overweight truck violations in Woodland Courthouse and other California jurisdictions.
We understand the potential impact of these violations on your livelihood and are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Consult Bigger & Harman About an Overweight Truck Ticket in Woodland, CA
Choose Bigger & Harman, APC, when facing an oversized or overweight truck that needs to be resolved in Woodland Courthouse in Yolo County, CA.
Contact us at (661) 349-9300— Se habla Español (661) 349-9755. Or, use our user-friendly contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
The Caltrans webpage, Traffic Operations & Transportation Permits
CA VC Section 35550(a) & 35551, Axle Limits
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.