When you receive an overweight truck ticket in Truckee, CA, you might need to appear in Truckee Traffic Court to resolve it.
These violations can be costly. The fine for an overweight truck in California can reach $1.00 per pound over the weight limit.
Consider that a 5,000-pound overweight truck ticket could result in a nearly $5,000 fine.
These extreme fines are especially challenging for independent contractors, owner-operators, and small fleet owners.
Caltrans Permits for Oversized Vehicles Can Prevent Overweight Truck Tickets
In California, Caltrans oversees permits for oversized vehicles.
Most fleet managers handle these permits. However, if you’re an owner-operator hauling cargo potentially over the height, width, or weight limits, contact Caltrans.
Their website offers step-by-step instructions for single-trip and repetitive trip permits. Proper permits help avoid costly overweight violations.
Typically, once you’ve been ticketed, only a CA traffic attorney can assist you in avoiding these extreme fines for an overweight truck ticket.
Weight Limits and Regulations
CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 35550 (a) specifies axle weight limits:
20,000 pounds per axle.
10,500 pounds per wheel end.
There are also restrictions on the weight allowed, given the space between axles.
“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.”
Sections 35550–35796 further regulate vehicle weights, bridges, and road safety. Staying compliant avoids unnecessary fines.
Make It a Habit to Stop at a Private Weigh Station Before Entering CA
CHP-operated weigh stations require all commercial vehicles to stop.
CA VC Section 260 defines a commercial vehicle as one used for hire, profit, or transporting goods. This includes rental vehicles like Ryders and U-Hauls:
“A commercial vehicle is a motor vehicle of a type required to be registered under this code used or maintained for the transportation of persons for hire, compensation, or profit or designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.”
Failing to stop at the Truckee Weigh Station on I-80 could lead to additional violations. Failure to stop at a CHP-controlled weigh station is a misdemeanor offense in CA.
I-80 in Nevada has several weigh stations. Stopping at one may cost a small fee but can save you from an extreme fine.
Why You Need a CA Traffic Attorney
A skilled attorney can help reduce penalties for overweight truck tickets.
They may even negotiate a reduced charge if your truck’s weight was above the 4,500 pound limit where it becomes a misdemeanor offense, and some technicalities exist where a CA traffic attorney could argue for dismissal.
The conviction for an overweight truck ticket in CA 4,500 pounds or less is an infraction that will stay on your driving record for three years. However, a misdemeanor conviction could stay on your driving record for up to ten years, and your criminal record for life.
You should always discuss your options with an attorney before paying a fine.
Thousands of overweight truck tickets are issued in California annually. Many of those are issued at the Donner Pass Weigh Station, as it is the first across the state line from Nevada. Protect yourself and your livelihood by hiring legal representation.
Contact Bigger & Harman to Resolve an Overweight Truck Ticket in Truckee Traffic Court
If you have been issued an overweight truck ticket that needs to be resolved in Truckee Courthouse in Nevada County, CA, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300 — Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Use our contact form to send a picture of your ticket/violation or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
The CVC Section 260, Definitions & CVC Section 35550, Axle Limits