Rental Trucks and Weigh Stations: Do You Need To Pull Over in a U-Haul?

Do Rental Trucks Like U-Haul Have to Stop at Weigh Stations?

In many states, you don't need to stop at a weigh station if you're using a rental truck to move your personal belongings. However, that's not true everywhere. Some states, including California and Florida, always require you to stop. Other states only require you to pull into weigh stations if your rental truck falls under a specific weight limit.

However complicated it seems on the surface, there are ways to figure out if you have to pull into a station before you hit the road, so use these steps to decide whether you need to stop at a weigh station.

Is This a Personal Move?

In most states, the weigh-station laws depend on whether you're driving a personal rental truck or a commercial truck.

Commercial trucks often need to stop if they weigh more than a certain amount, usually about 10,000 pounds. Signs at each weigh station help commercial drivers decide what to do.

If you're using a rental truck for a personal move, however, the laws are different. To find out which rules apply, you'll need to know the weight of the vehicle you'll be driving.

What Size Truck Are You Renting?

Before you hit the road, take time to find your rental truck's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The GVWR, which is set by the manufacturer, is the maximum safe operating weight for the truck. If a state sets weight limits for weigh stations, they're usually referring to the GVWR.

So, how do you find your rental truck’s maximum weight?

On many rental trucks, the GVWR is printed on the driver's side door sill. If it's not there, it will be listed in the owner’s manual. You can also check with the truck rental rep when you pick up your truck.

When you pull into a weigh station, it will weigh your truck's gross vehicle weight (GVW). This is the total weight of the truck and its cargo. The weigh station checks to make sure that your truck isn't heavier than the state or federal limit.

How Much Does My Specific Truck Weigh?

GVWR can vary by make and model. If the weight isn’t written on the side of your truck, here are typical weight ranges for common rental company trucks.

U-Haul

Truck size (feet) – GVWR (weight while empty/max. load allowable in pounds (lbs.).)

• 10’ – 8600 lbs. (5,790/2,850)
• 15’ – 14,500 lbs. (8,115/6,385)
• 17’ – 14,500 lbs. (8,340/6,160)
• 20’ – 14,500 lbs. (8,800/5,700)
• 26’ – 25,999 lbs. (12,859/13,140)

Penske

Truck size (feet) – GVWR (weight while empty/max. load allowable in pounds (lbs.).)

• 12’ box – 9,900 lbs. (6,800/3,100)
• 16’ box – 12,500 lbs. (8,200/4,300)
• 22’ – 26,000 lbs. (14,000/10,000)
• 26’ – 26,000 lbs. (16,000/10,000)

Budget

Truck size (feet) – GVWR (weight while empty/max. load allowable in pounds (lbs.).)

• 12’ – 10,050 lbs. (6,440/3,610)
• 16’ – 12,500 lbs. (8,040/4,460)
• 26’ – 26,000 lbs. (16,000/9,180)

You can expect similar ranges for box trucks from major rental companies like Ryder and Enterprise as well.

What State(s) Are You Driving In?

Now that you know your truck's GVWR, you can check state-specific rules.

About half of the states don't require you to pull into weigh stations at all if you're driving a personal rental truck. In 7 states, rental trucks like U-Hauls have to stop at weigh stations when the stations are open. In other states, it depends on the weight of the truck.

In the table below, you should locate every state you're passing through. Then, determine if your rental truck's GVWR is over the weigh station limit (if applicable). If so, you'll need to stop. If not, you can drive right by.

State-by-State Variations in Weigh Station Rules

Rules about weigh stations are different in every state. Some states require you to stop in a personal moving truck only if the GVWR is above a specific weight. This helps protect the roads from overweight or unsafe vehicles.

The table below provides an overview of state-level rules. They can change at any time, so it's always a good idea to check the state's Department of Transportation for the latest updates.

Weigh Station Laws for Rental Trucks by State

*Personal rental trucks with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds must stop. However, the vast majority of moving trucks fall below that limit.

**You must stop at weigh stations if a law enforcement officer requests it.

What to Do If You Don’t Know Your Truck’s Weight or the State Law

In the chaos of a move, it's easy to forget to look up state laws or the weight of your moving truck. You might not remember until you're driving down the highway and there's a weigh station coming up.

So what do you do if you're not sure how much your vehicle weighs or what the state law requires? The first option is to stop at the weigh station by default. As you pull in, make sure to follow all speed limits, directions, and spacing signs. Some stations have a pre-scale that weighs your truck as you drive. Based on the results, you'll get a digital indicator telling you whether to drive onto the scale or take the bypass lane and exit the station.

If you know how much your moving truck weighs, but aren’t sure about the state laws, you can rely on road signs to help you decide whether to stop. When you see a "weigh station ahead" sign, start looking for signs that tell you what to do, such as signs that say "All trucks proceed to weigh station," or "Trucks over 26,000 must stop". They're usually located on the right side of the highway or above the far right lane.

Also, keep in mind that weigh stations aren't always open. If you see signs that say "closed" or "weigh station closed," you don't have to worry about stopping.

What Happens if You Don’t Stop at a Weigh Station (When Required)?

If a police officer sees you drive past a required weigh station, they might pull you over. The consequences vary by state, but could include fines, penalties, or points on your driver's license. InCalifornia, it's a misdemeanor to skip a required weigh station.

Once you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror, there's a good chance your move will be delayed. The officer might require you to drive back to the weigh station. Sometimes, they'll conduct a lengthy inspection of your truck and your belongings. If you're paying for a U-Haul, this extra time can drive up the cost.

Tips for Driving a U-Haul and Avoiding Weigh Station Confusion

Even when you know the rules, weigh stations can be confusing. The next time you're moving with a U-Haul or a similar moving truck, use these tips to stay on the right side of the law:

• Plan your route in advance: Figure out which states you're passing through, and check state law before you get behind the wheel. Planning a long-distance move? Write the rules for each state on a sticky note and post it to the dashboard.
• Ask the rental company: When you pick up your rental truck, ask the agent about specific state rules. At a minimum, they should know if U-Haul trucks have to stop at weigh stations in your current state.
• Use a navigation app: Apps such as Trucker Path and Drivewyze can help you locate weigh stations along your route.
• When in doubt, stop: If you're on the road and still wondering if your box truck has to go through weigh stations, go ahead and stop. Pulling through a weigh station is quicker and helps you avoid the cost and hassle of potential fines. The worst they’ll do is wave you on through. And given how much a U-Haul costs, every penny counts!

Ultimately, weigh stations shouldn't be a big source of worry. Many states don't require you to stop, and when you do, it's a pretty easy process.

Why it Matters: The Dangers of Heavy Trucks

Why are weigh stations important, anyway? Does it really matter if your truck is too heavy?

In short, yes. It can damage roads and endanger you and other drivers. When your rental moving truck is loaded past its limit, it can be unsafe to drive, which is why professional movers often have weight requirements.

Plus, it could be illegal. The federal government limits trucks to a maximum of 80,000 pounds on interstate highways, and states can also set their own weight limits. Go over the limit, and you could be dealing with steep fines.

But, unless you have more books than a library or more dumbbells than Gold’s Gym, you probably won’t have to worry about overloading your U-Haul.

You may, however, see signs showing weight limits for local roads and bridges. To make sure you're safe, it's a great idea to know approximately how much your truck and your stuff weighs before you move.

When you're planning a move, weigh stations might not factor into your decision-making process. By learning whether U-Hauls have to stop at weigh stations along your route, however, you can stay compliant and travel with confidence.