Weigh stationUnited States
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217. Weigh station
A weigh station is a roadside facility where trucks and other heavy vehicles can be weighed to check whether their total vehicle weight and axle loads comply with legal limits. Some stations also support inspections of vehicle documents, load security or other commercial-vehicle requirements.
Weighing may be performed while a vehicle is stationary or by using Weigh-In-Motion technology that estimates vehicle and axle weights as the vehicle travels over sensors in the road. Vehicles suspected of being overloaded may then be directed to a precise weighing facility.
Wikimedia.org • Famartin • CC BY-SA
Why are overloaded vehicles checked?
Weight checks enforce the applicable vehicle and axle limits and identify overloading. Excess loading can affect tyres, handling and braking. The load must also be distributed and secured correctly; compliance with a total-mass limit alone is not enough.
🔗 ecfr.gov • US 49 CFR 571.3, GVWR/GCWR manufacturer definitions; US example
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, vehicle weights explained, MAM/GVW and down-plating; British example

Traffic rules
United States