hitting backroads to avoid scales
 

anyone here have experience getting caught by dot for taking alternate routes to avoid the scales? i've heard some rumors like if you get caught, they'll escort you to the scales, give you tickets, etc..... i decided to try it yesterday because i heard they had cameras and wanted to see for myself, after all, i'm legal. i took the exit before the scales went around it and saw a camera on the side of the road with like a height thing that i assume only a big truck will activate it. so i'm guessing it's dot watching me on the backroads? anyway i didn't have any problems getting back on the interstate and kept on trucking.

Yep--DOT weighed you on their invisible scale, took a picture, got your plates, and your ticket will be arriving in the mail in 2-3 weeks. (and even though you were legal, their scale data said otherwise.... :shock: )

Just kidding! :P

I expect the DOT to be using cameras, invisible scales, and issuing tickets somehow, someway in the coming future....

Running backroads can be interesting and allot of fun. Doing it to dodge a scale, well, many do and get away with it, and many get caught. Just the luck of the draw. Many states have DOT units with portable scales, some will just escort you to the nearest certified scale if they believe you to be overweight. Most try to dodge the scales when their log books and paperwork are not in order, not neccesarily because of weight.

Attempting to dodge scales in the state of Ohio, legal or not can net you a large fine and level 1 inspection. There are a few other states, but since I am just going back OTR after a couple of years running local, I cannot remember the areas.

Good luck and have fun with your adventures.

I've done it a time or two in my day but just beware that sometimes the DOT might be watching whatever escape route you happen to be on and Intentionally Avoiding a scale and getting caught can be costly and no matter what excuse you throw at them they've heard it before :P

"I just wanted to see what the back side of that inspection house looked like. Even when you guys pull me in there and pull on those arm-length gloves they use to check if cows are pregnant, I still never see it from that angle. The architecture is fascinating from over here. You guys should be really proud."

OK-that's a New one :P

scales...
 

I tried it once, got stopped, got escorted back to the scales. They checked everything while I sat in the now CLOSED scales with trucks running by for almost an hour. It was a WASTE of my time.
If you are smart enough to get around a scale, you are smart enough to get accross it.

I've actually done that. Guys telling us that the DOT is out. Luckily for us, on wheat harvest, we are on the backroads. :P

interesting. the scale i bypassed btw was the brand spankin' new super coop that just opened last week , over there by madison, wi (they tore down the old one and made it new at the same spot) on the east bound side of 1-90. the bypass route i used was rt 51.....check it out, you'll see that camera i'm talking about. still wondering if it's dot watching me :twisted:

I was once over gross and ran around the scales between Chicago and Denver. Almost got busted in Nebraska at a portable scale but they had filled up and the DOT officer motioned me to keep going. :oops: