Dodging the Scales: the great trucking-American passtime.

do it in Michigan and get busted doing it its a pretty hefty fine. buddy of mine did it about a year back going around the grass lake scale on 94. i don't recall the fine bu i do know that it was pretty hefty

By dodging the scales do you mean actually pass by them or take an exit before the scale exit and go an alternate route?

It all depends on what area you are in.

In many areas if you jump off and back on within a few miles of a scale house and do not have business on the route you took then yes it is often illegal.

In other areas it is perfectly acceptable to take an alternate route, just make sure that it does not look like you purpose for the route is to bypass scales.

yep-you can get ticketed for bypassing scales-Better make up a good story in advance on why you're on a road that goes around them.

Nope never legal to bypass a scale. Must be hiding something and if you are caught well be ready for the book to be thrown at you.

I will agree with Uturn, it really depends, many by pass the scales on I-40 in West Memphis, Ar using U.S. 70. In Ca many of the locals complain about trucks by passing the scales in Santa Clarita using the frontage roads right in front of the scales, however Ca Dot says it's a perfectly legal route and there is nothing they can do about it. However in other places they will try to hang you.

I guessing you are heavy with that big bunk truck. :roll: :lol:

I will just say that I am pleasantly plump at times.

[ In Ca many of the locals complain about trucks by passing the scales in Santa Clarita using the frontage roads right in front of the scales, however Ca Dot says it's a perfectly legal route and there is nothing they can do about it.

Just an update on bypassing the Santa Clarita scales on the frontage road. That road is marked as a 7,000 lb weight limit. The road also takes you right by CHP's front door. I would not recommend that bypass route for that scale.