California warns truck drivers of penalties for avoiding open scales

The Highway Patrol for Transport (CHP) has published to vehicle drivers what to expect when they go around open scales.

On July 25, CHP reminded drivers that under the export ban, scales are prohibited when driving commercial vehicles.

CHP – Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Gilroy reports:

BYPASSING An Open SCALE CHP – Gilroy Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility
Bypassing an open scale facility is a violation of California Vehicle Code section 2813. When black and white regulatory signs are displayed requiring commercial vehicles to stop at an open scale facility, every driver of a commercial vehicle shall stop and submit their vehicle to an inspection of the size, weight, and equipment of their vehicle. Every driver who fails or refuses to stop and submit to an inspection when signs are displayed requiring them to stop is guilty of a misdemeanor.

This may result in:
1) Up to a several thousand dollar fine (after penalty assessments).
2) A point and a half (1 1/2) moving violation on your driver license record. (No traffic school allowed)
3) Increased insurance costs.
4) Possible disciplinary action from your employer.

::::REMEMBER::::::
There is a sign board located on the right shoulder, just south of the facility (prior to the exit lane for the scales) that informs commercial drivers if the scales are open. When the scales are open the sign will state “ALL TRUCKS STOP AT SCALES.” There will also be two (2) yellow warning lights at the top of the sign that will flash from one light to the other. Flashing yellow warning lights. “THIS ALSO INCLUDES BUSES as there is 2 sets of black and white regulatory signs stating all buses must enter.”