Indiana revises weight limits and fines for trucks

A new law in the state of Indiana is about enforcing weight limits for trucks carrying overweight loads.

The changes took effect at the beginning of July. The new law adds a clause defining placeholders.

Aggregates include sand, gravel, soil, concrete, “other building materials”, etc. No fines will be imposed for loads of aggregates deviating up to 10% of the maximum axle load.

The state allows transportation of agricultural goods, including logs, wood chips, sawdust, and bulk milk, with a 10% variation in gross weight and axle load.

State law previously imposed fines of up to $10,000 for weight and dimensional violations.

Indiana Truck Association president Gary Langston told lawmakers the fine is $10,000 for those who commit at least five violations.

Once the violator reaches the threshold, each additional fine remains at $10,000. Rep. Mike Karikhoff (GOP, Kokomo) said changes are needed to eliminate the exorbitant fine.

“The bill exempts trucking companies from this hefty $10,000 fine every time a truck is deemed overloaded by creating a tiered system of fines,” Karikhoff said.

The law establishes a standard fine of $500 for a vehicle or load that exceeds the allowable limits. Increasing fines are imposed for violations related to excessive axle load. In particular, fines for overweight from 1,000 pounds to 5,000 pounds will be $500. An excess of 5,000 pounds to 10,000 pounds will result in a $1,000 fine. An excess of at least 10,000 pounds will result in a $5,000 fine.