I live in Iowa and have been noticing that the signs to the entrance to our DOT scales says
"All trucks over 6000 lbs must weigh"
So I wrote the DOT and explained that the curb weight is over 6000 lbs empty and I am not
pulling a trailer.

Based on the above info I asked if I neded to stop.

The answer is yes I must stop.

I think it's time to call my congressional folks.

Is Iowa the only state that requires empty pickups to stop at scales ???

 

Did you clarify with the DOT that you were driving a non-commercial vehicle?

Wouldn't that mean than all Soccer-Moms in large SUVs would also need to stop?

 

Good point.
I will see of that chages things

 

Sounds Dumb, the BMW X3 is over 6K!

 

Ford Excursion
Curb Weight 7,725 lbs

BMW X3
Curb Weight 4,001 lbs.

Chevy Suburban
Curb Weight 5,268 lbs

Toyota Landcruiser
Curb Weight 5,390 lbs.

Cadillac Escalade
Curb Weight 5,641lbs

Hummer H2
Curb Weight 6,400 lbs.

Hummer H1
Curb Weight 7,154 lbs.

from http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/n...x.cfm/id/38532
Must be gassers.

Dodge Ram 2500/3500 ext. cab long bed
Curb Weight, lbs. 5748

Dodge Ram 2500/3500 reg. cab long bed
Curb Weight, lbs. 5413

Dodge Ram 2500/3500 ext. cab short bed
Curb Weight, lbs. 5566

 

The sign specifies "trucks". Maybe SUV's are ok.

 

I still think they're refering to Commercial vehicles.

 

jnck, I wouldn't waste the effort on your congressional folks - they're just as clueless as the knucklehead that responded to you.

The key point in your thread is "DOT" scales. The Department of Transportation (DOT) doesn't care about your truck if its not commercial. If you've got DOT numbers stuck on the outside of the truck (and if you did, you'd know it) - they want to see you pull in. If you don't, they don't want you to pull in; they'd be looking at you like you're silly.

Not to worry, that silliness isn't limited to Iowa either......

 

This is the data I used
2003 Dodge ram 4wd
Hemi Diesel
Curb weight, lb 5256 7100

http://motortrend.com/oftheyear/truc...in/index4.html

 

pull in every day and make them weigh you. after a while, they will get tired of seeing you.

Nissan Owner's Rule #1. Rules are more effective if you can make them annoy the people who have to enforce them.

 

I LIKE it!

Great idea, just tell 'em (whatever DOT Dude's name was) sent ya.
Tell them only 4 more weigh-ins on your punch card and he said you're supposed to get a free ice cream cone.

 

If you are driving a bobtail tractor, you don't need to pull-in, either. At least around here.

I had to go in one day. While I was waiting, a bobtailer stop on the scale. She was very rude the driver, on how she told them to get on their way. Real snot.

 

Yes the DOT scales are for comercial plated vehicles only. RV'ers and personal vehicles are exempt.. The problem I found in stoping when you don't have to is they will pull you over and inspect you and hassel you for a while. I don't like volunteering for trouble or hassels!!!! I have enough trouble paying my bills and keeping the wife happy. Why stir up Barney Fife the cop god????

 

In California ALL pickups are commercial. Yes, I know it's rediculous. The law reads "commercial like" or "commercial type" vehicles. Meaning, if our trucks are similar to others used for commercial purposes then we are commercial too. Yes, it's maddening. If the truck carries nothing but dust that settled out of the atmosphere, we may be hauling dust for profit, commercial. If we have our own personal camper on the truck, we may be hauling campers for profit, commercial. Etc, etc.
The truck scales say "All Trucks Must Stop" and another sign says "No Pickups". I would never stop and noone else, with a pickup, does either.

Wetspirit

 

My truck with a half tank of gas and me in it weighs in at 7,100lb...