Weigh Station Fines & Penalties by State
Overweight fines can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand — and they vary wildly by state. This guide provides a state-by-state reference for overweight penalties, skipping fines, and common weigh station violations so you know exactly what is at stake.
O Trucking Editorial Team
Trucking Industry Experts
Fact-Checked by O Trucking Dispatch Team
5+ years coordinating weight compliance and managing overweight situations across 48 states
This article was written by the O Trucking editorial team with 9+ years of combined trucking industry experience. Learn more about us.
O TruckingWeigh Station Fines & Penalties by State (2026)
Sample State-by-State Overweight Fines
Fines vary significantly by state. Here is a sample of penalties for being 5,000 lbs overweight on gross weight:
| State | Fine (5K lbs over) | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| California | $1,750-2,500+ | Per-pound tiered + penalties |
| Texas | $500-1,250 | $150 per 2,500 lbs tiered |
| Ohio | $500-1,000 | Per-pound above 2,000 lbs over |
| Georgia | $600-1,200 | Tiered per-pound schedule |
| Illinois | $1,000-2,000 | Steep per-pound fines |
| New York | $1,250-2,500+ | High per-pound + court costs |
| Florida | $400-800 | $0.05/lb for first 5,000 over |
Fines Are Just the Beginning
Common Weigh Station Violations & Costs
| Violation | Typical Fine | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Overweight (gross) | $250-5,000+ | Pre-weigh at CAT Scale |
| Overweight (axle) | $200-3,000 | Slide tandems, redistribute |
| Skipping weigh station | $250-1,000 | Always stop when open |
| Brake violations | $100-500+OOS | Pre-trip inspection |
| HOS violations | $1,000-16,000 | Keep ELD current |
| Expired medical card | $100-500+OOS | Calendar reminder for renewal |
Know the Strictest States on Your Route
Weigh Station Fines FAQ
Common questions about weigh station fines and overweight penalties
How much is an overweight truck fine?
Overweight fines vary dramatically by state. Most states charge a per-pound rate for every pound over the limit. Typical fines range from $0.01 to $0.20 per pound over, meaning 1,000 lbs over could cost $100 to $2,000+ depending on the state. Some states have flat fines starting at $250. States like California and New York tend to have higher penalties.
What is the fine for skipping a weigh station?
Fines for skipping (bypassing without authorization) an open weigh station typically range from $250 to $1,000. Some states treat it as a misdemeanor. Officers may also require you to return to the station for a full inspection, which costs additional time. Cameras and WIM sensors at weigh stations can identify trucks that illegally bypass.
Who pays overweight fines — the driver or carrier?
It depends on who is responsible for the overweight condition. If the shipper overloaded the trailer beyond what was declared, the carrier may pursue reimbursement from the shipper. However, the driver/carrier typically pays the fine initially and must pursue the shipper for recovery. Owner-operators with their own authority are responsible for verifying weights before leaving the shipper.
Do overweight fines affect CSA scores?
Overweight violations are recorded on inspection reports and can affect your CSA score under the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC category. While a single overweight violation may not dramatically impact your score, repeated violations create a pattern that increases your likelihood of future inspections and can trigger FMCSA intervention.
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