Weighing Procedures

Inspectors should follow the following weighing procedures. Omit steps that do not apply.

Check scale function
1. Make sure scale will zero
2. Check for obstructions such as debris on and around scale surface
Designate an individual to communicate with driver
1. Audible
  1. P.A. System
2. Visual
  1. Traffic Light
    1. Signs
    2. Hand Signals
3. Direct vehicle onto weighing area
  a. Ensure each axle or axle group is completely on weighing surface
  b. Weigh each axle or axle group according to departmental policy
  c. Determine weight after load has settled on weighing surface
4. Record and calculate weights
  a. If a weight violation exists, direct driver to a designated parking area for enforcement action
  b. If no weight violation exists, direct driver to exit scale facility

Select a safe location to weigh vehicle
Ensure that the vehicle being weighed is in a “reasonably level position”
Deploy signs or direct driver to weighing area
Communicate to driver actions to be taken
Weigh the Vehicle
a. Position wheel-load weighers
b. Zero the individual wheel-load weighers
c. Position vehicle wheels on active weighing surface
d. Record and calculate weights (Weight recordings should be taken directly over the display)
e. Repeat a. thru d. for additional axle(s)
“Axle groups” should be weighed together. This can be accomplished in several ways:
a. Sufficient number of wheel-load weighers for the axle groups.
b. Sufficient number of leveling blocks (same thickness as wheel-load weigher) and wheel-load weighers for the axle groups.
Take appropriate enforcement action for violations

Site Selection
a. Pre-selected, safe location
i. Adequate size
ii. Ensure that the site being selected is in a reasonably level area
Scale set-up and function check
a. Proper placement of scales
b. Set proper width between scales
c. Connect cable(s) to scales, readout unit, and printer (if applicable)
d. Connect power and check zero
Deploy signs or direct driver to weighing area
Designate an individual to communicate with driver
a. Audible
i. P.A. System
i. Traffic Light
ii. Signs
iii. Hand Signals
Ensure scale can accommodate size and weight of vehicle (pay close attention that the vehicle has proper clearance)
Direct driver onto the scale weighing area
a. Ensure each wheel is on weighing surface
b. Instruct driver to stop and allow load to settle
c. Instruct driver to release brakes on axle or axle groups being weighed
d. Record and calculate weight
e. Repeat procedure for each additional axle or axle groups
All consecutive “axle groups” must be weighed together
Calculate weight to determine if overweight violation exists
a. If weight violation exists, direct driver to parking location for enforcement action
b. If no violation exists, direct driver to exit weighing area
Periodically check scale functions, positioning and alignment