Which vehicles need to stop at weigh stations in Australia?
Truck weighing systems are imperative to improve road safety and minimize adverse impacts that heavy vehicles have on road infrastructure, the environment and the local community.
The Transport Inspector must carry out one or more of the following: Gross mass and axle mass assessment using portable scales; Vehicle and load dimension checks; Oversize and over mass compliance; Mechanical condition and general roadworthiness; Load restraints; Dangerous goods transport compliance and driver safety requirements.
The drivers may also be required to supply at least one of the following documents, such as driver and vehicle licenses; weigh report manifests and/or other consignment documentation; Main Roads’ mass or dimension permits (with endorsements) or Gazettal Order (previously known as a notice); and Other documents related to the vehicle or load.
What happens during the truck weighing procedure?
Inspections ensure that your heavy vehicle meets the required standards, is well-maintained, and is safe to drive. Before your inspection, thoroughly check your vehicle and all its functions. If your vehicle has been cleaned ahead of time, especially underneath, it will be easier for our heavy transport scales to inspect your vehicle.
The mechanics will inspect your brakes, tyres, air reservoirs, steering, suspension, headlights, windscreen, windscreen wipers, and exhaust to ensure they are free of damage and functioning properly.
It strongly depends on the type of heavy vehicle you drive and its use as to what happens during your inspection. Our heavy vehicle mechanics run a series of checks, including a safety check to ensure your safety behind the wheel.
Which vehicles need to stop at weigh stations in Australia?
Australia requires heavy vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) exceeding eight tonnes to enter weigh stations.
There are different rules at different commercial truck scales regarding the times and sizes of vehicles that are required to enter. A fixed illuminated sign and a variable illuminated sign are displayed at the entrance of the weigh stations. Those heavy-driving vehicles should be aware of the locations of the transport scales, pay attention to the signs, and follow the directions carefully.
Is there a penalty for not stopping at the weigh station?
Failing to stop at a weigh station when required is an offense. To ensure compliance with entry requirements, weighing stations are monitored by Safe-T-Cams operated by Roads and Maritime Services. The cameras will capture a photograph of the number plate of a heavy vehicle that fails to enter so that the registered operator can be identified.
Most of the time, the offense is dealt with by a court. This means that the Roads and Maritime Services will issue a Court Attendance Notice requiring the driver to appear in court to resolve the matter.
Additionally, Roads and Maritime Services is likely to issue a notice to produce requiring the registered operator of the vehicle to nominate the driver and provide transport records. The records will also be carefully examined to identify any other offenses committed during the trip, such as driver fatigue. Typically, a person charged with an offense of failing to stop is also charged with an error in their work diary or other records.
