Trucking Weight Violations Can Have Expensive Consequences
Local and state governments, including the Commonwealth of Virginia, have overweight truck laws to reduce the damage that excess weight can do to roads and bridges. The overweight truck fines can be expensive; it’s not uncommon for the owner of an overweight truck to be forced to pay thousands of dollars in fines. On top of that, the process can delay the delivery of your load and make your customers angry.
If you are facing an overweight truck violation, contact Lawrence, Smith and Gardner, online or by calling 703-539-5825. Our office is located in Fairfax, Virginia, and our legal team has the experience and tenacity needed to challenge truck violations.
Penalties For Overweight Truck Violations
In Virginia, the penalties become more severe as the violations become bigger. See the chart below from ” Virginia’s Size, Weight and Equipment Requirements for Trucks, Trailers and Towed Vehicles.”
Amount overweight penalty
2,000 pounds or less 1 cent per pound
2,001 to 4,000 pounds 3 cents per pound
4,001 to 8,000 pounds 7 cents per pound
8,001 to 12,000 pounds 12 cents per pound
12,001 pounds or more 20 cents per pound
On top of those penalties, administrative fees of more than $50 can be added.
Were Mistakes Made?
It’s often said that “the camera adds 10 pounds” to people. Trucks, too, can be given weight that does not reflect reality.
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles operates 13 permanent weigh stations and 12 portable units, according to the department’s website. The people who work for the department are trained, but nobody is perfect, and machines (even scales) do not always function properly. Plus, the individuals who work at the stations do not always apply the law correctly.
You should not have to pay for someone else’s mistake. That is why Virginia has an appeal process for overweight fines. Within 21 days of the citation, you must notify the department that you are challenging the penalty. Filing a challenge gives you your “day in court.”
We Can Help You Fight An Overweight Truck Ticket. Contact Us Today.
You do not have to face these legal challenges alone. The attorneys at Lawrence, Smith and Gardner, can give you the help you need to contest a ticket. Our lawyers have decades of experience vigorously defending truck drivers in overweight truck citation cases. Contact us at our Fairfax location through our contact form or by calling 703-539-5825. We offer free consultations over the phone.