OVERWEIGHT TRUCK VIOLATIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA

With hundreds of bridges located in Pittsburgh, travel for commercial drivers in the area can be risky due to weight limitations on local bridges and roadways. If you are a truck driver or commercial driver facing an overweight truck violation in Pennsylvania, you are facing thousands of dollars in fines and court costs if you plead guilty, or are found guilty in court. Our firm has represented PA and out-of-state truck drivers in Magisterial District Courts with one goal in mind: eliminate or minimize the financial penalties of the offense.

Overweight Truck Violation defined

Overweight truck violations are referred to as Restrictions on Use of Highways and Bridges in Pennsylvania, and the citation is found under Section 4902 of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code. Section 4902(a) allows state and local authorities to prohibit the operation of vehicles and impose weight limits and size restrictions of vehicles operated on highways and bridges when an engineering and traffic study shows that the highway or bridge could be damaged without the restrictions.

Additionally, Section 4902(b) allows state and local authorities to limit the size and weight of vehicles traveling on highways and bridges when hazardous traffic conditions or other safety factors require such a prohibition or restriction.

School buses, emergency vehicles, and vehicles making local deliveries or pickups may be exempted from restrictions under Sections 4902(a) and 4902(b). Additionally, state and local authorities may issue permits if there is no reasonable alternative route available, or if charging rates for permits consistent with what’s needed to conduct future repairs.

What fines and court costs am I facing for an overweight truck violation?

There are different penalties set forth under Section 4902(g) of the PA Motor Vehicle Code. For a violation of 4902(a), for exceeding regular weight limits, you will face the following penalties.

  • A $75 fine; OR

  • A fine of $150 plus $150 for each 500 pounds or part thereof in excess of 3,000 pounds over the allowable limit. For example, a truck driver who is exceeding weight limits by 20,000 pounds, will be responsible for the original $150 fine plus $5100 for the 17,000 pounds of excess weight, for a total of $5250 plus court costs.

For a violation of 4902(b) for a temporary weight restriction due to weather or safety concerns carries a max fine of up to $500, plus court costs.

What if I didn’t see a sign or notice?

Section 4902(e) requires state and local authorities to provide a weight restriction sign within 25 feet of each end of a bridge or restricted highway. For highways that don’t begin or end with an intersection allowing for a driver avoid entrance, state and local authorities must place an advance informational sign and the intersection that is closest to each end of the restricted bridge or highway. The section further provides that a person cannot be found guilty of this offense unless the signage was posted as required in the direction of traffic that the driver was traveling.

What CDL Holders should know regarding Restrictions on Use of Highways and Bridges in Pennsylvania

Before traveling, every driver of a tractor-trailer, tanker, transport truck, log carrier or large truck should calculate and remember the exact weight of his or her truck before traveling through Pennsylvania. Any truck driver approaching a restricted bridge or highway exceeding weight limits should immediately stop and turn around. If unable to turn around, the driver should stop before entering the restricted portion of a bridge or highway and contact local police for assistance.

The Zuckerman Law Firm may be able to help if you are charged with an Overweight Truck Violation

If you are a CDL holder or trucking company with a driver facing an overweight truck violation or restrictions on use of highways and bridges offense, contact the Zuckerman Law Firm today at 412-447-5580 for a free consultation.

For PA or out-of-state CDL holders, our firm may be able to do the following:

  • Waive your appearance in court, permitting a firm’s attorney to appear in court on your behalf, saving you from the time and expense of traveling to court or missing work;

  • Pursue a negotiated agreement for a reduction of fines and costs; or

  • Dispute the violation if an element of proof is not met.

If you’re facing an overweight truck violation in Western Pennsylvania, please call us at 412-447-5580.