Driving an overweight truck can cause more than just a headache at the scales.
It can cost thousands in fines and threaten your CDL. At Bigger & Harman, we’ve helped drivers cited at the Truckee Weight Station along the Donner Pass on I-80 protect their wallets from massive fines, their driving reputation and record, and their careers.
Why Overweight Truck Citations Happen
Overweight truck violations can occur for many reasons—overloaded cargo, axle miscalculations, or cargo that shifted during movement.
On the Donner Pass, these issues often surface during roadside inspections at the “chicken coop.”
We’ve seen tickets issued for just over the limit, as well as others for thousands of pounds overweight. The latter can leave the driver with a criminal record, as an overweight truck by more than 4,500 pounds is amisdemeanor in California.
A conviction could mean jail time, although that is rare, probation and a massive fine is a possibility.
“A misdemeanor is a type of offense punishable under criminal law. A misdemeanor is typically a crime punishable by less than 12 months in jail.”— Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute (LII).
The High Cost of Overweight Truck Fines
Under CA Vehicle Code (VC) §35784, overweight penalties are based on how much you exceed the limit.
In severe cases, fines reach $1.00 per excess pound. A truck 5,000 pounds over without a permit could mean a $5,000 fine and a criminal record.
Paying the ticket without legal advice can act as an admission of guilt, leading to long-term consequences for your driving career.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
We tell our clients not to wait. Ignoring an overweight ticket can lead to a license suspension or revocation.
Even paying right away can still result in NOTS points on your record. Those points stay, affecting your employment and compliance history. Always consult a commercial traffic ticket attorney before deciding to pay the fine or dispute the ticket.
How We Defend Overweight Truck Cases
We understand California traffic law, the Truckee Courthouse procedures, and how weight enforcement works at the Weigh Station on the Donner Pass.
A full dismissal is great. But that’s not always possible. When it isn’t, we will work to reduce the violation to protect your record.
We’ll explain every option so you know the pros and cons before deciding.
Local Knowledge Can Make a World of Difference
We’ve represented drivers ticketed on I-80 from Nevada County to Placer County and beyond.
We focus our practice specifically on traffic ticket defense, and we have handled many cases across California, including Nevada County, Placer County, Yolo County, Kern County, Tulare County, Fresno County, Inyo County, and Mono County.
We know how CHP Commercial Unit enforcement operates at the Truckee scales. That experience lets us craft a defense specific to your case.
Contact Bigger & Harman About an Overweight Truck in Truckee, CA
If you’ve been cited for an overweight truck in Truckee, CA, you need a commercial traffic attorney who knows the local court system.
We fight to protect your CDL. Consult with Bigger & Harman to possibly avoid a massive fine and keep your career on track.
Contact Bigger & Harman About an Overweight Truck in Truckee, CA
When you face an overweight truck violation in Truckee, CA, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300—se habla Español 349-9755.
Bigger & Harman regularly defends clients in Truckee Courthouse. Call for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ve assisted hundreds of commercial drivers in California in resolving their traffic tickets and defending their careers.
Or, use our contact form to arrange a free consultation, or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: How much is a ticket for an overweight truck at the Weight Station in Truckee?
A: Fines vary by the amount overweight. Minor violations require a fine of about $238—severe violations can cost $1 per pound over the legal limit.
Q: What causes an overweight truck ticket?
A: There are a variety of reasons. Common causes include not checking the container weight before leaving the dock, miscalculated cargo weight, overloaded axles or single tires (typically caused by cargo shifts during movement), or forgetting to factor in axle lengths (check CA VC Section 35550 & 35551, Axle Limits).
Q: Can I lose my CDL for an overweight truck conviction?
A: No. But your record will still reflect the conviction leading to possible other issues with employment, your federal score, and your long term job prospects.
References:
CA VC Section 35784, [35780 – 35796] Permits and Agreements
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.