CA Vehicle Code (VC) Sections 35550 & 35551, Axle Limits, define the legal weight limits for commercial trucks in California.
However, there are exceptions to these limits. Check the Caltrans website for specific details and information on obtaining the required permits.
If you drive through Donner Pass on Interstate 80, you know the weigh station near Truckee, CA, is no joke. Legal weight limits for commercial trucks in California are strictly enforced throughout the state. Even a few extra pounds can lead to fines, delays, and damage to your CDL record.
The Legal Weight Limits for Commercial Trucks Involve Single Axle, Tandem Axle & Steering Axle Weight Limits
Generally, these are the guidelines for commercial trucks:
Single Axle: 20,000 pounds max.
Tandem Axle: 34,000 pounds.
Steering Axle: Typically limited to 12,500 pounds.
There are exceptions for certain construction, vehicles hauling other vehicles, agriculture, and local loads. However, for most, these limits are absolute, and exceptions require a permit before entering California.
At the Truckee I-80 weigh station, the CHP enforces them rigorously. If a truck is overweight, the consequences aren’t just financial.
How a Violation Impacts You at the Donner Pass Weigh Station
An overweight violation on I-80 near Truckee can put your rig out of service.
You’ll have to offload or redistribute cargo before moving again. That delay hits your schedule and your wallet hard.
It can also impact your future employment, pay, and salary due to CSA severity points and time-weighted multiple in your Preemployment Screening Program (PSP).
These legal weight limits for commercial trucks in California help protect roads and ensure safety. Caltrans and CHP regularly monitor commercial traffic, especially near Truckee.
Understanding the Fine for Overweight Trucks
In Truckee and across CA, fines for overweight violations vary according to the amount the vehicle is overweight:
Minor Infractions: (up to 4,500 pounds over): $238 fine and 1.5 NOTS points.
Misdemeanor violations: (4,501+ pounds over): Misdemeanor, $1.00 per excess pound, 3 NOTS points, possible jailtime or probation, and a criminal record.
A misdemeanor can linger on your record for life. That’s why this is more than just a fine—it’s a risk to your livelihood and reputation.
Do I Need a Permit for Overweight Loads in California?
Yes. If you're carrying an oversized or overweight load into California, get your Caltrans permit before crossing the border.
That includes vehicles from Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, or Mexico. The permit must be active before entry, or you risk a violation.
Consult One of Bigger & Harman’s Overweight Truck Lawyers About Your Nevada County Ticket
We get it—you're on a tight schedule, and one citation can throw everything off.
That’s where we come in. At Bigger & Harman, we focus solely on traffic violations in Court. We have helped many commercial drivers with violations in Truckee, Nevada County, and other areas of Northern California.
We know the CHP procedures. We know the judges. And we know how to fight overweight violations.
Don’t just pay the fine. Let us help you protect your CDL, your job, and your reputation.
Contact Bigger & Harman About How to Possibly Avoid a Ticket for a Violation of the Legal Weight Limits for Commercial Trucks in California
If you have a ticket for violating the legal weight limits for commercial trucks in California, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—se habla Español 349-9755.
Email us a copy of your citation to attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com, or use our contact form.
We have experience getting dismissals and negotiating no-point violations in Truckee Courthouse for commercial drivers. Our traffic attorneys will fight to ensure you get the best possible outcome in Nevada County.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What are the legal weight limits for commercial trucks in California?
A: Most commercial trucks are limited to 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Axle-specific limits apply: 20,000 pounds for the single axle, 34,000 pounds for the tandem axle, and 12,500 pounds for the steering axle. However, there are exceptions when the load cannot be broken down, get details at the Caltrans’ website.
Q: Can I lose my CDL for an overweight truck ticket?
A: Not directly, but the fine can be massive (typically $1.00 per pound overweight), and repeated violations, NOTS points, and CSA severity points can affect your CDL status and employability.
Q: What happens if I’m overweight at the Donner Pass weigh station?
A: Your vehicle will typically be placed out of service until you correct the load or you have the required permit. In addition, you will likely be cited for an overweight vehicle.
References:
CA VC Section 35550 & 35551, Axle Limits and 35784, 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.