Bus Reporting to Open Weigh/Inspection Stations

At the recent CVSA conference (portland) a survey of the requirement for motor coach vehicles to stop at weigh/inspection sites was discussed in the passenger committee. Some jurisdictions require passenger carriers to pull in at open weigh/inspections sites while others do not. It was our interpretation that as a \"Commercial Motor vehicle\" motor coach vehicles were required to stop/pull in at open sites. Furthermore it was our understanding that with increased attention given to passenger carriers this requirement was to be enforced. In the northeast, it is possible to drive through several different jurisdictions in the course of one trip. We have instructed our drivers to pull in at ANY open weigh or inspection site to ensure compliance. Some jurisdictions are reprimanding drivers with comments such as \"what are you doing here?...you are a bus\". In more than one instance the vehicle waited in line for 30-45 mins to be reprimanded for pulling in in the first place. DATTCO, along with most passenger carriers is willing and pleased to comply with the direction of any regulatory agency, however, a uniform and consistent approach must be applied. We can not have a driver cited in one jurisdiction for driving past an inspection site and reprimanded in another for stopping. In addition, if it is the wish or the practice of the jurisdiction not to have motor coachs stop, long waits delay scheduled trips and generate passenger complaints.

The absence of uniform application of the requirement for over the road motorcoach and passenger vehicles to stop (or pull in) to open weigh and inspection facilities is causing driver and enforcement confusion, passenger complaints and delays.

Uniform application of the requirement for over the road motor coach and/or passenger vehicles to stop at weigh and inspection sites. Definitively clarify the requirement and communicate such to roadside enforcement personnel performing weigh and inspection functions. Jurisdictions not requiring or desiring passenger vehicles to stop need to identify these vehicles early in the process and waive or clear them through.