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OOSC, Part II, Item 12. Tires a. (9) and b. (4) - Weight Exceeds Tire Load Limit

Entry DateMarch 16, 2019
Issue Number19-015-VEH
NameBrad Gibson
AgencyTexas Department of Public Safety
Address6200 Guadalupe St., Bldg. PAustin, TX, 78752United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab)
Phone(512) 424-2051
Email[email protected]
CommitteeVehicle Committee
StatusClosed
Summary of Issue

A traditional 3 axle ready-mix truck was stopped with the following tire weight ratings and weight measurements recorded by the inspector. The inspector encountered the tire weight rating being exceeded on a dual tire set on only one side of an axle. Is this an OOS condition? Does 393.75(g) apply to a dual tire set, or must the entire axle exceed the tire weight rating in order to constitute an OOS condition? Is an inspector required to obtain weight measurements for each individual tire if the tire weight rating is exceeded in a dual tire set on one half of an axle? X-----OO Axle 1 - TWR 11,400 lbs. each (22,800 lbs. total) - Actual weight 20,500 lbs. (In compliance as a whole and individually.) Axles 2 & 3 - TWR 6,005 lbs. each (48,040 lbs. total) - Actual weight 45,800 lbs. (In compliance as a whole.) Axle 2 - TWR 6,005 lbs. each (24,020 lbs. total) - Actual weight wasn't recorded. (In compliance as a whole.) Axle 2 Right Side - TWR 6,005 lbs. each (12,010 lbs. total) - Actual weight 12,200 lbs. (Not in compliance - Which tire, or both, and by how much, was unknown.) The tires did not appear to be under-inflated and the suspension components appeared to be functioning as intended. Furthermore, in regards to the weighing procedures for a ready-mix truck, should an inspector stop the drum and obtain a single weight measurement, start and stop the drum several times to obtain multiple weight measurements and take the average (as the weight measurement would be different every time), or keep the drum rotating and obtain the best weight measurement possible?

Justification or Need

The OOSC is unclear in regard to this situation and several 'high-level' inspectors all have differing opinions in regard to what action should/should not be taken, as well as what the proper weighing procedures for a ready-mix truck are.

Request for Action

Provide clarification on how to apply the OOSC in regards to this situation. Provide guidance on the weighing of ready-mix trucks. We don't care what the clarification and guidance is, so long as it addresses and removes all doubt to the roadside inspector when they encounter this situation.