Overweight Tickets in California

According to USA Today’s Associated Press writer April Castro, there are over a half-million over-weight trucks allowed on roads and bridges in the U.S. Some experts warn that the practice of issuing state permits that allow trucks to exceed the usual weight limits can weaken steel and concrete. Investigators say that may have contributed to the bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis August 2007, killing 13 people.

California is more cautious with its overweight permits than other states. 23,000 single-trip permits are issued annually in California and truckers must request permission to travel on a specified route for each trip.

California transportation officials perform extensive reviews to ensure the load can travel safely on the requested highways without damaging pavement and bridges.Often, truckers may be required to reduce their loads.

With such strict laws come a high number of truckers who receive tickets for an over the weight limit offense. These tickets are usually very costly, but they can be reduced or even dismissed if you contest them with an attorney.