Do Rental Trucks Stop At Weigh Stations?

If you're moving long distance and have decided to rent a truck you may be wondering, do I need to stop at weigh stations? This is a very common question that is spurred by the fact that there is no universal answer. Truck rental locations will usually tell you that you must indeed stop at all weigh stations whereas an Internet search will likely yield the opposite. To help our customers, or anyone completing a long distance move with a rental truck, we have put together this quick guide.

When Does a Rental Truck Stop at A Weigh Station?

To make a very confusing answer to this question as simple as possible we abide by a single rule: Most states do not require non-commercial vehicles to stop at weigh stations. If you are hauling personal property, such as your household items, you can generally pass right on by. With that said, if you are ever unsure, you should stop just to be on the safe side. It is very likely that you will be waived through the bypass lane.

But wait! There are two important exceptions to this rule:

1. Some states have 'agriculture inspection' stations at the border. This is notably true in Florida. Agricultural inspections almost always require all trucks, trailers and explicitly "rental trucks" to stop
2. In several parts of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California rental trucks are required to stop for immigration and border patrol checkpoints. These aren't technically weigh stations, but if your long distance move has you driving through one of these states then you must stop at these checkpoints

Our list of state-by-state weigh station requirements (as they pertain to rental trucks) can be found below. This information was updated in 2020.

Driving your moving truck through a state that has a requirement based on the weight of the truck? You'll likely find our guide how much truck rentals weigh helpful.