If you are a commercial or big truck driver who is going to be crossing into different provinces, it is important that you know the different regulations concerning the weigh stations. Before heading out, make sure you know how much your truck weighs alone, with the trailer empty and with the trailer loaded. This way, no matter where you are on the trip, you can obey the weighing rules and avoid fines. In general, you will have to be weighed in all provinces where a sign on the road directs you to do so. Here are the additional rules in place by some of the provinces.

British Columbia

A truck does not have to go through a weigh station in British Columbia if the driver knows the truck has a licensed gross vehicle weight of less than 5,500 kilograms. Trucks that are bring used for the construction of the highway are also exempt from having to weigh in.

Nova Scotia

If you are travelling any of the 100 series highways in Nova Scotia, you need to stop at the scale houses if your truck weighs over 3,000 kilograms.

Ontario

All commercial trucks must stop at all inspection scales in Ontario. The only time a driver may pass an inspection station is if the station is not open.

Confederation Bridge

If your travels take you across the Confederation bridge, you have the option of stopping at either the Prince Edward Island of the new Brunswick scale house. You must stop if your truck is wider than 2.6 meters. It your truck is wider than this, you may be required to have a bridge patrol escort.

Quebec

Any vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight of over 4,500 kilograms must stop at weigh stations. The only exceptions are recreational vehicles or autos classified as passenger vehicles.

Yukon

In Yukon, unless your vehicle weighs over 9,000 kilograms, you do not have to have it weighed at the scales.

Regardless of any regulation or exception, you must have your truck weighed at a scale house if ordered to do so by a police officer. Keep a record of the weight in your daily log book. If another officer stops you, showing him or her the book may stop you from having to do another weigh in. Some scale houses have scales that do not require you stop completely but slow down to under 10 miles per hour. There will be a person in the booth, or a lighted sign that will inform you of the weight of the vehicle and when you can proceed. It only takes a moment, and keeps you from having troubles with the highway patrol. Click here for more information about truck scales in Edmonton.