ORLANDO, Fla. – Drivers across Florida often ask the same question when passing weigh stations on highways: Who actually has to stop, and do RVs count?
Under Florida Statute 316.545, commercial vehicles are required to stop at an open weight station when directed by signs or law enforcement. This typically includes trucks hauling cargo for business, commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more, and any vehicle specifically directed to enter by the Florida Highway Patrol or FDOT.
Not every large vehicle is required to stop. Passenger vehicles, personal-use pickup trucks, and recreational vehicles (RVs) used for personal travel generally do not have to stop at Florida weight stations. The determining factor is commercial use, not size.
That means an RV on a family road trip can usually continue past an open station, unless a law enforcement officer specifically directs the driver to pull in. When that happens, all vehicles are required to comply.
Weight stations may also be open or closed depending on traffic conditions and enforcement needs. If a station is clearly marked “closed,” no stop is required.
I’ll break this down further, including common misconceptions and real-world examples during my stream.
If you’ve ever been unsure whether to pull into a weight station, this is one you won’t want to miss.