California Box Truck Weigh Station Rules: CVC § 2813 Explained
California operates the strictest commercial vehicle enforcement in the United States. Here is what every box truck owner-operator needs to know about the 10,001-lb rule, CARB Clean Truck Check compliance, and major CHP scale locations along I-5, I-10, and I-15.
Informational Disclaimer: Figures, rates, and examples on this page are estimates for educational planning—not legal, tax, accounting, or insurance advice. Operating costs and regulations vary by state, truck spec, and authority history. Verify rules directly with the FMCSA, your state DMV, and a licensed commercial insurance agent.
CVC § 2813 mandates that all commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR must enter when open. Non-CDL 25,999 lb trucks are not exempt.
Rental trucks (U-Haul, Budget, Penske) moving personal household goods are exempt. Commercial business rentals must stop.
Active transponders and in-cab mobile bypass apps are accepted across all major Caltrans weigh-in-motion facilities.
1. California Vehicle Code § 2813: Commercial Vehicle Inspection Rule
Under California Vehicle Code § 2813:
"Every driver of a commercial vehicle shall stop and submit the vehicle to an inspection of the size, weight, equipment, and smoke emissions of the vehicle at any location where members of the California Highway Patrol are conducting tests and inspections of commercial vehicles and when signs are displayed requiring the stop."
Because any straight truck operated for commercial purposes (carrying freight for compensation, Amazon Relay, delivery logistics) with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating over 10,000 lbs is defined as a commercial motor vehicle, drivers of 16ft, 24ft, and 26ft box trucks must pull in whenever the yellow flashing lights read "OPEN".
2. Major High-Enforcement CHP Inspection Stations
Located between Los Angeles and the Central Valley. Extremely busy 24/7 scale houses with continuous brake heat inspections and weight checks.
East of Los Angeles / San Bernardino. Primary inspection bottleneck for freight entering and exiting California via Arizona.
Heavy commercial enforcement corridor between Southern California and Las Vegas.
Northern California freight gateway between Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area.
3. California Clean Truck Check (CTC) & CARB Compliance
In California, CHP officers don't just weigh your truck—they verify California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliance. Under the Clean Truck Check regulation, all non-gasoline commercial vehicles with a GVWR over 14,000 lbs operating in California must:
- Be registered in the state CTC database and pay the annual compliance fee ($30/vehicle)
- Submit semi-annual emissions opacity compliance tests
- Hold an active certificate when crossing open weigh station ramps
Failure to comply can result in DMV registration holds and state roadside fines of $500 to $10,000.
California Weigh Station FAQ
Do non-CDL 26ft box trucks have to stop?
Yes. CVC § 2813 applies to all commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR. Your CDL status is irrelevant—the commercial nature of the vehicle dictates the stop.
Can I bypass with PrePass in California?
Yes. If you have an active PrePass transponder and your carrier safety score is in good standing, you may bypass when receiving a green light.