Louisiana Weigh Stations & Ag Inspection

When Louisiana makes you pull in

Every commercial truck rated one ton or more must stop at a stationary scale, minus exempt pickups, vans, RVs, buses and light tow trucks (La. R.S. 32:388). Miss the scale in a rig rated 26,000 lb or more and it's a flat $500, on top of any other citation. Return on your own before you're chased and you owe nothing. DOTD's Weights and Standards Police work I-10, I-12, I-20, I-49 and I-55. PrePass and Drivewyze bypass here.

Stations, bypass, and inspection

• Who must stop: All CMVs must stop
• Where the stations are: Since July 1, 2022 the DOTD Weights and Standards Stationary Scales Police Force (created by Act 384 of 2021) runs the scales, taking over from state police. They sit on I-10, I-12, I-20, I-49 and I-55 and along US corridors. Hours vary with lit signs, and mobile scale teams work between the fixed sites.
• Bypass: PrePass and Drivewyze both operate at DOTD stationary scales on I-10, I-12, I-20, I-49 and I-55. Green stays on the mainline; red or no signal means enter and stop.
• Ag / border inspection: No CA/FL-style produce checkpoint. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry runs quarantines (boll weevil and others) off the highway; DOTD scales enforce weight and safety.
• Fine for passing an open station: A rig rated 26,000 lb GVWR or more pays a flat $500 for failing to stop at a stationary scale, on top of any other violation (La. R.S. 32:388). Bypass inadvertently and return on your own, before law enforcement assists, and there's no penalty.

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