From: Bruce Kalin (convoy@mtaofnj.us)
Date: Sun Nov 14 2004 - 10:22:48 PST
Very interesting concept that you have taken, Sonny. Although I haven't
driven commercial vehicles for a living for many years, I still maintain
my endorsements of bus, double and triple trailers, motor cycle, and haz
mat. My brother still owns a fleet of tractor trailers, and I do like to
keep up on the regulations.
As I see it, (and I did discuss this with my brother for
confirmation)unless the sign for the scale says, "All Commercial
Vehicles Must Stop at Scales," rather than, "All Trucks Must Stop at
Scales," then you could still be considered as evading the scales and,
as such you could be fined, detained or, "red lined," which would mean
that you could not proceed until your defects (either mechanical or, on
paper) were corrected. Even then, if your vehicle is considered a
"commercial type of vehicle," rather than historic, you could still be
sitting for a long time, while you try to argue your point with the
arresting officer. Obviously, if you are so inclined, that is your
choice. Sonny, I would say that you've probably been pretty lucky so far.
Bjorn's truck, as it sits with the boom and a load of logs is most
likely to attract a lot of attention when circumventing the scales. I
would not even think of recommending your method to Bjorn.
Having said that, I will attest to NEVER stopping at the scales in my
M35A2C and M105 trailer. However, my truck is a full restoration and
certainly appears military for all intents are purposes. In fact, my New
Jersey tags are in the glove box, not on the truck. I keep them there
just in case ......
Sonny, I like to give the same personal military appearance when
traveling in the truck. That's probably why the toll collectors usually
wave me through the booths :-) Sonny, we often have portable scales set
up along the parkway in New Jersey, and I have never been waved into the
scales by a trooper, yet everything from old pick-up trucks to buses and
tractor trailers are always being pulled over.
I consider Bjorn a friend, and as such I would recommend an entirely
different approach to him for this trip. The easier way to travel is to
pick a route without scales, or known for setting up portable scales,
don't speed, and smile a lot when driving :-) Also, make sure that you
have enough bail money available so that you can at least get home.
-- Bruce Kalin Convoy coordinator Coordinator@eastcoastconvoy.com http://www.EastCoastConvoy.com USMC MTA, MVPA, MTA NJ, NCMVPA
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