18.8.1302    VEHICLES AUTHORIZED TO BYPASS WEIGH STATIONS

(1)  The requirements contained in 61-10-141, MCA, and ARM 18.8.1301 for vehicles stopping at stations do not apply to: 

(a) vehicles being operated by carriers enrolled in electronic weigh station bypass programs.  In-cab signals at equipped weigh station sites shall be followed, subject to jurisdictional bypass restrictions;

(b)  vehicles receiving notification indicating a bypass from electronic signs on the mainline or through other means of communication;

(c)  vehicles owned and operated by the Federal Government, a State, any subdivision of a State, or a Tribal Government;

(d)  Montana based school buses operating to or from school, or a school sponsored activity;

(e)  scheduled transit system buses travelling on a regular route; 

(f)  super-loads operating under a special permit which are unable to enter a weigh station due to size or safety concerns that have obtained prior authorization from the division administrator or designee.

(2)  Vehicles meeting the following criteria may request weigh station bypass authorization from the division administrator or designee:

(a)  empty vehicles making multiple trips, such as logging vehicles and harvesting support vehicles;

(b)  vehicles operating to, from, or within a construction project; or

(c)  other vehicles as determined on a case-by-case basis.

(3)  Carriers with weigh station bypass authorization are subject to roadside enforcement stops. 

(4)  Authorized bypasses may be rescinded at the discretion of the department.

History: 61-10-141, 61-10-155, MCA; IMP, 61-10-141, MCA; NEW, 2022 MAR p. 1832, Eff. 9/24/22.