WeightAxle Limits

Section § 35550

Explanation

This law outlines weight limits for vehicles on highways. The weight on one axle can't be more than 20,000 pounds, and a single wheel can't support more than 10,500 pounds. However, these limits don't apply to vehicles carrying livestock. Additionally, the maximum allowable load on a wheel is determined by either the tire manufacturer's limit as shown on the sidewall or by a calculation based on tire width, excluding the steering axle.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 35550(a) The gross weight imposed upon the highway by the wheels on any one axle of a vehicle shall not exceed 20,000 pounds and the gross weight upon any one wheel, or wheels, supporting one end of an axle, and resting upon the roadway, shall not exceed 10,500 pounds.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 35550(b) The gross weight limit provided for weight bearing upon any one wheel, or wheels, supporting one end of an axle shall not apply to vehicles the loads of which consist of livestock.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 35550(c) The maximum wheel load is the lesser of the following:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 35550(c)(1) The load limit established by the tire manufacturer, as molded on at least one sidewall of the tire.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 35550(c)(2) A load of 620 pounds per lateral inch of tire width, as determined by the manufacturer’s rated tire width as molded on at least one sidewall of the tire for all axles except the steering axle, in which case paragraph (1) applies.
gross weight axle weight limit wheel weight limit ...

Section § 35551

Explanation

This section regulates the maximum weight allowed for vehicles on highways based on the number of axles and the distance between them. It sets specific gross weight limits in pounds for groups of axles according to a detailed table. Additionally, it specifies that two sets of tandem axles can each have a maximum weight of 34,000 pounds, provided the sets are at least 36 feet apart, but their combined weight cannot exceed 68,000 pounds.

The measurements between axles are rounded up to the nearest foot if exactly six inches. This rule doesn't override any bans on using highways or bridges set out elsewhere. The weight limits here include enforcement tolerances, meaning they're the absolute maximum allowed by law.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 35551(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section or Section 35551.5, the total gross weight in pounds imposed on the highway by any group of two or more consecutive axles shall not exceed that given for the respective distance in the following table:
Distance in feet between
the extremes of any group
of 2 or more consecutive
axles
2 axles
3 axles
4 axles
5 axles
6 axles
 4  ........................
34,000
34,000
34,000
34,000
34,000
 5  ........................
34,000
34,000
34,000
34,000
34,000
 6  ........................
34,000
34,000
34,000
34,000
34,000
 7  ........................
34,000
34,000
34,000
34,000
34,000
 8  ........................
34,000
34,000
34,000
34,000
34,000
 9 ........................
39,000
42,500
42,500
42,500
42,500
10  ........................
40,000
43,500
43,500
43,500
43,500
11  ........................
40,000
44,000
44,000
44,000
44,000
12  ........................
40,000
45,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
13  ........................
40,000
45,500
50,500
50,500
50,500
14  ........................
40,000
46,500
51,500
51,500
51,500
15  ........................
40,000
47,000
52,000
52,000
52,000
16  ........................
40,000
48,000
52,500
52,500
52,500
17  ........................
40,000
48,500
53,500
53,500
53,500
18  ........................
40,000
49,500
54,000
54,000
54,000
19  ........................
40,000
50,000
54,500
54,500
54,500
20  ........................
40,000
51,000
55,500
55,500
55,500
21  ........................
40,000
51,500
56,000
56,000
56,000
22  ........................
40,000
52,500
56,500
56,500
56,500
23  ........................
40,000
53,000
57,500
57,500
57,500
24  ........................
40,000
54,000
58,000
58,000
58,000
25  ........................
40,000
54,500
58,500
58,500
58,500
26  ........................
40,000
55,500
59,500
59,500
59,500
27  ........................
40,000
56,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
28  ........................
40,000
57,000
60,500
60,500
60,500
29  ........................
40,000
57,500
61,500
61,500
61,500
30  ........................
40,000
58,500
62,000
62,000
62,000
31  ........................
40,000
59,000
62,500
62,500
62,500
32  ........................
40,000
60,000
63,500
63,500
63,500
33  ........................
40,000
60,000
64,000
64,000
64,000
34  ........................
40,000
60,000
64,500
64,500
64,500
35  ........................
40,000
60,000
65,500
65,500
65,500
36  ........................
40,000
60,000
66,000
66,000
66,000
37  ........................
40,000
60,000
66,500
66,500
66,500
38  ........................
40,000
60,000
67,500
67,500
67,500
39  ........................
40,000
60,000
68,000
68,000
68,000
40  ........................
40,000
60,000
68,500
70,000
70,000
41  ........................
40,000
60,000
69,500
72,000
72,000
42  ........................
40,000
60,000
70,000
73,280
73,280
43  ........................
40,000
60,000
70,500
73,280
73,280
44  ........................
40,000
60,000
71,500
73,280
73,280
45  ........................
40,000
60,000
72,000
76,000
80,000
46  ........................
40,000
60,000
72,500
76,500
80,000
47  ........................
40,000
60,000
73,500
77,500
80,000
48  ........................
40,000
60,000
74,000
78,000
80,000
49  ........................
40,000
60,000
74,500
78,500
80,000
50  ........................
40,000
60,000
75,500
79,000
80,000
51  ........................
40,000
60,000
76,000
80,000
80,000
52  ........................
40,000
60,000
76,500
80,000
80,000
53  ........................
40,000
60,000
77,500
80,000
80,000
54  ........................
40,000
60,000
78,000
80,000
80,000
55  ........................
40,000
60,000
78,500
80,000
80,000
56  ........................
40,000
60,000
79,500
80,000
80,000
57  ........................
40,000
60,000
80,000
80,000
80,000
58  ........................
40,000
60,000
80,000
80,000
80,000
59  ........................
40,000
60,000
80,000
80,000
80,000
60  ........................
40,000
60,000
80,000
80,000
80,000
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 35551(b) In addition to the weights specified in subdivision (a), two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross weight of 34,000 pounds each if the overall distance between the first and last axles of the consecutive sets of tandem axles is 36 feet or more. The gross weight of each set of tandem axles shall not exceed 34,000 pounds and the gross weight of the two consecutive sets of tandem axles shall not exceed 68,000 pounds.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 35551(c) The distance between axles shall be measured to the nearest whole foot. When a fraction is exactly six inches, the next larger whole foot shall be used.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 35551(d) This section does not affect the right to prohibit the use of any highway or any bridge or other structure thereon in the manner and to the extent specified in Article 4 (commencing with Section 35700) and Article 5 (commencing with Section 35750) of this chapter.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 35551(e) The gross weight limits expressed by this section and Section 35550 shall include all enforcement tolerances.
axle weight limits consecutive axles gross weight table ...

Section § 35551.5

Explanation

This section applies to vehicle combinations that include a trailer or semitrailer. It sets weight limits that also consider the distance between axles. For any single axle, the weight on the highway can't exceed 18,000 pounds, while the weight on any front steering axle can't exceed 12,500 pounds, except for certain exempt vehicles like buses and dump trucks. Additionally, weight limits are determined based on axle group spacing, with a detailed table providing specific limits for different axle spacings.

The statute acknowledges existing laws that allow prohibiting heavy vehicles from using certain roads and structures. It emphasizes that no new, heavier weight limits are introduced beyond those in place before 1976.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(a) The provisions of this section shall apply only to combinations of vehicles which contain a trailer or semitrailer. Each vehicle in such combination of vehicles, and every such combination of vehicles, shall comply with either Section 35551 or with subdivisions (b), (c), and (d) of this section.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(b) The gross weight imposed upon the highway by the wheels on any one axle of a vehicle shall not exceed 18,000 pounds and the gross weight upon any one wheel, or wheels, supporting one end of an axle and resting upon the roadway, shall not exceed 9,500 pounds, except that the gross weight imposed upon the highway by the wheels on any front steering axle of a motor vehicle shall not exceed 12,500 pounds. The gross weight limit provided for weight bearing upon any one wheel, or wheels, supporting one end of an axle shall not apply to vehicles the loads of which consist of livestock. The following vehicles are exempt from the front axle weight limits specified in this subdivision:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(b)(1) Trucks transporting vehicles.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(b)(2) Trucks transporting livestock.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(b)(3) Dump trucks.
(4)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(b)(4) Cranes.
(5)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(b)(5) Buses.
(6)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(b)(6) Transit mix concrete or cement trucks, and trucks that mix concrete or cement at, or adjacent to, a jobsite.
(7)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(b)(7) Motor vehicles that are not commercial vehicles.
(8)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(b)(8) Vehicles operated by any public utility furnishing electricity, gas, water, or telephone service.
(9)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(b)(9)  Trucks or truck tractors with a front axle at least four feet to the rear of the foremost part of the truck or truck tractor, not including the front bumper.
(10)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(b)(10) Trucks transporting garbage, rubbish, or refuse.
(11)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(b)(11) Trucks equipped with a fifth wheel when towing a semitrailer.
(12)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(b)(12) Tank trucks which have a cargo capacity of at least 1,500 gallons.
(13)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(b)(13) Trucks transporting bulk grains or bulk livestock feed.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(c) The total gross weight with load imposed on the highway by any group of two or more consecutive axles of a vehicle in such combination of vehicles or of such combination of vehicles where the distance between the first and last axles of the two or more consecutive axles is 18 feet or less shall not exceed that given for the respective distance in the following table:
Distance in feet
Allowed load in
between first and
pounds on group
last axles of group
of axles
 4  ........................
32,000
 5  ........................
32,000
 6  ........................
32,200
 7  ........................
32,900
 8  ........................
33,600
 9  ........................
34,300
10  ........................
35,000
11  ........................
35,700
12  ........................
36,400
13  ........................
37,100
14 ........................
43,200
15  ........................
44,000
16  ........................
44,800
17  ........................
45,600
18  ........................
46,400
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(d) The total gross weight with load imposed on the highway by any vehicle in such combination of vehicles or of such combination of vehicles where the distance between the first and last axles is more than 18 feet shall not exceed that given for the respective distances in the following table:
Distance
Allowed load
in feet
in pounds
19  ........................
47,200
20  ........................
48,000
21  ........................
48,800
22  ........................
49,600
23  ........................
50,400
24  ........................
51,200
25  ........................
55,250
26  ........................
56,100
27  ........................
56,950
28  ........................
57,800
29  ........................
58,650
30 ........................
59,500
31  ........................
60,350
32  ........................
61,200
33  ........................
62,050
34  ........................
62,900
35  ........................
63,750
36  ........................
64,600
37  ........................
65,450
38  ........................
66,300
39  ........................
68,000
40  ........................
70,000
41  ........................
72,000
42  ........................
73,280
43  ........................
73,280
44  ........................
73,280
45 ........................
73,280
46  ........................
73,280
47  ........................
73,280
48  ........................
73,280
49  ........................
73,280
50  ........................
73,280
51  ........................
73,280
52  ........................
73,600
53  ........................
74,400
54  ........................
75,200
55  ........................
76,000
56 or over  ........................
76,800
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(e) The distance between axles shall be measured to the nearest whole foot. When a fraction is exactly six inches, the next larger whole foot shall be used.
(f)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(f) The gross weight limits expressed by this section shall include all enforcement tolerances.
(g)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(g) Nothing in this section shall affect the right to prohibit the use of any highway or any bridge or other structure thereon in the manner and to the extent specified in Article 4 (commencing with Section 35700) and Article 5 (commencing with Section 35750) of Chapter 5 of Division 15.
(h)CA Vehicle Code § 35551.5(h) The Legislature, in enacting this section, does not intend to increase, and this section shall not be construed to allow, statutory weights any greater than existed prior to January 1, 1976.
trailer weight limits semitrailer weight restrictions axle weight limits ...

Section § 35552

Explanation

This law only applies to trucks or vehicle combinations that carry just logs. When such trucks have tandem axles, they're in compliance if their weight doesn't exceed certain limits: one set of axles may go up to 35,500 pounds, but together two consecutive sets can't go over 69,000 pounds, with a required distance of 34 feet between the first and last axle of those sets. All general weight rules for vehicles still apply, and these rules include enforcement tolerances, meaning slight weight exceedances are acknowledged. If a truck's weight exceeds the permitted limit, penalties are calculated based on a specific section, though exceptions exist for certain tandem axle configurations. Lastly, this doesn't apply to interstate highways, and the section is known as the Christensen-Belotti Act.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 35552(a) This section applies only to trucks and vehicle combinations while transporting loads composed solely of logs.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 35552(b) One set of tandem axles of such a truck or vehicle combination shall be deemed to be in compliance with Section 35551 if the total gross weight of 34,000 pounds on such a set that is permitted by Section 35551 is not exceeded by more than 1,500 pounds. In addition, such a truck and vehicle combination that has two consecutive sets of tandem axles shall be deemed to be in compliance with Section 35551 if such consecutive sets of tandem axles do not carry a combined total gross weight of more than 69,000 pounds, if the total gross weight on any one such set does not exceed 35,500 pounds, and if the overall distance between the first and last axle of such consecutive sets of tandem axles is 34 feet or more. All such truck and vehicle combinations shall be subject to all other provisions of Section 35551 or any other provision made applicable to the total gross weight of such a truck or vehicle combination in lieu of Section 35551.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 35552(c) The gross weight limits expressed in this section shall include all enforcement tolerances.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 35552(d) If any total gross weight permitted by this section is exceeded, the allowed weight in pounds set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 35551 shall be the maximum permitted weight for purposes of determining the amount of fine for such violation as specified in the table in Section 42030; except that, whenever the violation is for exceeding the total gross weight for two consecutive sets of tandem axles, and if the overall distance between the first and last axle of such sets is 34 feet or more, the allowed weight on the two consecutive sets shall be 68,000 pounds.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 35552(e) This section shall have no application to highways which are a part of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways (as referred to in subdivision (a) of Section 108 of the Federal-aid Highway Act of 1956).
This section may be cited as the Christensen-Belotti Act.
truck weight limits tandem axles log transportation ...

Section § 35553

Explanation

This law states that some rules about vehicle loads don’t apply when a vehicle is loading or unloading near the loading area. However, this exception doesn’t apply if it’s happening on a bridge, highway structure, or on highways that are part of the national interstate and defense system.

The provisions of this article shall not apply to any vehicle in the immediate vicinity of an unloading or loading area while actually preparing for or in the process of unloading or loading, provided any overload is incidental to and necessitated by such action; and provided that such action does not occur on a bridge or highway structure.
This section shall have no application to highways which are a part of the national system of interstate and defense highways (as referred to in subdivision (a) of Section 108 of the Federal-aid Highway Act of 1956).
loading zones unloading exemption vehicle load limits ...

Section § 35554

Explanation

This California law sets weight limits for buses, particularly concerning the weight on each axle. Generally, the maximum allowed gross weight for a bus axle is 20,500 pounds, with certain exceptions for transit buses marked by specific procurement dates. However, special weight limits apply to transit buses acquired between January 1, 2016, and later. For example, transit buses bought between 2016 and 2018 can weigh up to 23,000 pounds per axle, whereas buses procured from 2019 must not exceed 22,000 pounds per axle. Special provisions exist for articulated or zero-emission buses, with their axle weight limits gradually reducing over specified periods between 2016 and 2022. Additionally, transit operators must notify cities and counties about bus routes and weights, and the law restricts transit buses from exceeding federal highway weight limits. If a bus axle exceeds a weight of 20,000 pounds, it must be supported by four wheels.

(a)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 35554(a)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 35554(a)(1) Notwithstanding Section 35550, the maximum gross weight on any one axle of a bus shall not exceed 20,500 pounds.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(a)(2) This subdivision does not apply to a transit bus procured through a solicitation process pursuant to which a solicitation was issued before January 1, 2016. This subdivision does not apply to a bus purchased during an option period in a multiyear contract to purchase transit buses that is entered into before January 1, 2016, by a publicly owned or operated transit system, or an operator of a transit system under contract with a publicly owned or operated transit system, provided, however, that the option period does not exceed five years from the date of the original contract, or extend beyond January 1, 2021, whichever is earlier.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(b) A transit bus is not subject to Section 35550.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the following provisions shall apply to a transit bus:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(c)(1) The curb weight on any one axle of a transit bus procured through a solicitation process pursuant to which a solicitation was issued between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018, inclusive, shall not exceed 23,000 pounds.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(c)(2) The curb weight on any one axle of a transit bus procured through a solicitation process pursuant to which a solicitation was issued on or after January 1, 2019, shall not exceed 22,000 pounds.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(d) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (c), the following provisions shall apply to an articulated transit bus or zero-emission transit bus:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(d)(1) The curb weight on any one axle of an articulated transit bus or zero-emission transit bus procured through a solicitation process pursuant to which a solicitation was issued between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, inclusive, shall not exceed 25,000 pounds.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(d)(2) The curb weight on any one axle of an articulated transit bus or zero-emission transit bus procured through a solicitation process pursuant to which a solicitation was issued between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, inclusive, shall not exceed 24,000 pounds.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(d)(3) The curb weight on any one axle of an articulated transit bus or zero-emission transit bus procured through a solicitation process pursuant to which a solicitation was issued between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, inclusive, shall not exceed 23,000 pounds.
(4)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(d)(4) The curb weight on any one axle of an articulated transit bus or zero-emission transit bus procured through a solicitation process pursuant to which a solicitation was issued on or after January 1, 2022, shall not exceed 22,000 pounds.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(e) Nothing in this article shall be construed to authorize a vehicle described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) or described in subdivision (c) or (d) to be operated in violation of Section 35753.
(f)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(f) A transit operator operating an articulated transit bus shall, by July 1, 2016, provide notice to all cities and counties in whose jurisdiction the bus will operate in the upcoming calendar year, identifying the approximate routes upon which the bus is expected to be scheduled for service, including the names of streets and roads upon which that service is likely to take place. Thereafter, a transit operator operating an articulated transit bus shall annually provide notice by July 1, to all cities and counties in whose jurisdiction the bus will operate in the upcoming calendar year, identifying any changes to the service on those routes and any new routes upon which the bus is expected to be scheduled for the upcoming year. The notice shall include data from information provided by the bus manufacturer to the transit operator, identifying the weight of the articulated bus.
(g)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(g) For purposes of this section, the term “curb weight” means the total weight of a fully loaded transit bus, including maximum fuel, oil, and coolant, and all equipment used in the normal operation of the bus, except without passengers or a driver.
(h)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(h) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) to (g), inclusive, a transit bus shall not operate on the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways in excess of the weight limitation for transit buses specified in federal law.
(i)CA Vehicle Code § 35554(i) If the gross weight imposed upon the highway by the wheels on any one axle of a transit bus exceeds 20,000 pounds, the axle shall be supported by four wheels bearing load upon the highway.
bus weight limits transit bus procurement axle weight ...

Section § 35555

Explanation

This law is for cotton module movers and trucks pulling them in California from September 15 to March 15. During this time, these vehicles don't have to follow the usual weight rules on certain highways. They can cross state highways and use county roads in several counties unless local authorities say otherwise.

Cotton module movers can go on state highways if: drivers have the right license, follow specific vehicle equipment regulations, don't exceed the weight limit by over 6,000 pounds, and have a commercial license if they're heavier.

The exceptions don't apply on national network routes designated by federal authorities.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 35555(a) During the period commencing September 15 of each year and ending March 15 of the following year, the weight limitations of Section 35551 do not apply to any cotton module mover or any truck tractor pulling a semitrailer that is a cotton module mover, when operated as follows:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 35555(a)(1) Laterally across a state highway at grade of the state highway.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 35555(a)(2) Upon any county highway within the Counties of Butte, Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Yolo, and Yuba, except as prohibited or limited on county highways or portions thereof by resolution of the county board of supervisors having jurisdiction.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 35555(b) A cotton module mover may be operated upon a state highway within the counties and during the period set forth in subdivision (a) if all of the following are met:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 35555(b)(1) The operator is in possession of a driver’s license of the class required for operation of the mover.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 35555(b)(2) The mover is operated in compliance with Sections 24002 and 24012; Article 1 (commencing with Section 24250) of, Article 3 (commencing with Section 24600) of, Article 4 (commencing with Section 24800) of, Article 5 (commencing with Section 24950) of, Article 6 (commencing with 25100) of, Article 9 (commencing with 25350) of, Article 11 (commencing with 25450) of, Chapter 2 of Division 12; and Article 2 (commencing with 26450) and Article 3 (commencing with 26502) of Chapter 3 of Division 12.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 35555(b)(3) The mover does not exceed the maximum allowable gross axle weight for tandem axles set forth in Section 35551 by more than 6,000 pounds.
(4)CA Vehicle Code § 35555(b)(4) The operator of a mover that exceeds the maximum allowable gross axle weight for tandem axle vehicles as set forth in Section 35551 shall possess a commercial driver’s license as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 15210.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 35555(c) This section does not apply to those highways designated by the United States Department of Transportation as national network routes.
cotton module mover weight limitations state highway ...

Section § 35557

Explanation

This law allows district attorneys to inspect and use certain vehicle weight certificates and related records in legal cases, but only if they get approval from the Director of Food and Agriculture. The records that can be used include those issued on or after January 1, 1984, in relation to specific chapters of the Business and Professions Code.

However, any certificates or records issued before that date cannot be inspected or used in any legal proceedings related to violations of this chapter.

(a)CA Vehicle Code § 35557(a) Only upon request to, and approval by, and in accordance with regulations adopted by, the Director of Food and Agriculture, all of the following are available for inspection by district attorneys and are subject to legal process for admission in any criminal or civil proceeding arising out of a violation of this chapter:
(1)CA Vehicle Code § 35557(a)(1) Vehicle weight certificates issued on or after January 1, 1984, pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 12700), Chapter 7.3 (commencing with Section 12740), and Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 12770) of Division 5 of the Business and Professions Code.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 35557(a)(2) Other records of vehicle weight relating to those certificates.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 35557(a)(3) Copies of those certificates and records.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 35557(b) All certificates, records, and copies thereof, issued before January 1, 1984, shall not be available for inspection and are not admissible in any criminal or civil proceedings arising out of a violation of this chapter.
vehicle weight certificates Director of Food and Agriculture district attorneys ...

Section § 35558

Explanation

If a person or business has a scale for weighing vehicle axle loads at their loading facilities, they must weigh a load upon the driver's request before the vehicle leaves, assuming it's suspected to be overweight. For port facilities, this applies only if the scale is in the outbound lanes.

Any person or business which has an axle weight scale at its loading facilities shall, upon the request of the driver, weigh any load being transported for that person or business before the vehicle leaves the loading facility. In a port facility, this requirement only applies if the scale is located in outbound lanes. The request to weigh shall be based upon a reasonable assumption that the load is overweight.
axle weight scale loading facilities overweight load ...

Section § 35559

Explanation

This law allows the power unit of near-zero and zero-emission vehicles to weigh up to 2,000 pounds more than usual weight limits. However, the total weight of the vehicle must not exceed 82,000 pounds. The extra weight can be shared across multiple power units in the vehicle, but cannot exceed the 2,000-pound allowance. This does not mean these vehicles are exempt from other weight rules, such as tire weight limits or other weight restrictions detailed in related articles. It is only applicable if federal law permits it. A power unit, in this case, refers to the part of the vehicle that generates driving power independently.

(a)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 35559(a)
(1)Copy CA Vehicle Code § 35559(a)(1) Notwithstanding any provision of this article, the power unit of a near-zero emission or zero-emission vehicle may exceed the allowable gross weight limits by up to a maximum of 2,000 pounds.
(2)CA Vehicle Code § 35559(a)(2) The maximum allowance may apply to a single power unit or be distributed between more than one power unit, but shall not exceed a total of 2,000 pounds across a single vehicle or combination of vehicles.
(3)CA Vehicle Code § 35559(a)(3) The maximum gross vehicle weight shall not exceed 82,000 pounds.
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 35559(b) This section shall not be construed to exempt any near-zero-emission or zero-emission vehicle from the weight limits prescribed in Article 2 (commencing with Section 35600), Article 3 (commencing with Section 35650), Article 4 (commencing with Section 35700), or Article 5 (commencing with Section 35750) of this chapter.
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 35559(c) This section shall not be construed to exempt any near-zero-emission or zero-emission vehicle from tire weight limits imposed by this code or in regulations adopted by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(d)CA Vehicle Code § 35559(d) For purposes of this section, “power unit” means a single unit or a combination of units in a near-zero emission or zero-emission vehicle that provide motive power to a drive system independent of any other power source.
(e)CA Vehicle Code § 35559(e) The terms “near-zero-emission vehicle” and “zero-emission vehicle” have the same meanings as defined in subdivisions (c) and (d) of Section 44258 of the Health and Safety Code.
(f)CA Vehicle Code § 35559(f) This section applies only to the extent expressly authorized by federal law.
near-zero emission vehicle zero-emission vehicle gross weight limit ...