Is Weigh Stations Legal in Alabama? (2026)
It depends. In Alabama, weigh stations is restricted. Alabama authorizes weighing of covered trucks and trailers suspected to exceed size or weight limits; the 2025 amendment removes the former five-mile stationary-scale travel language..
Key facts
- Status
- Restricted
- Permit required
- No
- Jurisdiction
- Alabama
- Last reviewed
- 2026-04-09
Weigh Stations laws in Alabama
Alabama Act 2025-272 (SB110), effective October 1, 2025, amended section 32-9-31. An officer covered by section 32-9-3 who has reason to believe a truck, semitrailer truck or trailer exceeds statutory or permit size or weight limits may measure or weigh it using portable or stationary scales. Scales must be approved by the Agriculture and Industries weights and measures division. An officer may require unloading enough load to reach the permitted gross weight; at the operator’s election, the officer must allow movement to the nearest incorporated town or court having jurisdiction for unloading. The owner bears the unloaded excess load’s risk. Refusal of measurement, weighing or unloading violates the chapter. The enacted amendment deletes the former authority in this section to require travel to stationary scales within five miles; do not present that deleted provision as current. This citation supports directed enforcement and does not supply a complete general open-station entry threshold.
Frequently asked questions
Is weigh stations legal in Alabama for travelers?
For travelers visiting Alabama, weigh stations is currently restricted. Alabama Act 2025-272 (SB110), effective October 1, 2025, amended section 32-9-31. An officer covered by section 32-9-3 who has reason to believe a truck, semitrailer truck or trailer exceeds statutory or permit size or weight limits may measure or weigh it using portable or stationary scales. Scales must be approved by the Agriculture and Industries weights and measures division. An officer may require unloading enough load to reach the permitted gross weight; at the operator’s election, the officer must allow movement to the nearest incorporated town or court having jurisdiction for unloading. The owner bears the unloaded excess load’s risk. Refusal of measurement, weighing or unloading violates the chapter. The enacted amendment deletes the former authority in this section to require travel to stationary scales within five miles; do not present that deleted provision as current. This citation supports directed enforcement and does not supply a complete general open-station entry threshold.
Do I need a permit for weigh stations in Alabama?
Alabama does not specifically require a permit for weigh stations, though general regulations apply.
Can I transport weigh stations through Alabama?
Transport laws for weigh stations in Alabama depend on the specific item and your route. Generally, transport is allowed if you comply with state regulations. Always check states you pass through.
What are the penalties for weigh stations violations in Alabama?
Penalties for weigh stations violations in Alabama vary based on the specific offense. Always verify current laws before traveling.