(a) Violation of weight limitations.--If the gross weight or the weight upon any wheel, tire, axle or group of axles of a vehicle or combination exceeds the maximum allowed, the driver shall reduce or readjust the load so that the gross weight and the weight upon each wheel, tire, axle or group of axles will not exceed the maximum weights permitted under this chapter.
(b) Violation of size limitations.--If the load upon any vehicle or combination is such that the size limitations of this chapter are exceeded, the driver shall reduce or reposition the load so that it does not exceed the size limitations.
(c) Load adjustment to avoid prosecution.--If the gross weight of the vehicle or combination does not exceed the maximum allowable gross weight plus 3% tolerance for scale error and the weight upon any axle or group of axles is in excess of the maximum allowable axle weight, the operator shall be allowed four hours to adjust the position of the load so that the weight upon all wheels, tires, axles and groups of axles does not exceed the maximum allowable weights plus 3% tolerance for scale error as authorized in section 4981(c) (relating to weighing and measurement of vehicles). If the load is so rearranged no arrest shall be made or prosecution brought for violation of Subchapter C (relating to maximum weights of vehicles). The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any loads which exceed the amount of weight for which a permit was issued.
(d) Load incapable of reduction.--If the load on any vehicle or combination is such that it is incapable of reduction or dismemberment and is otherwise eligible to move under permit as provided in Subchapter D (relating to special permits for excessive size and weight), a valid permit shall be obtained before any further movement of a vehicle or combination in violation of the limitations of this chapter.
(e) Responsibility of owner or driver.--All material unloaded and any vehicle or combination parked awaiting a permit shall be cared for by the owner or driver at the risk of the owner or driver.
(July 8, 1986, P.L.432, No.90, eff. imd.)
1986 Amendment. Act 90 amended subsec. (c).
Cross References. Section 4982 is referred to in sections 4945, 4981 of this title.
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Chapter 49 - Size, Weight and Load
Section 4901 - Scope and application of chapter
Section 4902 - Restrictions on use of highways and bridges
Section 4903 - Securing loads in vehicles
Section 4904 - Limits on number of towed vehicles
Section 4905 - Safety requirements for towed vehicles
Section 4906 - Fire apparatus and emergency vehicles
Section 4907 - Penalty for violation of chapter
Section 4908 - Operation of certain combinations on interstate and certain other highways
Section 4908.1 - Operation of motor homes on interstate and certain other highways (Repealed)
Section 4909 - Transporting foodstuffs in vehicles used to transport waste
Section 4921 - Width of vehicles
Section 4922 - Height of vehicles
Section 4923 - Length of vehicles
Section 4924 - Limitations on length of projecting loads
Section 4925 - Width of projecting loads on passenger vehicles
Section 4941 - Maximum gross weight of vehicles
Section 4942 - Registered gross weight
Section 4943 - Maximum axle weight of vehicles
Section 4944 - Maximum wheel load
Section 4945 - Penalties for exceeding maximum weights
Section 4946 - Impoundment of vehicles for nonpayment of overweight fines (Repealed)
Section 4947 - Disposition of impounded vehicles and loads (Repealed)
Section 4948 - Maximum weight and seating capacity of buses
Section 4949 - Application to tow trucks
Section 4961 - Authority to issue permits
Section 4962 - Conditions of permits and security for damages
Section 4963 - Exemptions for vehicles used in State highway construction or maintenance
Section 4964 - Oral authorization following emergency or accident
Section 4965 - Single permits for multiple highway crossings
Section 4966 - Permit for movement of quarry equipment
Section 4967 - Permit for movement of implements of husbandry (Repealed)
Section 4968 - Permit for movement during course of manufacture
Section 4969 - Permit for movement of vehicles with oversize wheels and tires (Repealed)
Section 4970 - Permit for movement of construction equipment
Section 4971 - Permit for operation of chemical and fertilizer vehicles (Deleted by amendment)
Section 4972 - Permits for migrant farm vehicles (Repealed)
Section 4974 - Permit for movement of containerized cargo
Section 4975 - Permit for movement of special mobile equipment
Section 4976 - Permit for movement of domestic animal feed and whole or unprocessed grain
Section 4976.1 - Permit for movement of live domestic animals
Section 4976.2 - Permit for movement of eggs
Section 4977 - Permit for movement of wooden structures
Section 4978 - Permit for movement of building structural components
Section 4979.1 - Permit for movement of bulk refined oil
Section 4979.2 - Permit for movement of waste coal, beneficial combustion ash or limestone
Section 4979.4 - Permit for movement of self-propelled cranes
Section 4979.5 - Permit for movement of nonhazardous liquid glue
Section 4979.6 - Permit for movement of waste tires
Section 4981 - Weighing and measurement of vehicles
Section 4982 - Reducing or readjusting loads of vehicles
Section 4983 - Penalty for failure to obey police officer (Repealed)