Overweight Truck Tickets in Ohio: Legal Options for Commercial Drivers
What are the possible outcomes after pleading not guilty to an overweight charge?
Overweight Truck Tickets in Ohio: Legal Options for Commercial Drivers
Ohio is known for strict enforcement of commercial vehicle weight limits. Whether you're hauling freight across the Ohio Turnpike or making deliveries on I-75, you could be stopped at a weigh station or roadside inspection and cited for operating an overweight truck.
For CDL holders, an overweight ticket isn’t just a fine—it can lead to serious consequences for your driving record, your carrier’s compliance score, and your ability to stay employed.
At Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, we defend truckers against overweight and oversize load violations throughout Northwest Ohio. If you've been cited, here’s what you need to know about your legal options.
What Counts as an Overweight Violation in Ohio?
Ohio law limits the gross vehicle weight, axle weight, and load distribution for commercial trucks. You may receive a citation if:
- Your gross weight exceeds the legal maximum (typically 80,000 lbs. on interstate highways)
- Any single axle or tandem axle group exceeds its weight limit
- You fail to comply with a special hauling permit
- Your load causes road damage or safety concerns
These violations are often detected at weigh stations, through portable scales, or after a roadside inspection.
Penalties for Overweight Truck Tickets in Ohio
Ohio imposes strict penalties for overweight loads, including:
- Fines based on the number of excess pounds
- Additional civil penalties
- Possible points on your CDL
- Out-of-service orders, forcing you to wait or offload cargo
- Company discipline or termination
Some fines can easily exceed $1,000 for severe weight violations. And your employer may require you to cover those costs—or worse, terminate your employment.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Pay the Ticket
Paying an overweight ticket is the same as pleading guilty. That conviction will be reported to the Ohio BMV and the FMCSA, increasing your CSA score and raising red flags for future inspections.
CDL holders should never pay a ticket without first exploring their legal options. Many citations are based on:
- Improper scale calibration
- Incorrect enforcement of axle group rules
- Discrepancies in permit requirements
- No probable cause to stop the truck in the first place
An experienced trucking attorney can challenge these issues and potentially reduce or dismiss the charges.
Legal Defenses to Overweight Truck Tickets
At Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, we examine every detail of your case. Potential defenses may include:
- Improper weight measurement or procedure
- Weigh station errors or portable scale inaccuracies
- Confusing or conflicting signage and routing
- Incorrect or incomplete citation details
- Permitting errors beyond the driver’s control
We also negotiate with prosecutors to seek amended charges, reduced fines, or dismissals, depending on the circumstances.
Representation in Toledo and Across Northwest Ohio
We defend commercial drivers in courts throughout:
- Lucas County
- Wood County
- Fulton County
Whether you're a local driver or an out-of-state trucker cited while passing through Ohio, we provide skilled representation focused on protecting your CDL and minimizing disruption to your work.
Protect Your CDL and Fight Overweight Tickets
Overweight truck tickets can jeopardize your record, your job, and your future. Don’t risk paying a hefty fine or damaging your career. Contact Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law today to review your options and fight back.
📍 Office: Toledo, Ohio
📞 Call: 419-830-7441
🌐 Visit: www.brianmorrisseylaw.com
📧 Email: brian@brianmorrisseylaw.com
