California Weigh Stations: When to Pull In or Bypass

An OPEN weigh station and an in-cab green light can appear together. Eligible trucks may receive authorization to remain on the mainline. Before relying on it, confirm that the instruction applies to your truck and this visit, and that no load restriction requires entry.

California Vehicle Code section 2813 requires commercial drivers to stop for CHP inspections when posted signs require a stop. Inspections cover more than weight. Running empty or holding a commercial scale ticket does not independently exempt a truck from inspection.

PrePass directs trucks approaching open stations to pull in on a red light or no signal. Green authorizes bypass only within applicable restrictions. With Drivewyze, ‘Pull in unless closed’ means enter an open station; if it is closed, continue on the mainline unless otherwise lawfully directed. ‘Follow Road Signs’ requires reading the signs. ‘Follow Transponder’ means use the configured transponder’s actual instruction. An approach alert alone is not bypass authorization.

Where both services operate, conflicting pull-in and bypass messages require entry while the station is open. PrePass’s California restrictions also require entry when either system gives no signal, even if the other grants bypass. Configure multiple services before departure.

PrePass requires California oversize or overweight vehicles and loads to enter, including permitted loads. Drivewyze likewise restricts oversize, overweight or permitted loads unless an explicit exception applies. Check the relevant restrictions before dispatch. Obey lawful stop commands from uniformed officers performing Vehicle Code duties, regardless of a green light.

Prepare early for safe entry. If you miss a required entrance, avoid abrupt stops, reversing or dangerous lane changes. Once safely parked, notify dispatch, preserve the station, direction, time and device records, and ask the relevant enforcement agency how to proceed. Report equipment problems to the provider. Records do not guarantee relief from enforcement. Requirements were checked on September 29, 2026; this is general information, not individual legal advice.

California Department of Transportation. “Weigh Station Bypass.” Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.

California Legislature. “Vehicle Code, Section 2800.” Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.

California Legislature. “Vehicle Code, Section 2813.” Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.

Drivewyze. “Drivewyze Bypass Restrictions by State.” 20 May 2025. Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.

Drivewyze. “Drivewyze Mobile Reference Guide.” 10 Jan. 2025. Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.

Drivewyze. “Multiple Transponders Best Practice Guide.” 15 May 2024. Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.

Drivewyze. “Online User Guide.” Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.

PrePass Safety Alliance. “Important Information for PrePass Bypass Customers: Bypass Restrictions by State.” Aug. 2026. Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.

PrePass. “How Does PrePass Work?.” Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.

PrePass. “Weigh Station Bypass Restrictions by State.” Accessed 29 Sept. 2026.