Rental Trucks and Interstate Weigh Stations (Naples, Punta Gorda: inspection, maintenance, agriculture)

[tmozer]

I'll be driving a mid-size Penski rental truck from VA to Naples next week with our daughter's stuff. Does anyone know if a truck like that is required to stop at the various weigh stations and agriculture checks along the way. I would think not but want to be sure.

[Corrie22]

Florida Department of Transportation - Office of Maintenance Motor Carrier Size and Weight, Truck Comfort Station (WIM), Questions and Answers

[Fillimerica]

The short answer is yes, but in my trip from northern NJ most weigh stations were either closed or the overhead light system instructed me to bypass, so it is not really a big deal.

The only mandatory stop where I spoke to an officer was upon entering Florida there is an agriculture weigh station. That conversation was brief as they were interested if I was carrying food. Told them I was moving from NJ and was waived on through.

[tmozer]

OK, thanks. Now I will know what to expect. I'd rather pull in than be pulled over.......

[Sweetbottoms]

They tell you yes but we drove a 26 ft Penske from Naples->Charlotte and never stopped at one.. no issues.. most are closed along the way you'll find. I think a total of like 2 were open the entire way and we just kept going

[Fltaz]

Just wanted to add my experiences with using a Penske Rental truck while moving out of state. We had to make two complete round trips to get everything moved. Yes you must stop at any weigh station that is open. Once on the ramp follow the signal lights. If the green arrow directs you to the left lane that you will be just passing through. No need to stop just follow the speed limit pass the scale house. If the green signal is on the right lane then that means they are going to weigh you. Pull up to the scales and stop until given the signal to proceed. About half the weigh stations were closed on both trips up and down. Of the half that were open all of them with one exception passed us through without stopping. They usually don't take time with the rental trucks. The only weigh station we had to stop at was the one at Punta Gorda. It was a Saturday night and I think the guy working the scales was bored and wanted something to do...lol.
Also you must stop at the Agriculture Inspection stations both leaving and re-entering Florida. They will ask what you are hauling. As long as you don't have any agriculture items they will send you on your way.