5/26/04-S525 would allow sheriffs to weigh, measure and inspect commercial vehicles.
Current state law relegates weighing and inspections to the State Police.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. John Girgenti, D-Hawthorne, would allow sheriff’s officers to require a truck driver to take his/her rig to a weigh station or other location to be weighed, but only if the officer has probable cause to think the rig is in violation of state weight limits.
In addition, only an officer certified by the state as a weighmaster could weigh the trucks, and only on scales approved by the State Superintendent of Weights and Measures.
However, the State Patrol would retain the right, to “establish and operate locations for the measurement and weighing of vehicles.”
In addition, the State Police would keep the sole authority to conduct random roadside weight checks.
The bill is in the Senate Law and Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.