5/13/08-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee would allow sheriffs to weigh, measure and inspect commercial vehicles.
State law now relegates weighing and inspections to the New Jersey State Police.
Sponsored by Sen. Sandra Cunningham, D-Jersey City, S1656 would allow sheriff’s officers to require truck drivers to take their rigs to weigh stations or other locations to be weighed, but only if officers have probable cause to believe trucks are in violation of state weight limits.
Only an officer certified by the state as a weighmaster can weigh the trucks. The scales would be required to be approved by the New Jersey Superintendent of Weights and Measures.
In addition, the State Police would keep the sole authority to conduct random roadside weight checks. A random roadside inspection could not be conducted if the truck has been stopped for a random roadside inspection anywhere in the U.S. within the previous 24 hours.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.
The Assembly version – A792 – is in the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee.