Who is Responsible for Paying Overweight Tickets in Canada & the USA? 

As seen in our Consequences of Operating an Overweight Truck blog, semi-trucks are governed by numerous local, provincial/state, and federal laws. With various legislation in place covering factors including how long an operator can drive without stopping, the size and weight of trucks, the weight distribution of trucks, the weight on each axle and each tire of a truck and the speed at which trucks can travel, you may be wondering who is responsible for overweight trucks? Let’s discuss.  

Overweight Truck Tickets in Canada 

In Canada, the responsibility for paying overweight tickets typically falls on the owner and/or operator of the commercial vehicle that has exceeded the allowable weight limits. The process and specifics may vary slightly depending on the province or territory, but here’s the gist: 

If the commercial truck is operated by an owner-operator, meaning an individual who owns and operates the truck as their own business, the responsibility for complying with weight regulations typically falls on the owner-operator. They are responsible for ensuring that their truck’s cargo is loaded within legal weight limits and that the vehicle is operated in compliance with regulations. 

If the truck is owned by a company, the responsibility for adhering to weight regulations and addressing overweight violations may be attributed to the company. The company is responsible for the operations of its fleet and ensuring compliance with weight limits. 

Properly loading and distributing cargo within the truck is essential to avoid overweight violations. Both the driver and the owner-operator or company need to ensure that the cargo is loaded in a way that complies with weight regulations. 

Overweight Truck Tickets in the USA 

Similar to Canada, in the United States, the responsibility for addressing an overweight commercial truck and the associated consequences can involve various parties, including the driver, owner, and potentially the company. Fines for overweight violations vary based on the jurisdiction and the severity of the violation, and penalties can include monetary fines, potential impoundment of the vehicle, and orders to redistribute or unload excess cargo. 

In the case of a commercial truck owned by a company, the responsibility for compliance with weight regulations often extends to the company itself. If the commercial truck is owned by an individual owner-operator, the owner-operator is responsible for complying with weight regulations. 

The driver of the commercial truck is primarily responsible for complying with weight regulations and ensuring that the vehicle’s weight is within legal limits. The driver should be aware of weight restrictions on specific roads, bridges, and routes and should plan their journey accordingly to avoid violations. 

It’s important to note that while this blog provides a general overview, the specific responsibilities and consequences for overweight commercial trucks can vary from province to province and state to state due to differences in regulations and enforcement practices. For accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to consult the transportation department or regulatory agency in your operating areas.