Bypassing a Weigh Station in Jackson County, Oregon? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re a commercial driver who’s been cited for bypassing a weigh station in Jackson County, Oregon, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. Weigh station violations are taken seriously in Oregon, especially in counties like Jackson, where commercial enforcement is strict and monitored closely. A single mistake, like failing to enter an open scale, can result in steep fines, FMCSA consequences, and damage to your CDL record. Whether you’re an owner-operator or company driver, a citation for bypassing a scale could threaten your job, your license, and your future routes.
This article explains what a bypass ticket means, why it’s serious, and how to respond strategically to protect your commercial driving record.
What Is a Weigh Station Bypass Violation in Oregon?
In Oregon, commercial vehicles that meet certain weight thresholds must stop at open weigh stations under ORS 818.400.
“(1)A person commits the offense of failure to comply with commercial vehicle enforcement requirements if the person is driving a vehicle or combination of vehicles and the person does not comply with any of the following or if the person is the owner of a vehicle or combination of vehicles and the person causes or permits the vehicle or combination not to comply with any of the following:
(a)A vehicle or combination of vehicles must stop and submit to any enforcement of commercial vehicle weight, size, load, conformation or equipment regulation when directed to do so by an “OPEN” sign displayed at a permanently established truck scale.
(b)A vehicle or combination of vehicles must stop and submit to any enforcement of commercial vehicle weight, size, load, conformation or equipment regulation when directed to do so by any sign or signal displayed or given by a police officer, motor carrier enforcement officer or weighmaster acting in accordance with authority granted under ORS 810.490 (Weighing and measuring vehicles).
(c)A vehicle or combination of vehicles must move into the right lane for purposes of a weight or size check when instructed to do so by a sign indicating the presence of a weigh-in-motion scale.
(d)The directions of any police officer, motor carrier enforcement officer or weighmaster that are given in accordance with authority granted under ORS 810.490 (Weighing and measuring vehicles) or 810.530 (Authority of weighmasters and motor carrier enforcement officers) must be complied with.
(2)The requirement of subsection (1)(a) of this section does not apply to:
(a)An empty combination of a log truck and pole trailer if the pole trailer is bunked on the log truck and there is no other load; or
(b)A vehicle or combination of vehicles if:
(A)The normal route of the vehicle or combination of vehicles requires turning off the highway after passing the “OPEN” sign but before reaching the scale; and
(B)The vehicle or combination of vehicles is en route to a terminal or other legitimate business.
(3)Operation of any vehicle or combination of vehicles in violation of this section is prima facie evidence that the owner of such vehicle or combination caused or permitted it to be so operated and the owner shall be liable for any penalties imposed under this section.
(4)The offense described in this section, failure to comply with commercial vehicle enforcement requirements, is a Class B misdemeanor. The penalty provided under this subsection is in addition to any penalty provided for violation of any prohibition relating to vehicle weight, size, load, conformation or equipment.”
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_818.400
Jackson County, home to Interstate 5, sees high volumes of truck traffic and houses one of Oregon’s commercial enforcement corridors. The scales near Ashland and Central Point are heavily monitored by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Oregon State Police (OSP). Enforcement officers often cite drivers who:
Miss the sign instructing commercial traffic to enter the scales
Ignore the open/closed signal
Fail to follow a manual flag-down by an officer.
Even a simple misunderstanding or moment of distraction can result in a costly citation.
Why These Violations Are Taken So Seriously
Oregon invests heavily in weigh station compliance for both safety and revenue protection. Skipping a scale undermines state efforts to monitor:
Overweight or overloaded trucks
Vehicle safety and equipment violations
Commercial vehicle registration and tax compliance
Because these violations can result in dangerous driving conditions or infrastructure damage, bypass tickets are not viewed as minor. Courts and enforcement agencies consider them a willful act or a serious oversight—either way, one that may justify enhanced penalties or scrutiny.
Why Fighting the Ticket Matters
By fighting the citation—especially in Jackson County Circuit Court, you may be able to:
Preserve your driving record for future job applications
Eliminate the need to appear in person (your attorney can often appear for you)
How a Traffic Attorney Can Help CDL Drivers in Jackson County
A traffic attorney familiar with Jackson County’s court system can help you navigate local procedures and use Oregon law to your advantage. Legal representation for a weigh station bypass citation may allow you to:
Avoid a default judgment or unnecessary court appearance
Negotiate with the officers for a lesser violation or dismissal
Protect your CDL record from long-term damage
Keep your case off public databases where employers may see it
In many cases, experienced traffic attorneys in Oregon can resolve these matters for a flat fee without you ever setting foot in a courtroom. This means you stay on the road and keep earning.
What to Do If You’ve Been Cited in Jackson County
Do not ignore the ticket. Failing to respond will result in a default conviction.
Do not simply pay it. That is pleading guilty and gives up your rights.
Contact a CDL-focused traffic attorney immediately.
Gather any documents or evidence, such as PrePass logs, GPS screenshots, or dashcam footage.
Your CDL Is Worth Protecting—One Ticket at a Time
Don’t handle your ticket alone—get legal help today!
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