Trucking: Private use, state safety inspections, missouri state law

Question
I am hauling three race trucks across the country next week with a dually and a wedge trailer. I am not for hire and it is strictly for sport. No money is won or changed hands in any way. I understand I am not bound by normal commercial DOT regs, what about weigh stations?

Answer
Based on your description of your activities and the fact you're not involved in interstate commerce (no money involved - not for hire - not in furtherance of a business), I agree that you're not subject to US DOT's FMCSA regulation.  Only Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) operated by motor carriers are subject FMCSA's federal regulation.

However, scales, weigh stations, and state Ports of Entry are not operated by the US DOT's FMCSA.  Each state establishes their own unique statutes and regulations for them.  If you're hauling three race trucks with a a large wedge trailer towed by a truck large enough to be capable of safely doing it, your combined declared weight, GVWR and/or GVW will very likely make you subject to stopping at scales in every state.  For example, Missouri state law requires all vehicles with a declared weight of 18,000 or more to cross scales.  Illinois sets the threshold at 8 tons.....etc.

Even though you're not subject to FMCSA regulations, you still must comply with all state laws for each state traveled.  That can include being over weight, state safety inspections, drivers license requirements, etc.  Your registration weight must be sufficient for the CGVW of your combined vehicles, except in a few states that register weight for the truck and trailer separately.  You'll also be subject to enforcement of individual axle weight limitations.

Frequently non commercial haulers confuse the issues of US DOT FMCSA's interstate regulations and state requirements for crossing scales.  Although somewhat associated by their common nature of enforcing regulations for trucks and commercial vehicles, they are a separate issue.

Thanks for the question and I hope the answer helps.  If I can be of any additional help please feel free to ask.

......Don