Texas Overweight Fines and Penalties: What It’ll Cost You

Truck weight limits are strictly regulated in Texas to protect roads, ensure public safety, and maintain fair industry practices. Exceeding legal weight limits can result in hefty fines under Texas Transportation Code, Section 621.506, which governs overweight violations.
This guide breaks down Texas overweight fines, penalties, permits, and what truckers need to know to stay compliant and avoid costly tickets.

Texas Overweight Fines Chart

Texas enforces strict penalties for overweight vehicles, with fines increasing based on the level of excess weight. The cost of a Texas overweight ticket can quickly add up, making it crucial for truckers to understand weight limits and compliance requirements.

Below, we break down the gross vehicle weight (GVW) fines and axle-specific penalties truckers may face.

Discover More:
Axle Weight Calculator
Texas Oversize Regulations

 

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) Overweight Fines

Overweight Amount	Ticket Fine Range
Less than 2,500 lbs	$100 – $500
2,500 – 5,000 lbs	$500 – $1,000
5,001 – 10,000 lbs	$1,000 – $2,500
10,001 – 20,000 lbs	$2,500 – $5,000
20,001 – 40,000 lbs	$5,000 – $7,000
Over 40,000 lbs	$7,000 – $10,000

Axle-Specific Overweight Fines

Axle Group	Legal Limit	Fine (If Exceeded)
Single Axle	20,000 lbs	Matches GVW overweight fines
Tandem Axles	34,000 lbs	Matches GVW overweight fines
Triple Axles	42,000 lbs	Additional bridge damage liability applies
Steering Axle	12,000 lbs	Fined separately based on overage
Quad Axle	50,000 lbs	Subject to structural safety reviews
Permit-Exempt Loads	Varies	Fined based on bridge weight formula violations

Penalties for Overweight Violations in Texas

Texas takes overweight violations seriously, with penalties extending beyond just fines. Drivers, trucking companies, and shippers can face license suspensions, criminal charges, and even asset forfeiture for severe or repeat violations. Below, we outline the legal and financial consequences of exceeding weight limits in Texas.

 

Do You Need a Texas Overweight Bond? Get One Here!

 

CDL and Business Consequences

Overweight violations are reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and can have serious repercussions:

• CDL Suspension or Revocation – Multiple overweight offenses may result in a temporary or permanent suspension of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Loss of Motor Carrier Operating Authority – Companies with frequent violations may lose their ability to legally operate in Texas.
• Negative Compliance Record – Overweight violations impact a company’s safety rating and can lead to increased insurance costs and federal scrutiny.

Increased Fines for Repeat Offenders

Texas law imposes harsher penalties for repeat overweight violations:

• Second offense – Fines double, and offenders may face up to 60 days in jail.
• Third offense – Fines quadruple, with potential jail time of up to 6 months.
• Extreme repeat violations – Maximum fines can reach $20,000, especially for those who repeatedly exceed limits by significant amounts.

Criminal Liability for Overweight Violations

Responsibility for overweight violations extends beyond just the driver:

• Liability applies to multiple parties, including drivers, load managers, shippers, and carriers.
• Article 701d-11, Section 5b allows the state to pursue legal action against any party responsible for knowingly violating weight regulations.

Civil Asset Forfeiture for Extreme Violations

For excessive overweight violations, Texas law allows authorities to impound commercial vehicles:

• Trucks exceeding 40,000 lbs over the legal limit may be seized.
• Repeat offenders risk losing their commercial trucks permanently.

Penalties for Operating Without a Permit

Moving an overweight load without the necessary permit results in additional fines, which are stacked on top of standard weight-based penalties:

• First offense – Fines between $500 – $1,000.
• Repeat offenses – Fines increase to $2,500 – $5,000.

These strict penalties highlight the importance of staying compliant with Texas overweight regulations to avoid costly consequences. Up next, we’ll cover how to obtain the right permits to prevent fines.

Economic Impact of Overweight Fines in Texas

Overweight fines in Texas don’t just affect individual drivers—they have far-reaching economic consequences for the commercial trucking industry. Strict enforcement has led to millions in collected fines, increased operating costs, and long-term financial setbacks for repeat offenders.
Below, we explore the real-world impact of overweight violations on businesses and the economy.

Texas Overweight Fine Revenue: A Growing Trend

• The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) collects millions in overweight fines annually, with enforcement efforts increasing in recent years.
• Reports show that overweight fines have tripled in the last 20 years, reflecting stricter regulations and higher penalties.
• Counties along major freight corridors (such as I-35, I-10, and I-45) see the highest fine collections due to frequent weight enforcement inspections.

Overweight Fines and Commercial Insurance Costs

• Trucking companies with multiple overweight violations often face higher insurance premiums due to increased risk classification.
• Some insurers deny coverage to carriers with a history of overweight violations, making it harder to maintain operations.
• Insurance rate hikes can range from 10-30% depending on the severity and frequency of violations.

Lost Contracts and Compliance Ratings

• Major freight brokers, logistics firms, and shippers avoid working with trucking companies that have repeated overweight fines.
• Carriers with a poor Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) score may lose federal contracts and high-value shipping opportunities.
• Large corporations prioritize partnerships with carriers that maintain a clean safety and compliance record, further reducing business opportunities for violators.

The financial risks of overweight violations extend well beyond just paying the fine—companies risk higher operating costs, lost business, and regulatory scrutiny. In the next section, we’ll discuss how permits and exemptions can help carriers stay compliant and avoid these costly setbacks.

How to Avoid Overweight Fines in Texas

Overweight violations can lead to hefty fines, business losses, and even vehicle impoundment, making compliance essential for truckers and fleet operators. Fortunately, following proper weight regulations and obtaining the right permits can help avoid penalties.

Here are the best ways to stay compliant with Texas overweight laws.

Apply for an Overweight Permit Bond

Before obtaining an overweight permit, Texas requires an Overweight Permit Bond, which ensures financial responsibility for potential damages caused by overweight loads. This bond is a critical step in securing permits for legally operating overweight vehicles.

Get a Texas Overweight Permit

Trucking companies must apply for overweight and oversize permits through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) to legally transport excess loads. Permits vary based on load size, route, and weight specifications.

 Stay Updated on Weight Limits

Texas DOT regulations frequently update legal weight limits for different vehicle types. Regularly checking these guidelines ensures compliance with gross weight and axle-specific restrictions.

Use Weigh Stations Before Trips

Verifying truck weight before entering Texas roadways helps prevent unexpected fines. Weigh stations and portable scales allow drivers to confirm compliance before inspections.

Distribute Your Load Properly

Even if a truck stays within legal weight limits, improper load distribution can lead to axle-specific fines. Ensuring weight is evenly distributed prevents compliance issues.

Invest in Onboard Scales

Onboard scales provide real-time weight monitoring, helping drivers adjust loads before facing roadside inspections. This technology significantly reduces the risk of excess weight fines.

Check Bridge and Road Restrictions

Some roads and bridges have lower weight limits than standard regulations. Pre-planning routes based on load size and road restrictions prevents unexpected violations.

Train Drivers on Compliance

Proper driver training on legal weight limits, permits, and best practices ensures fleet-wide compliance. A well-informed team reduces the risk of costly overweight fines.

Work with a Freight Compliance Specialist

Consulting with Texas trucking law experts helps avoid violations and navigate the complex permit process. Freight compliance specialists ensure trucks operate legally and efficiently.

Secure Legal Representation for Violations

If a driver receives an overweight ticket in Texas, an attorney can challenge fines, negotiate penalties, or provide defense strategies to minimize financial impact.
By following these best practices, trucking companies can avoid fines, maintain compliance, and protect their business from unnecessary penalties. Up next, we’ll break down the process of applying for overweight permits in Texas.

Secure an Overweight Permit Bond from TMD

If your business frequently transports overweight loads, securing an overweight permit bond is a crucial step in maintaining compliance with Texas overweight regulations. This bond ensures that your company meets state requirements while avoiding severe penalties for operating above legal weight limits.

Benefits of Securing an Overweight Permit Bond

✅ Avoid Heavy Fines for Overweight Travel – A permit bond allows you to legally transport excess loads without facing expensive overweight fines.
✅ Maintain CDL Compliance and Protect Your Driving Record – Overweight violations can impact your CDL and put your business at risk. A bond helps you stay compliant and keep your record clean.
✅ Keep Your Business Operations Legal and Avoid Costly Delays – Without a bond, overweight permits cannot be issued, leading to unnecessary downtime, lost revenue, and potential legal issues.

Don’t risk hefty fines or permit violations—secure your bond today!

Texas Overweight Fines FAQ

Overweight violations can lead to costly fines, CDL penalties, and even legal consequences. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about Texas overweight tickets and how they impact truck drivers and businesses.

What Is an Overweight Ticket?

An overweight ticket is a citation issued to a commercial vehicle exceeding Texas’ legal weight limits. Fines vary based on how much the truck exceeds the limit and whether the driver has the necessary permits.

Does an Overweight Ticket Go on Your Record?

Yes, overweight tickets can appear on a driver’s record if reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Frequent violations may impact a company’s safety rating and result in increased insurance costs.

How Long Does an Overweight Ticket Stay on Your Record?

In Texas, an overweight violation can remain on a commercial driver’s record for up to three years, depending on the severity of the offense. Repeat offenses can lead to long-term penalties and CDL restrictions.

How Does an Overweight Ticket Affect a CDL?

Overweight violations count against a driver’s CDL and may result in suspensions or revocations for repeated offenses. If a trucking company accumulates multiple violations, they may lose their motor carrier operating authority.

How Many Points Is an Overweight Ticket?

Texas does not assign specific points to overweight violations, but they negatively affect a driver’s safety record. Too many violations can lead to higher insurance rates, loss of contracts, and stricter regulatory oversight.

Is an Overweight Ticket a Moving Violation?

No, an overweight ticket is not considered a moving violation. However, it is still a serious offense that can result in hefty fines, CDL penalties, and increased scrutiny from law enforcement.