There’s a lot of fuss about APUs (auxiliary power units or generators) these days. Yes, the federal government allows up to 400 pounds for trucks with APUs or any device used to reduce fuel use and emissions. It’s part of the idle reduction strategy: encouraging truckers and trucking companies to install APUs. But that doesn’t mean you can always get it.
The wording of the law says that any vehicle with an APU “may be allowed up to an additional total of 400 pounds in the gross, axle, tandem, or bridge formula limits”: a generator installed on the tractor would not allow variation of the bridging law.
The problem is that while the federal government allows weight gain, states don’t have to allow it. That means in one state you may be allowed to run up to 80,400 lbs. but in the next state, you may be limited to 80,000 lbs. despite the decision of the federal government. Many states already have weight tolerances above the 400-pound weight exemption, so the ruling doesn’t really affect application procedures.
It’s great in theory, but in practice, it’s pretty much useless.
What we have found is that many officers are unaware of the federal ruling, so while a state legislature may have adopted the £400 allowance, law enforcement officers may not be aware of it. All of the following information is subject to change and, as always, the right hand may not know what the left hand is doing. Be prepared to show as much documentation as possible every time you encounter a roadblock!
The following is a list of states and the status of their 400 lb weight exemption status. We are in direct contact with state officials; none of this is second hand information. All information is subject to change.
States that have adopted the 400 lb weight allowance (officials at weigh stations may not be aware):
arkansas
Arkansas will allow an additional 400 lbs. on an axle to account for APU, but will not allow more than 80,000 lbs. for gross weight.
California
Idaho
Maine
Maryland
Michigan
Michigan DOES allow 400 pounds for an APU. The problem you may run into is that none of the weigh station officials we spoke to were aware of the federal ruling and the Michigan Center for Truck Safety was under the impression that Michigan had not adopted the ruling, but he couldn’t say for sure. According to Lt. Dave Ford, Michigan does follow the 400-pound rule. Drivers must have the manufacturer’s documented APU weight and proof that the documented APU has been installed in that unit (as opposed to a different APU).
North Dakota
Oregon
Oregon Senate Bill 223 officially allows trucks with APUs (auxiliary power units) an additional 400 pounds in their gross weight limits. Oregon complies with the federal ruling and requires a written certification of APU weight. Oregon motor carrier law enforcement officers have been allowing the 400 pound weight exemption since February 2006. The APU must be in working condition.
Virginia
The 400 lb. weight exemption is only allowed on interstate highways. Drivers on state highways are subject to the standard Virginia gross and axle weight application.
Washington
States that have not adopted the 400 pound weight exemption and:
*have weight tolerances (for scale variation)
*has low fee amounts and won’t force you to unload for 400 pounds overweight
*and states whose officers are highly unlikely to give you a ticket unless you provoke them; officer discretion is a factor (officers in many of these states did not know about the 400lb weight waiver, but said 400lb is too low for them to bother with):
Connecticut
Officials at the Greenwich weigh station did not know about the federal ruling, but said they are unlikely to write a subpoena for such a small amount. That stretch of I-95 is limited to 80,000 lbs. no matter what permits the driver has, so the limit is 80,000 lbs. 80,001 lbs. may result in a ticket, but not likely until the truck reaches 81,000 lbs., at the officer’s discretion. The official word from the Commercial Vehicle Control Headquarters is that Connecticut has not adopted the 400-pound weight exemption.
Colorado
Delaware
Georgia
Florida
Kentucky
It’s entirely up to the officer’s discretion – you’re not likely to get a £400 fine.
Louisiana
Mountain
New Mexico
NY
North Carolina
Officials at the North Carolina weigh stations we called did not know about the 400-pound federal allowance, but said they have a tolerance of 500 pounds that they will allow before they start issuing tickets.
South Dakota
Officials did not disclose their allowable tolerance, but said their tolerance is above 400 pounds, so while the legislature has yet to adopt the federal standard, its current standards allow for weight gain.
Utah
Officials at Henefer POE say they will allow up to 500 pounds for an APU. Officials at other entry points were unsure about the law.
West Virginia
Wyoming
Officials at the Cheyenne I 25 nb weigh station say they will allow up to 500 pounds without a ticket.
States that do not allow 400 pounds for an APU (based on our inquiries, subject to change):
Alabama, Arizona, Indiana, New Jersey
There are several states missing from this list. We are still reaching out to states from which we have not received a response and will provide updates when available! Do not hesitate to contact us with your contributions and experiences.
To get the 400 lbs. assignment, you will need to be able to provide:
* certified weight of the APU in writing (if your APU only weighs 380 lbs, only 380 lbs will be allowed)
* certified proof (or being able to demonstrate) that the APU is functional (working)
You will also want to take a copy of the federal regulation with you. You can find it in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations [http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ECFR/] in Title 23 (Highways), part 658.17 (you will find it in section n).
