Weight Stations and Inspection Facilities across Washington

Key Facts & Structure

Washington uses a mix of fixed inspection stations (often called weigh stations or ports of entry), virtual/Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) sites, and mobile roadside enforcement.
According to a report: about 59 inspection stations in total (though 4 were closed at that time).
Of those: ~12 fixed sites with electronic screening, ~40 fixed without e-screen, ~11 mobile sites (per one older document).
The state has 48 permanent‐scale weigh stations (in one inventory) with 17 on interstate highways.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Washington State Patrol (WSP) have implemented “e-screening” (transponder, license plate, weigh-in-motion) to allow compliant carriers to bypass the station.
Example: WSDOT says there are 11 electronic screening weigh-stations plus 3 virtual weigh-in-motion sites.
WSP’s enforcement stats: In 2023, over 6.7 million commercial vehicles were identified & screened; over 1 million potential violations were flagged.

The purpose: to enforce weight limits (protect pavements/bridges), vehicle safety, driver credentials, oversize/overweight permitting, credential compliance.
WSDOT/WSP state objectives: identify high-risk carriers, allow legal carriers to bypass, protect infrastructure and public safety.

Commercial vehicles entering Washington (interstate freight) or traveling major corridors can be directed into a weigh/inspection station either manually or by e-screening.
Even if you have transponder or e-screening eligibility, you may still be pulled in if flagged for size/weight/safety issues.
Signs on highways will indicate when the station is open and whether trucks must exit.

If you have a transponder (registered with WSDOT), you may qualify for bypass at certain stations.
The screening checks things like weight/axle data (via weigh-in-motion), height, vehicle registration, safety rating, credentials.
If flagged, you’ll be directed to pull in for full inspection.

Some stations are also used for truck parking (though parking capacity is often limited). One 2016 report noted only 14 stations had designated truck parking, totaling 178 spaces.
Truck parking is also a factor when planning your route—especially along major freight corridors like I-5 and I-90.

Overweight (gross/axle) is a top target.
Credential issues: expired registration, unsafe carrier safety ratings.
Tire anomalies: Washington has installed a Tire Anomaly and Classification System (TACS) to detect missing/mismatched/under-inflated tires at speed.

WSDOT lists a map of weigh stations with bypass/e-screening in Washington.
Upgrades: The 2023 “Gray Notebook” reports completion of 11 upgraded weigh stations + 4 virtual weigh-in-motion sites (for total ~15 electronic-screening capable locations).
Example: A new site near Gold Bar on US 2 was completed in 2022 to replace a legacy station.

Check ahead for whether the weigh station on your route is open (many have variable hours).
If you have a transponder or are enrolled in e-screening, ensure your credentials are current and accurate.
Even if you’re eligible for bypass, plan for a possibility of pull-in (carry paperwork, logs, etc).
Monitor truck parking availability especially around stations—if you get flagged and must stop, you may need a spot.
Be mindful of weight limits (gross/axle) especially when crossing bridges or mountain passes—Washington takes infrastructure protection seriously.
If you're heading east-west (like on I-90) or north towards the Canada border, know where fixed inspection stations are.