Title
Joint Circular on Weighbridge Operation and Overload Penalties
Law
Dpwh-dotc-dilg Joint Circular, December 12, 2001
Decision Date
Dec 11, 2001
The DPWH, DOTC, and DILG mandate the implementation of weighbridge and portable axle load weighing stations to enforce penalties on overloaded trucks and trailers, ensuring the protection of national roads and bridges from damage caused by excessive vehicle weights.
A

Assignment and Manning of Personnel at Weigh Stations

  • DPWH Regional/District Offices to assign five personnel per shift at each weighbridge/portable weighing station.
  • DOTC through the LTO to assign one personnel per shift to deputize DPWH or PNP-TMG personnel.
  • DILG through PNP-TMG to assign one personnel per shift.
  • Each station to operate 24 hours, divided into three shifts: 0800-1600, 1600-2400, and 2400-0800 including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities of DPWH at Weigh Stations

  • DPWH responsible for operating weighbridge and portable axle load stations nationwide.
  • DPWH personnel to weigh loaded trucks and trailers using approved equipment.
  • Actual load per axle and total allowable gross vehicle weight recorded on prescribed forms.
  • Identification of overloaded vehicles exceeding 13,500 kg on any dual-wheel axle or gross vehicle weights as per Annex "A."
  • Immediate notification to LTO and PNP-TMG for appropriate enforcement actions.
  • DPWH provides copies of weighing forms to LTO and PNP-TMG personnel.

Penalties and Enforcement by DOTC/LTO

  • DOTC through LTO to enforce penalties based on weigh station determinations.
  • LTO or deputized DPWH/PNP-TMG personnel to issue Temporary Operator's Permit (TOP) to drivers of overloaded vehicles.
  • Penalty amount equals 25% of the applicable Motor Vehicle User's Charge (MVUC) at time of infringement.
  • Penalties waived if overload is within a tolerance of less than 5% over allowable GVW.

Traffic Management and Restriction by DILG/PNP-TMG

  • DILG through PNP-TMG to prevent vehicles from proceeding if:
    • Any dual-wheel axle load exceeds 13,500 kg, or
    • Total vehicle load exceeds 150% of allowable GVW.

Effectivity and Publication

  • The Order takes effect 15 days after filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register and publication in two nationwide newspapers.

Key Legal Concepts

  • Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) limits and dual-wheel axle load limits are critical thresholds for vehicle movement on national roads.
  • Coordinated enforcement among DPWH, DOTC (LTO), and DILG (PNP-TMG) is essential for compliance.
  • Temporary Operator's Permits serve as formal notices and impose financial penalties on violators.
  • Tolerance levels allow for minor weight excesses without penalty, balancing enforcement with practical trucking operations.
  • Overloaded vehicles constitute a risk to public infrastructure and safety, justifying strict regulatory control and penalties.

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