Idaho § 40-511 - Stopping and inspection

Full text of Idaho Idaho Statutes § 40-511 — Stopping and inspection, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 40-511. Stopping and inspection

(1) Wherever by the laws of the state of Idaho any vehicle with a maximum gross weight or registered gross weight, or operated at a gross weight, of twenty-six thousand one (26,001) pounds or more, excepting those transporting placardable quantities of hazardous materials, is used to transport any merchandise, product, commodity, or livestock within the state, within the state to without the state, or from without the state to within the state, the owner or operator of either the motor vehicle or trailer, as defined in chapter 1, title 49 , Idaho Code, used to transport such merchandise, product, commodity, or livestock is hereby required to stop at such ports of entry or checking stations established by the Idaho transportation department and submit to inspection, grading or weighing for compliance with the laws of the state of Idaho. Noncommercial vehicles, as defined in section 49-123 (2)(k), Idaho Code, shall not be required to stop for inspection pursuant to this section.

(2) Vehicles or combinations of vehicles with a maximum gross weight of ten thousand (10,000) pounds or more transporting placardable quantities of hazardous materials are required to stop at all ports of entry or checking stations established by the Idaho transportation department.

(3) It shall be the duty of such owner or operator of every motor vehicle or trailer to drive the motor vehicle or trailer upon any state-owned inspection station, stationary or portable scale, or private scale, certified by the state of Idaho, when requested to do so by any peace officer, excepting fish and game officers, or authorized employees of the Idaho transportation department.

(4) Authorized employees of the transportation department may stop any vehicle with a maximum gross weight of eighteen thousand (18,000) pounds or more by displaying a flashing red light if the authorized employee has probable cause to believe the vehicle bypassed a weighing or inspection station or proceeded through the station without regard for the directional signals. Authorized employees may direct a vehicle that has bypassed a weighing or inspection station, or has proceeded through the station without regard for the directional signals, to return to the bypassed inspection or weighing station and may issue a citation for failure to stop as required in this section. The operator of a vehicle shall bring the vehicle to a stop, pulling off the traveled portion of the highway, when directed to do so by an authorized employee of the transportation department by use of emergency lights or siren.

(5) The department is authorized to implement technology and procedures, where practicable, to allow vehicles that meet established criteria to lawfully bypass a port of entry. The department may promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this section.

Source: official Idaho text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho § 40-511

What does Idaho Statutes § 40-511 cover?

Section 40-511 ("Stopping and inspection") is part of the Idaho Statutes, the codified statutory law of Idaho. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Idaho § 40-511?

A common citation format is "Idaho Statutes § 40-511" (Idaho). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Idaho law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Idaho official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Idaho attorney.

How does Idaho § 40-511 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Idaho can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Idaho.