Lift axle control regulation

Crazynuff

Veteran Expediter
I've read posts stating some of you have been fined for having axle controls within reach of the driver . In another forum recently a member asked about placement of the controls . When I said they had to be out of reach of the driver several members disputed this . Interestingly , 2 of these members are from LA and as I recall the Shreveport scales were where some members here were cited . Does anyone have an old citation that gives the actual regulation number that you were cited for ?
 

greg334

Veteran Expediter
I think it is a state thing, but again if the guys over there are willing to pay the fines, then put it in the cab.
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
We use to get warning tickets in LA, but that was it. They didn't want the controls within the driver's reach.
 

jsbiker

Seasoned Expediter
WOW boy i am getting old sorry
i have not had an air tag in a few years, all the units i have run heavy loads the controls were within reach of ME(driver) or were placed for a operator other than the driver to use.
IF the controls are place in a way that you cant reach them, what happens hung up and need to make a change to move the unit fast. i can see a lot of problems if i could not reach the controls, but like i said its been a long time. and yes i would like to know also:confused:
thanks
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
I got a $100 ticket in Louisiana once for lift axle controls that were mounted within the driver's reach.

The light came on that directed me to the scale. The scale cop looked through his window at the truck and, seeing the lift axle, immediately came out and told me to show him the control. That was it. Inside I went to receive the ticket. No warning, no nothing, just a $100 ticket that the fleet owner paid.

The officer gave me a copy of the regulation that was printed in a Louisiana state publication. He even highlighted a portion of it for my reading convenience. The same reg was posted on the wall.

While unsuccessfully searching online for the Louisiana regulation, I came across this interesting piece about lift axles. It does not answer your question but may interest you just the same.

See also this thread.
 

layoutshooter

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
I have mine placed out of reach. I am not willing to take the chance on the ticket. SO FAR at least it has not been a problem, I can see where it might happen. Layoutshooter
 

Crazynuff

Veteran Expediter
I got a $100 ticket in Louisiana once for lift axle controls that were mounted within the driver's reach.

The light came on that directed me to the scale. The scale cop looked through his window at the truck and, seeing the lift axle, immediately came out and told me to show him the control. That was it. Inside I went to receive the ticket. No warning, no nothing, just a $100 ticket that the fleet owner paid.

The officer gave me a copy of the regulation that was printed in a Louisiana state publication. He even highlighted a portion of it for my reading convenience. The same reg was posted on the wall.

While unsuccessfully searching online for the Louisiana regulation, I came across this interesting piece about lift axles. It does not answer your question but may interest you just the same.

See also this thread.

Thanks , Phil . The guys disputing my statements are rock haulers with lift axles that are from LA and run in and out of the state with no problem .
 

Doggie Daddy

Veteran Expediter
We were also fined $100 at the Shreveport scales with our last truck. The truck we have now has the controls located outside the cab.
 

Crazynuff

Veteran Expediter
One of those LA rock haulers just posted he called LA DMV and they confirmed the controls can't be within reach of the driver . He actually apologized for disputing me .
 

mjolnir131

Veteran Expediter
Can you wire them up to a 3-way switch and have one there on the outside to show the State inspector?

Not that I'm suggesting to outlawed activity just a hypothetical thinking out loud thing.
 

dabluzman1

Veteran Expediter
Retired Expediter
The law states "regulator".
I guess it could be their point of view that a switch to raise or lower the tag
is the "regulator" but I have been told is that it applies to the "regulator" that varied the
air pressure.
I still am relieved when the scales let me by-pass.

Here is the link to Louisanas DOT that has the law :

Louisiana Regulations for Trucks, Vehicles and Loads
 

Crazynuff

Veteran Expediter
The law states "regulator".
I guess it could be their point of view that a switch to raise or lower the tag
is the "regulator" but I have been told is that it applies to the "regulator" that varied the
air pressure.
I still am relieved when the scales let me by-pass.

Here is the link to Louisanas DOT that has the law :

Louisiana Regulations for Trucks, Vehicles and Loads

I really appreciate this . You don't know how many people have been trying to find the actual regulation
 

ATeam

Senior Member
Retired Expediter
Now I know why I could not find the reg on a Google search. It is not a lift axle in Louisiana. It is a variable load suspension axle. Thank you, dabluzman1 (a/k/a Search Master Blue)

Interesting that the reg makes no reference to "within reach of the driver." If it's in the cab, it is a violation.

To assist others in the future who may be searching this topic online, the following search words are provided:

Lift axle

Variable load suspension axle

Louisiana regulations for trucks

Louisiana truck scales

$100 fine

Lift axle control

Tag axle

Pusher axle

VLS axle regulator
 
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Slo-Ride

Veteran Expediter
its gotta be refering to the regulator,,
My salesman told me about this in 2007...
I beleive its to stop drivers from adjusting pressure while enroute or just before hitting the scale house..
ya gotta be able to raise and lower the axle from within the cab so that function can not be removed from the cab from my way of thinking anyways
 
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