The gross weight of a vehicle is the scale weight of the vehicle, plus the scale weight of any trailer, semitrailer, converter gear, or pole trailer to be towed by it, to which must be added the maximum weight of the load to be carried on it or towed by it as declared by the licensee as long as it does not exceed the weight limitations prescribed under chapter 46.44 RCW.

The gross weight in the case of a bus, auto stage, or passenger-carrying for hire vehicle with a seating capacity over six, is the scale weight of the bus, auto stage, or passenger-carrying for hire vehicle plus the seating capacity, including the operator's seat, computed at one hundred fifty pounds per seat.

If the resultant gross weight, according to this section, is not listed in RCW 46.17.355, it must be increased to the next higher gross weight listed pursuant to chapter 46.44 RCW.

A vehicle or combination of vehicles found to be loaded beyond the licensed gross weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles must be cited and handled under RCW 46.16A.540 and 46.16A.545.

Effective date—2015 c 228: See note following RCW 46.87.010.

Effective date—Intent—Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session—2010 c 161: See notes following RCW 46.04.013.

Effective dates—1987 c 244: See note following RCW 46.87.010.