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9 weigh stations · 3 interstates · updated October 2026

Iowa Weigh Stations

All 9 weigh stations in Iowa on I-80, I-35 and I-29 – location, direction and exit for every Iowa weigh station.

Iowa has 9 weigh stations in our data, on I-80, I-35 and I-29. Each Iowa weigh station has its own page with its location, the direction of travel and the nearest exit.

7 stations serve one direction only – check the list for the side of the highway before you plan your route.

Whether a weigh station is open changes by the hour. The sign before the exit ramp shows OPEN or CLOSED, and it always has the final word.

Iowa Weigh Station Map

Open the Iowa weigh station map

Weigh Stations in Iowa by Interstate

West to east or south to north, with the exit and what we know about each station.

29I-291

What Happens at a Iowa Weigh Station

When a Iowa weigh station is open, trucks above the state’s weight threshold leave the highway and roll across the scale at low speed. A signal or a loudspeaker tells you to return to the highway or to park for a closer look. Officers can check your weight per axle, your credentials and your hours-of-service records, and they may inspect the vehicle itself.

If you’re overweight, you may get a fine and have to shift or remove part of the load before you can continue. Weighing first on a certified truck scale at a truck stop avoids most surprises.

Bypass Systems and Weigh-in-Motion

Many states pre-screen trucks at highway speed with weigh-in-motion sensors and electronic bypass programs such as PrePass or Drivewyze. Whether a particular Iowa station takes part varies, so follow your in-cab signal and the roadside signs: when they tell you to pull in, pull in.

Federal Weight Limits

Gross vehicle weight80,000 lbs
Single axle20,000 lbs
Tandem axle34,000 lbs

Interstate System, 23 CFR Part 658. States may allow more with permits.

24Rest areas with truck parkingFree, right on the interstate81Iowa truck stopsDiesel, parking, showers72Truck scales in IowaWeigh before the scale house

Iowa Weigh Station FAQ

How many weigh stations are in Iowa?

We list 9 weigh stations in Iowa, mostly on I-80, I-35 and I-29.

Who has to stop at a weigh station in Iowa?

Commercial vehicles above the state’s weight threshold must pull in when a station is open, unless a bypass system clears them. Private cars don’t. The posted signs at each station apply.

Are Iowa weigh stations open 24 hours?

Some are, many aren’t – hours depend on staffing. Watch for the OPEN/CLOSED sign before each station.

Do RVs and pickups have to stop at weigh stations in Iowa?

Privately used RVs, pickups and cars generally don’t, but rules for trailers and commercial use differ by state. The posted signs at the station always apply.

What is the weight limit at Iowa weigh stations?

On interstates the federal limits apply: 80,000 lbs gross, 20,000 lbs on a single axle and 34,000 lbs on a tandem axle, unless a permit allows more.