North Carolina prohibits the operation of overloaded motor vehicles on highways or public vehicular areas.

Law enforcement officers can detain vehicles exceeding the weight limit until the excess load is removed.

Responsibility for any removed property due to overloading lies with the vehicle's owner or operator.

The state is not liable for any damage or loss of removed property.

Failure to allow vehicle weighing or to remove an overload is a misdemeanor, classified based on G.S. 20-176.

Officers must use approved scales from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for vehicle weighing.

Violations result in infractions, with fines ranging from one hundred dollars ($100.00) to five hundred dollars ($500.00).

Civil penalties for permit violations must be paid at the time of inspection.