MI SB0968

Authorizes police officers, peace officers, and state transportation department or county road commission agents to stop vehicles suspected of exceeding weight limits and require weighing using approved scales.

Establishes civil fine schedule based on excess load weight: 3 cents per pound for 1,000-2,000 pounds excess; 6 cents for 2,000-3,000 pounds; 9 cents for 3,000-4,000 pounds; 12 cents for 4,000-5,000 pounds; 15 cents for 5,000-10,000 pounds; and 20 cents per pound for over 10,000 pounds excess.

Permits courts to impose a $200 misload fine per axle (maximum 3 axles) when vehicle would be legal with proper load distribution but one or more axles exceed permitted weight by 1,000-4,000 pounds, rather than requiring such fines.

Allows judges to order vehicles to safe-keeping or impound them if civil fines are unpaid, with unpaid judgments referred to county prosecutors for lien foreclosure after 90 days.

Makes it a misdemeanor to fail to stop at weighing stations or refuse to submit to portable scale weighing; punishable by up to 90 days imprisonment or $100 fine.