Questions & Answers (FAQ)
Do you have questions about weigh-in-motion systems embedded in the road? Here you’ll find clear and simple answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What exactly is a WIM system?
WIM stands for Weigh-In-Motion. It is a set of specialized sensors embedded in the road surface that can weigh a vehicle—even a heavy truck—in a fraction of a second as it drives over them. This is not a traditional static scale where a vehicle must stop. It is advanced technology that works while the vehicle is traveling at normal speed.
Do I have to stop to be weighed?
No. The weighing process is dynamic, meaning the driver does not need to slow down or pull over. The measurement is performed automatically during normal lane travel.
Does the system also weigh passenger cars?
Technically, the system weighs every vehicle that passes over the sensors. However, its primary purpose is to detect overloaded trucks and delivery vehicles.
Why do we need to weigh trucks while they are moving?
Traditional roadside inspections are inefficient. A WIM system allows for 24/7 monitoring of 100% of vehicles using a given road.
Is the system accurate? Could I receive a fine by mistake?
Thanks to modern sensors and advanced algorithms, WIM systems achieve very high precision comparable to legal-for-trade enforcement scales.
What happens if I drive over the scale too fast?
Modern WIM systems allow for precise weighing of vehicles traveling at speeds up to 100 km/h. Speed is not a way to fool the system.
Doesn’t weather distort the results?
The system is equipped with temperature sensors and self-calibration algorithms that compensate for heat and frost, ensuring accuracy year-round.
How does the system identify the overloaded vehicle?
WIM systems are integrated with ANPR cameras that automatically capture license plates when overload is detected.
Is this just another way to extract money from drivers?
No. The system targets only those who break the law, protecting public funds and infrastructure.
What is Direct Enforcement?
It is an automated system where fines are issued automatically based on a single pass over the in-road scale.
Where are these solutions tested in Poland?
The research facility is located in Wielka Wieś (provincial road no. 975), built by AGH and GUM research teams.
Will an overloaded delivery van also be detected?
Yes. Research shows that up to 80% of delivery vans exceed legal limits, and WIM systems effectively detect these violations.
Does the system measure only the total vehicle weight?
No. It measures each wheel and axle load individually, which is crucial for detecting improper cargo distribution.
Who is responsible for measurement quality?
The project is carried out by AGH University of Science and Technology and the Central Office of Measures, ensuring the highest metrological standards.
What are the main benefits for everyday drivers?
Smoother roads, fewer traffic jams, and increased safety due to fewer overloaded vehicles.