Weigh Station Locations and Bypass Technology in New York

In New York State, many of the “weigh stations” are actually inspection sites rather than full static scales. According to a PDF from NYSDOT, “temporary inspection sites at rest stops” are used to check trucks for weight, registration, brake condition, etc.
The use of Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) sensors has been expanding, especially in NYC for enforcement of overweight trucks. For example, the New York City Department of Transportation announced the expansion of WIM automated enforcement to 15 locations statewide (including bridges and expressways) in 2025.
For major freight highways such as Interstate 87 (I-87), Interstate 81 (I-81), and Interstate 88 (I-88) near Syracuse/Binghamton, initial bypass sites were enabled.

The company Drivewyze provides a mobile-based weigh station bypass service in NY. The service allows registered trucks to receive bypass clearance (i.e., skip the station) if they meet criteria (safety record, credentials, etc.).
According to the Drivewyze “General” PDF sheet for NY:

“New York does not operate any fixed scales, instead they operate inspection sites at rest stops. At these locations, all Drivewyze enrolled trucks can expect to receive bypasses up to 20% of the time, regardless of ISS score.”
In short, bypass opportunities in NY are more limited (in terms of percentage) compared with some other states with full fixed scale systems.
Also, the traffic enforcement side (especially in NYC) uses WIM for direct enforcement — meaning trucks may be measured while moving and citations issued without traditional stop.

Good to know:

If you’re hauling through NY, especially on I-87, I-81, I-88 or in/around NYC, you may encounter an inspection site rather than a full “pull in on scales” station.
If you’re enrolled in a bypass program (Drivewyze), you might not always get the bypass — in NY the rate is about 20% at certain sites per the published document. So plan that you might be pulled in.
For NYC / bridge zones: The WIM systems mean you may be monitored even without stopping — overweight vehicles can be automatically flagged for enforcement. So weight compliance is critical.
Ensure your credentials (ELD, registration, driver credentials, vehicle weight/axle compliance) are in order. Because the automated systems and bypass systems filter based on those criteria.
Pay attention to signage: In some bypass setups, electronic road signs will indicate whether you must pull in or may continue. The driver’s in-cab device may also prompt a “Bypass”/“Stop” type instruction. (See how Drivewyze describes it)

The NY State Freight Plan (2024) outlines that Virtual Weigh Sites (VWS) and WIM are key technologies being expanded to reduce unnecessary stops and target enforcement more efficiently.
NYC DOT’s announcement (May-2025) states that WIM has led to about a 60% decline in overweight vehicles on the BQE (Brooklyn-Queens Expressway) after its first year of use.

When planning a route through New York, identify the highway segments with known inspection/bypass sites (e.g., I-87 north of Albany/Saratoga, I-81/I-88 near Syracuse/Binghamton).
Enroll in a recognized bypass program (like Drivewyze) if you qualify — it may save time, but don’t rely on it as a “always bypass” guarantee in NY.
Make sure your weights, load securement, axle loads are correct — since automated WIM and inspection sites mean you’ll be more likely to be detected if out of compliance.
Use apps or maps that show inspection station / weigh station location awareness — helps you prepare to slow down or prepare paperwork.
Especially if entering NYC or crossing major bridges (e.g., Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, etc.), assume there may be enforcement even if a traditional station is not obvious.