DOT Number: Do You Need One?
It’s easy to get confused with all the regulations surrounding DOT number requirements. Luckily, American Carrier Services is here to help guide you through the red tape and make the process seamless.
The FMCSA is the governing body under the Department of Transportation in charge of commercial vehicle safety. They set the regulations for commercial vehicle requirements.
DOT Number Requirements
Currently, the FMCSA requires a DOT number on commercial vehicles which: weigh more than 10,001 lbs, transport more than 8 passengers for payment, or which transport more than 15 passengers without payment. Source
If one of the above requirements are met, a USDOT number is always required when engaging in interstate commerce (transport between states). If you are only transporting within one state, a DOT number may or may not be required.
The following states require a DOT number for intrastate commerce:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Jersey
- New York
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
If you fall under these requirements, you must also comply with all Federal Regulations set by the FMCSA. According to the FMCSA, it is your responsibility to know and comply with these regulations.
What If You Operate Out Of Regulations?
If you are caught operating without a DOT number when it is required, or if you fail to comply with the FMCSA regulations then a number of things can happen. The most likely case is that you will be subject to significant fines from either state or federal enforcement. Your authority to operate on public roads can also be revoked even if you did not know a regulation existed.
There are many easy to miss pieces when trying to comply with state and federal regulations. But don’t worry! American Carrier Services is here to help you every step along the way so you can stay on the road.
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