Understanding The New USDOT Number Requirements For Intrastate Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs)

Massachusetts, US: Enforcement for a new Massachusetts State USDOT requirement for Intrastate commercial vehicles (CMVs) has been delayed until January 1, 2019, in order to allow for vehicle operators and fleet managers to comply with this new regulation.

The new regulation requires most commercial vehicles to obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation registration, number, even if it’s only used for intrastate purposes within the state of Massachusetts.

However, this does not apply to all commercial vehicles. It only applies to vehicles which fit into the following categories:

  • Those engaged in any intrastate commerce, with a gross vehicle weight or a gross combination vehicle weight which exceeds 10,001 lbs.
  • Any vehicle transporting hazardous materials, which require placarding.
  • Any vehicle that is designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver. Note that this applies regardless of how many people are actually being transported in the vehicle at any given time, as long as it is designed to transport at least 15 people including the driver.

Any company operating in Massachusetts, operating a vehicle that meets the specifications, must apply a USDOT number conforming to the provisions of 49 Code of Federal Regulations 390.21.

To obtain this number, an individual or business may visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/, and follow the instructions in the Registration link. After September 1, 2018, law enforcement will begin issuing warnings for those who are not conforming to these requirements. After January 1, 2019, law enforcement will begin to issue civil fines to violators, and may require a CMV to be placed out-of-service until the required USDOT number has been obtained.

Other regulatory requirements for Massachusetts CMVs are not changing. Further questions may be directed to the FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660.