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Compliance By State
Frequently Asked Questions

DOT Compliance

Do I need a DOT number and why FMCSA is requiring motor carriers to have a DOT number.

DOT Compliance means that you successfully following all the requiring to keep your DOT number in compliance.

A Department of Transportation number also called DOT number or USDOT number is a number that Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA assigns to motor carriers with registered commercial vehicles.  

All carrier vehicles that weigh more than a certain amount, carry specific amounts of paying passengers or operate between state lines per FMCSA  regulations are required to have a DOT number. In most U.S. states, local DOT requirements also apply. 

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The USDOT Number serves as a unique identifier when collecting and monitoring a company's safety information acquired during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations and inspections.

 You are required to obtain a USDOT  number if you have a commercial motor  vehicle that: 

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  • Is used to transport the types and quantities of hazardous materials requiring a safety permit in intrastate commerce (see 49 CFR 385.403). 

OR 

  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle

What is a commercial vehicle? 

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This category includes the following vehicles:

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  • semi-trucks

  • delivery vehicles

  • public transportation

  • weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; or 

  • Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or 

  • Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; 

States That Require a DOT Number 

 

Aside from the FMCSA federal regulations, the following states require to have a USDOT number for the intrastate operation of a commercial motor vehicle:

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How do I know what is my vehicle's weight?

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  • Check on your vehicle registration card

  • You may find it on the driver's side on the sticker when you open the door

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  • Alabama

  • Alaska

  • Arizona

  • California

  • Colorado

  • Connecticut

  • Florida

  • Georgia

  • Idaho

  • Indiana

  • Iowa

  • Kansas

  • Kentucky

  • Maine

  • Maryland

  • Massachusetts

  • Michigan

  • Minnesota

  • Missouri

  • Montana

  • Nebraska

  • Nevada

  • New Jersey

  • New York

  • North Carolina

  • Ohio

  • Oklahoma

  • Missouri

  • Montana

  • Nebraska

  • Nevada

  • New Jersey

  • New York

  • North Carolina

  • Ohio

  • Oklahoma

What does it mean to be DOT Certified? 

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DOT Certification is a seal of quality that shows a CDL driver has the skills and competence to drive commercial vehicles on America’s roads and highways.

Most states require DOT certification for CDL drivers who drive commercial motor vehicles.
You must become DOT certified To have a commercial driver’s license(CDL), as opposed to a personal driver’s license. Most fleet drivers require a commercial driver’s license(CDL) because it serves as proof a job applicant has received DOT certification.

To become DOT certified, a CDL driver must undergo a physical exam (also known as DOT medical exam or a CDL medical exam) and a series of safe-driving tests.

Commercial motor vehicle operators must reapply for DOT certification every two years via a form called MCS-150 form or DOT Biennial update or DOT compliance update to keep his DOT number in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration known as FMCSA.

Where to display the DOT number?

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Trucking companies and contractors are required to have a Department of Transportation (DOT) number affixed to the sides of their trucks. Trucks must have these numbers before they can begin transporting materials, and any new company or carrier has to apply for one before it can send vehicles out on the road.

When to renew my DOT number?

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The department of transportation requiring you to update every two years, or biennially all the information associated with this number. In order to update this information and keep your number active, you must file the MCS-150 form. By filling MCS-150 form you giving the department of transportation the most accurate and current information on your fleet and your company information, filing the MCS-150 form ensures that the information the department obtained from you is the most updated current and accurate.

How to reinstate my DOT Number?​

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To keep DOT compliance and reactivate your USDOT number you will need to complete an MCS-150 form.

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DOT Physical examination

 

According to 49 CFR Part 391, drivers who operate a particular class of vehicles must complete a physical examination by a certified medical professional you may find qualified professionals listed on the FMCSA’s National Registry. The examination includes checkups from doctors of medicine, osteopathy, and chiropractic, along with physician assistants and advanced practice nurses.

You need to have a physical before operating any vehicle and schedule a recheck every 24 months while in operation. However, the examiner may issue a certificate for less than 2 years when they find it necessary to monitor a condition. You must keep your medical examiner’s certificate available in the truck at all times. Keep it on file with your driver qualification records to provide to the commercial enforcement officer during their safety audit, as well.

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