US DOT Frequently Asked Questions
DOT truck cab marking requirements:
Dot truck cab marking requirements vary for each of the 50 states.
We recommend these essential lines for compliance in all 50 States: Company Logo, Company Name, City & State of Operation, USDOT Number, GVWR, VIN (last 8 Characters) & State mandated Regulation Number if applicable.
* Regulation numbers must be displayed in contrasting colors and be a minimum of 2” in height; federal regulations require them to be legible from a distance of 50 feet during daylight hours.
Does GVWR need to be displayed on truck?
The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is assigned by the vehicle manufacturer and represents the maximum weight of the vehicle and what it can carry when fully loaded. The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle itself plus fuel, passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue weight. It may sometimes be listed as gross weight.
The GVWR is not the same as the unladed weight, gross combined weight rating, towing weight rating or registered weight rating. This is important because the manufacturer has designed the vehicle to have the power and structural integrity to carry the load and the braking performance to stop the loaded vehicle.
By displaying the GVWR on your Commercial vehicle you will avoid any hassle at the scales. We recommend these essential lines for compliance in all 50 States: Company Logo, Company Name, City & State of Operation, USDOT Number, GVWR, VIN (last 8 Characters) & State mandated Regulation Number if applicable.
Does a pick up truck need a DOT number?
- In general, a USDOT Number is required if you meet the following criteria:
- You have vehicles that are over 10,000 lbs. (GVWR, GCWR, GVW or GCW)
- You transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation, whether direct or indirect
- You transport 16 or more passengers
- You haul hazardous materials
What are us dot size requirements?
Federal regulations require the USDOT Number to be displayed in contrasting colors & legible from a distance of 50 feet. This requirement can usually be met with minimum of 2” height characters. Remember your USDOT # Must be proceeded by “USDOT # “ on your commercial vehicle.
How are vinyl usdot numbers applied?
Decals are one single layer with industrial strength adhesive. Your design, or the information is cut from a large sheet with a wax coated backing. After the design is cut, it is weeded (the negative is removed) & a layer of transfer paper is placed on top. Once the vinyl decal is ready to be applied to a surface, the wax backing is removed and the vinyl is adhered to the vehicle. After firmly pressing the design, the transfer paper (top layer) is removed & the installation process is completed.
Do vinyl USDOT registration numbers come separated or linked together?
Vinyl USDOT registration numbers, your design, or any other regulation number information is cut from a large sheet with a wax coated backing. After the design is cut, it is weeded (the negative is removed) & a layer of transfer paper is placed on top. Once the vinyl decal is ready to be placed, each character will be carried by the transfer paper so that when it is applied to your vehicle it will maintain it’s perfect alignment. You don’t need to cut out any characters for placement. The design will come ready for installation. Simply remove the wax backing from the entire decal template, and align it on your vehicle. After pressing down firmly over the entire design, especially thin characters, you can remove the top layer (transfer paper) to reveal the finished product. A single layer die cut decal design in perfect alignment will be displayed on your commercial vehicle.
What markings must be displayed on a CMV when used by two or more motor carriers?
The markings of the motor carrier responsible for the operation of the CMV must be displayed at the time of transportation. If 2 or more names are on the vehicle, the name of the operating motor carrier must be preceded by the words "operated by."
What if a driver has his own commercial vehicle and authority?
If a driver has his own authority, and is being hired for a job, the motor carrier responsible for the operation (the company that hired the driver) must display the carrier’s name and USDOT number since the driver is considered an employee of the carrier.
