What Is a DOT-Regulated Vehicle: Brief Guide

The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provide rules and regulations on commercial vehicle compliance and legality. Drivers asking, “What is a DOT-regulated vehicle?” may have seen their DOT number and wondered why the vehicle needed it and what regulations govern it. Understanding how the DOT and FMCSA create and issue DOT numbers can help you make sense of a DOT-regulated vehicle.

What Vehicles Does the DOT Regulate?

Many commercial vehicles meet the DOT and FMCSA requirements for getting and maintaining a DOT number, including:

• Hazardous material transportation
• Vehicles with a gross combination weight rating higher than 10,000 pounds
• The number of passengers (eight or more with compensation, 15 or more with no compensation)

If you plan to drive any type of commercial vehicle on the interstate or over state lines, you need a DOT number. Some states may not require you to have a DOT number, but federal laws or laws in other states often do.

Maintaining DOT Compliance for Commercial Vehicles

Whether you have one commercial vehicle or multiple, maintaining DOT compliance keeps you and your drivers on the road legally. Ensuring compliance for your vehicles includes:

Post FMCSA Rules

Help your drivers and technicians understand changes or updates in FMCSA rules by keeping a copy in your office or posting them on the wall in a common area.

Maintain Documentation

Create and maintain a record for each of your vehicles. The record should detail all maintenance performed, repairs made, or accidents suffered.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Create and keep up with realistic maintenance plans for each vehicle. You can also perform inspections on vehicles before and after a trip to check for repairs or defects.

Maintaining DOT Compliance for Drivers

Asking, “What is a DOT-regulated vehicle?” indicates you may also not realize the importance of driver DOT compliance. Every commercial driver must meet DOT and FMCSA regulations to ensure they can safely and effectively operate commercial vehicles. Commercial motor vehicle registrants should stay compliant with the following:

Driver Training

To obtain and maintain their commercial driver’s license (CDL), drivers must successfully complete written and hands-on testing. Drivers must keep their CDL along with a medical permit stating they can healthily perform driving duties.

Proper Documentation

Drivers must keep up with records like receipts, trip records, and payroll information. They must also maintain their electronic logging devices to show their driving distance and time.

Alcohol and Drug Compliance

Commercial drivers should know and understand the regulations surrounding drug and alcohol use while driving and that they may have random drug or alcohol tests performed.

Keep Your Compliance and Permits Up-to-Date with FMCA Filings

Wondering, “What is a DOT-regulated vehicle?” often brings up other questions surrounding compliance with FMCSA and DOT regulations. At FMCA Filings, we can help you maintain your permits, so you remain a legal entity on the road. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you stay on top of your permits every year.