SMALL PASSENGER-CARRYING VEHICLES - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has safety regulatory oversight of for-hire operators of small passenger-carrying vehicles that engage in interstate commerce. The extent the requirements depend on the nature of the operation. The regulations basically separate such operations into two groups:

For-hire motor carriers that (1) operate vehicles designed or used to transport 9 to 15 passengers (including the driver) in interstate commerce, (2) are directly compensated for such transportation services, and (3) operate such vehicles beyond a 75 air mile radius from the driver's normal work-reporting location.
For-hire motor carriers that (1) operate vehicles designed or used to transport 9 to 15 passengers (including the driver) in interstate commerce, (2) are indirectly compensated for such transportation services, or are directly compensated, but operate within a 75 air mile radius.

Direct compensation means payment made to the motor carrier by the passengers or the individual acting on behalf of the passengers for the transportation services provided, and not included in a total package charge or other assessment for highway transportation services. Indirect compensation means the charge for the transportation services provided are included in a total package charge or other assessment

Motor carriers in the first group are subject to all of the safety standards in part 385 and parts 390 through 396 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. These carriers are required to file a motor carrier identification report (Form MCS-150) and mark their vehicles with a USDOT identification number. The vehicle marking regulations can be found at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/390.21.htm. For online motor carrier identification report filing and registration for a USDOT number, go to http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. These carriers are also subject to safety ratings (Part 385); accident register recordkeeping (Part 390); medical examination requirements for drivers (part 391); driver qualification files (Part 391); hours of service limitations (Part 395); records of duty status (Part 395); and recordkeeping for inspection, repair, and maintenance (Part 396). Information about all safety standards, requirements, and recordkeeping can be found at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/factsfigs/eta/TOC.html. The actual Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations can be found at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/fmcsrguide.htm.

Motor carriers in the second group are required to file a motor carrier identification report, mark their vehicles with a USDOT identification number, and maintain an accident register. For online motor carrier identification report filing and registration for a USDOT number, go to http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

The accident register regulations can be found at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/390.15.htm.