Definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle

From the BTS "Transportation Expressions" database:

Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV): A motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle: 1) Has a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds inclusive of a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds; or 2) Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, or 3) Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or 4) Is of any size and is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR 172, subpart F). (49CFR383)

Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV): Any self-propelled or towed vehicle used on public highways in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when: 1) The vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds; or 2) The vehicle is designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver; or 3) The vehicle is used in the transportation of hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations issued by the Secretary of Transportation under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. App. 1801-1813). (49CFR350) (49CFR390) http://www.bts.gov/dictionary/index.xml

For more information, contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) via the FMCSA web form or by phone at 1-800-832-5660.

The FMCSA home page, with a wealth of information, is located at: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov and federal motor carrier regulations can be found in 49 CFR Chapter III.

Company Names and DOT Numbers on Commercial Trucks

Please see the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations for marking of commercial motor vehicles, including DOT numbers, from 49 CFR 390.21.

For more information, contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) field office nearest you.

The FMCSA home page, with a wealth of information, is located at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov

You can also contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) via the FMCSA web form or by phone at 1-800-832-5660.