Understanding FMCSA Regulations: What Every Carrier Needs to Know

Staying current with FMCSA regulations is essential to meeting your safety compliance obligations while running your fleet. Fortunately, Drivers Legal Plan® has compiled the basics of what you need to know to cover your FMCSA compliance bases.

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About the FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The FMCSA sets and enforces nationwide safety regulations for commercial vehicles. While individual states may have their own transportation rules, every CDL driver and carrier must follow federal FMCSA guidelines. These guidelines are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and are updated regularly to reflect new safety standards, technology, and industry changes.

It is important to note here that complying with FMCSA regulations is more than just checking your compliance boxes. The primary mission of the FMCSA is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries. You can use their regulations to help train your drivers to avoid accidents that put your business at risk.

Core Areas Covered Under FMCSA Safety Regulations

Controlled Substances and Alcohol:
Rules around testing, reporting, and prohibited conduct
Driver Qualifications:
Medical certifications, licensing, and training requirements
Operational Safety:
Standards for safe driving, cargo securement, and hazardous materials
Hours of Service (HOS):
Limits on driving hours to prevent fatigue-related incidents
Vehicle Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance:
Requirements for regular inspections and timely repairs

You can learn more about all these core areas by going to the FMCSA website. But first, here are some common terms and definitions to boost your FMCSA vocabulary.

What Counts as a Commercial Motor Vehicle?

According to the FMCSA, a vehicle is classified as a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) if it is used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport property or passengers, and if it:

Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.
Is a single vehicle or a combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or more than 15 passengers if not receiving compensation for the transportation.
Is any size vehicle that transports hazardous materials that require federal placarding.

Your USDOT Number for FMCSA Compliance Tracking

Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the FMCSA and must have a USDOT Number.

The USDOT number is a unique identifier for your company when collecting and monitoring your company's safety information acquired during:

Safety audits
Compliance reviews
Crash investigations
Roadside inspections

Your USDOT number links every violation directly to your company's safety record. This means your USDOT number is a direct link to your fleet's safety reputation.

Operating Authority: Interstate vs. Intrastate

Beyond the USDOT number, you may also need to apply for Operating Authority, depending on where and how your fleet operates. There are two classifications of Operating Authority. These are Interstate and Intrastate.

Interstate Operating Authority is required if your vehicles cross state or national lines or if you haul cargo for third parties. Interstate CDL holders must adhere to FMCSA regulations for health and safety.
Intrastate Operating Authority applies to carriers who operate only within one state and do not transport goods or passengers across state lines. Intrastate drivers must follow state-specific regulations, which may have different age, medical, and driving hour requirements compared to federal/FMCSA standards.

Because Operating Authority requirements can vary by state and vehicle type, you should consult the latest FMCSA resources or work with a knowledgeable compliance partner to cover your compliance requirements.

Additional Registration Requirements for Carriers

In addition to applying for Interstate Operating Authority, carriers who operate across state or national borders typically must also register for:

International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) license: An IFTA license simplifies the reporting of fuel use by carriers who operate in the lower 48 states and the Canadian provinces.
International Registration Plan (IRP): The IRP allows commercial vehicle registration to be recognized across jurisdictions in the U.S., the District of Columbia, and Canada.

Before registering for an IFTA license or the IRP, it is a good idea to consult with a partner who can guide you through the process, including pre-registration qualifications and required documentation.

Why FMCSA Compliance Matters to Your Business

FMCSA compliance protects your business and your drivers. Meeting your safety obligations under the FMCSA is more than just avoiding fines. Non-compliance can lead to:

Costly penalties and audits
Out-of-service orders
Damage to your CSA score and public safety record
Loss of contracts and insurance coverage

This is why you should consult with Drivers Legal Plan® to help you cover your safety compliance bases, including meeting the regulations set by the FMCSA. This includes having your documentation in order and knowing how to respond to violations or disputes.

Legal Support for the Road Ahead

Even the most responsible carriers run into regulatory challenges. When that happens, Drivers Legal Plan® is your trusted legal partner. For one low monthly fee, your drivers have access to experienced attorneys 24/7, ready to defend against citations, challenge violations, and help protect your company's safety record.

Don't navigate the complexity of FMCSA regulations alone. Stay compliant, stay protected, and let us handle the legal side of the road.