USA Banner
  U.S. flag
              An official website of the United States government Here's how you knowOfficial US Government Icon
              **Official websites use .gov**A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
            Secure Site Icon
              **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                  A **lock** ( A locked padlock ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
 U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation
 Search DOT
            Search
                        About FMCSAAbout FMCSA
  

        
              Who We Are
                Mission
                Leadership
                Speaker Request Form
                Field Offices
                Policy
                Career Center
                Contact UsResources
  

        
              Frequently Asked Questions
                Grants
                FMCSA Advisory Committees
                Resources for State and Local Partners
                Reports to Congress
                National Training Center
                Motor Carrier Safety Planner
                Information Systems Overview
                ITD
                PRISM
                Your Roads. Their Freedom. (Stop Human Trafficking)RegulationsRegulations, Rules, & Notices
  

        
              FMCSA Guidance
                Regulations and Interpretations
                Rulemakings Documents
                Federal Register NoticesEnforcement
  

        
              Adjudication Decisions
                Civil Penalties
                Uniform Fine AssessmentTopics
  

        
              Medical
                National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
                Exemptions
                Petitions for Rulemaking
                Petitions for Reconsideration
                Drug & Alcohol Testing
                Hours of Service
                New Entrant Safety Assurance Program
                Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)
                ADA Requirements for Over-the-Road Bus Companies
                Cargo SecurementRegistrationRegistration
  

        
              Do I Need a USDOT Number?
                Daily Register / Certificates / Letters
                Learn About Registration RequirementsMain Menu - Registration - Registration 2
  

        
              Apply for a New USDOT Number and/or Authority
                Update My USDOT Number and/or Authority
                FMCSA Contact CenterCDLCommercial Driver's License
  

        
              Licensing Overview and Resources
                Military Driver ProgramsMain Menu - CDL - CDL 2
  

        
              Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP)
                State ResourcesSafetyMain Menu - Safety -1
  

        
              Passenger Carrier and Bus Safety
                Our Roads, Our SafetyR
                Household Goods - Protect Your Move
                Report a Violation
                Company Safety Data
                CertificationMain Menu - Safety -2
  

        
              International Safety
                Hazardous Materials Safety
                Driver Safety
                Carrier Safety
                Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety
                Coercion/HarassmentResearchAnalysis, Research, & Technology
  

        
              Overview
                Tech-Celerate Now
                Crash Causal Factors Program (CCFP)
                Active Research Projects
                Reports and PublicationsData and Statistics
  

        
              Safety Progress Report
                Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics
                Large Truck and Bus Crash FactsNewsNews
  

        
              Newsroom
                Emergency Declarations
                Press Releases and AnnouncementsConnect with us
  

        
              FMCSA on Facebook
                FMCSA on Handshake
                FMCSA on Linkedin
                FMCSA on Medium (Blog)
                FMCSA on X (formerly Twitter)
                FMCSA on YouTube
                DOT on YouTubeMenu HomeFrequently Asked Questions

Displaying 61 - 80 of 424SearchTopic
                    
- Any -Carrier & Vehicle Safety-Bridge Strikes & GPS-Hazardous Materials-Intermodal Equipment Providers-SaferBus AppProtect Your MoveDriver Safety & Health-Drug and Alcohol-Hours of Service-Medical Requirements-Safety RegulationsGrantsHuman Trafficking PreventionInternational-Commercial Zone-General-Long-Haul-Mexico-Based Carriers-U.S & Canada Commercial Drivers LicensesLaws & Regulations-Civil Penalty Proceedings-Hours of Service-MAP-21 Legislation-Safety BeltRegistration, Licensing & Insurance-Biennial Updates-Commercial Drivers License-Definitions-Insurance-New Entrant Program-Operating Authority-Transfers of Operating Authority-Unified Registration System-USDOT NumbersState Issues-State Issues
       **Do intrastate carriers of non-hazardous materials need a USDOT number?**

        Depending on the state you are operating in, you may be required to obtain a USDOT number even if you only operate intrastate and your cargo or vehicle never crosses state lines. Some states have their own intrastate regulations that require carriers to obtain a USDOT number, while others may not. It is recommended that you check with your state's Department of Transportation or responsible state agency to determine if you need a USDOT number. Additionally, even if you are not required to obtain a USDOT number, you may still need to comply with other state and federal regulations, such as *safety* and insurance requirements.

You may also refer to the FMCSA Registration Page.        
      **Do motor carriers and freight forwarders in Puerto Rico need to get operating authority (MC number)?**

        Puerto Rico is subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).  Entities engaged in For-Hire (for compensation) and Interstate operations are required to obtain operating authority (MC number).

Even if you're solely operating within Puerto Rico, you may still be required to obtain operating authority (MC number) if the property you're transporting originated from or is destined for another location within the United States.        
      **Do the Hazardous Materials Safety Permit requirements apply to U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico?**

        Yes. The HM Safety Permit requirements are enacted under the authority of the Hazardous Materials Law, which applies to U.S. Territories.        
      **Do the permitting requirements apply to materials that have subsidiary hazards that come under the materials list, even if their primary hazard does not? Example: A Flammable Liquid, Class 3, is a subsidiary poison inhalation hazard.**

        Materials poisonous by inhalation that meet the definitions in 49 CFR parts 171.8, 173.116(a) and 173.133(a) will require a permit regardless of other hazards the materials may exhibit. Materials will generally not have a subsidiary radioactive or explosive hazard as these hazards would be considered the primary hazard. Liquefied gases must have at least 85% methane content to require a permit, or meet the definitions of materials toxic by inhalation, explosive or radioactive.

Last Updated : April 14, 2014        
      **Does a broker process loss and damage claims?**

        No, a *broker*assumes no responsibility for the shipment and does not touch the shipment. A claim must be filed with the appropriate motor carrier, which usually would be the delivering carrier or the carrier causing the *loss*. *Brokers*may, however, assist shippers in filing claims with the motor carrier on the shipper’s behalf.        
      **Does a motor carrier that participates in freight interlining have to register as a broker?**

        No. Anyone brokering a load must be registered as a broker, which by definition may only arrange -- *not perform* -- transportation unless the person is also separately registered as a motor carrier. A motor carrier that is performing part of the transportation as an interline operation, however, typically performs that service under its own motor carrier operating authority registration or the operating authority of the originating motor carrier. As a result, the motor carrier arranging the interline service in order to perform the transportation service requested by the shipper would not be brokering the load and would not require broker registration.

Last Updated : May 8, 2014        
      **Does an intermodal equipment provider (IEP) located outside the United States need to mark intermodal equipment that will be operated in the United States?**

        Yes. As a practical matter, any IEP that sends chassis into the 50 States and the District of Columbia will have to mark those chassis as required by the IEP final rule (73 FR 76794). Otherwise, the motor carrier pulling the chassis/container combination would have violated the marking regulation (§ 390.21).

Because motor carriers are unlikely to accept the risk of fines for transporting unmarked chassis, foreign or non-‘United States’ IEPs that know their equipment will operate within the United States may find it necessary, for business reasons, to file a Form MCS-150C and mark their equipment. FMCSA will accept registration applications from such entities and issue them USDOT numbers. In these cases, however, the assignment of an identifying number does not amount to an assertion of jurisdiction over the foreign or non-United States IEP.

Last Updated : April 7, 2014        
      **Does FMCSA offer temporary operating authority?**

        **Who is eligible to obtain temporary authority?**

A motor or passenger carrier wishing to apply for temporary operating authority registration authorizing for-hire commercial motor and passenger vehicle operations, while providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts transporting supplies, equipment and persons into or from the zone where the emergency is taking place.

**When is temporary authority available?**

Applications for temporary authority require a determination that there is, or soon will be, an immediate transportation need that cannot be met by existing motor carrier service.  49 CFR 365.107T(f). Such applications are only entertained in exceptional circumstances, during natural disasters or national emergencies.  49 CFR 365.107T(g).  In most circumstances, the Agency will only entertain applications for temporary authority when an emergency declaration has been issued, consistent with 49 CFR 390.23.

**Where can I find information on current emergency declarations?**

Go to https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency for links to current FMCSA emergency declarations. The temporary authority is only active as long as the emergency declaration is in effect. All *temporary* authorities will be revoked once the emergency declaration expires.

**How can a carrier apply for this *temporary* authority?**

If a carrier does not have a USDOT number, they must apply for one by submitting a signed MCS-150 form (write “Emergency Temporary Authority” at the top) with their OP-1, rather than filing via URS. To access the MCS-150 form,click here. Carriers that are subject to an FMCSA Out of Service Order are not eligible for temporary authority.
	A carrier must file a signed form OP-1 with “Emergency Temporary Authority” written at the top along with the specific Emergency Declaration found at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations by fax/web form rather than online. To access form OP-1,click here. You can submit it by:
	Submitting a ticket through our website at: ask.fmcsa.dot.gov. Select Inquiry Type: *Operating Authority (Docket Number) > Request temporary operating authority due to an emergency declaration* – This is the fastest option; or
		Fax: 202-366-3477 (Put “Emergency *Temporary Authority*” on the fax cover sheet)
	The application fee has been waived.
	The carrier must also file proof of insurance and have form BOC-3 (Designation of Process Agent) on file with FMCSA. For more information on insurance requirements click here, and for and BOC-3 requirements, click here.
	Pursuant to 49 CFR 365.107T(g), the carrier is also required to provide a statement on why they need temporary operating authority, appended to Form OP-1 for property carriers, Form OP-1(MX) for Mexican property carriers and, Form OP-1(P) for motor passenger carriers.**How long does it take for temporary authority to be granted?**

OP-1 applications for temporary authority should be processed within **48 business hours** of receipt. However, the authority will not be granted until the carrier’s evidence of financial responsibility (insurance) and BOC-3 form are on file with FMCSA.

The authority is valid for 120 days or until the emergency declaration expires, whichever comes first.

If a carrier wishes to apply for permanent authority, they need to apply using the same MC/USDOT number granted for the *temporary* authority. The applicant would be required to pay the $300 fee for permanent *operating* authority registration, as well. For more information, click here.        
      **Does my driving record affect my eligibility for a medical certificate?**

        No.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014        
      **Does the FMCSA set any guidelines for Medical Examiner fees associated with conducting medical examinations?**

        No. There is no fee schedule.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014        
      **Does the intermodal equipment provider (IEP) final rule (73 FR 76794) apply to IEPs in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or other Territories?**

        The FMCSRs do not apply directly in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands because those jurisdictions do not fall within the definition of a "State" in 49 U.S.C. 31132(8). However, those jurisdictions are defined as "States" for purposes of the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) (49 U.S.C. 31101(4)).

Therefore, as a condition of accepting MCSAP funds, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands must adopt regulations "compatible" with 49 CFR 390-397 (see 49 CFR 350.201(a)). "Compatible" means that "State laws and regulations applicable to interstate commerce and to intrastate movement of hazardous materials are identical to the FMCSRs and the HMRs or have the same effect as the FMCSRs."

An intermodal equipment provider in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands must therefore comply with the "compatible" regulations those jurisdictions adopt to remain eligible for MCSAP funds.

Last Updated : April 7, 2014        
      **Does the legalization of the use and possession of marijuana by a State, or other country that has drivers who operate in the United States, change the treatment of marijuana use under federal regulations applicable to drivers operating a commercial motor**

        **Does the legalization of the use and possession of marijuana by a State, or other country that has drivers who operate in the United States, change the treatment of marijuana use under federal regulations applicable to drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) (as defined in 49 CFR § 390.5)?**

No. Marijuana, including a mixture or preparation containing marijuana, continues to be classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 21 CFR § 1308.11. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), a person is not physically qualified to drive a CMV if he or she uses any Schedule I controlled substance such as marijuana. (See 49 CFR §§ 391.11(b)(4) and 391.41(b)(12)). In addition to the physical qualification requirements, the FMCSRs prohibit a driver from being in possession of or under the influence of any Schedule I controlled substance, including marijuana, while on duty, and prohibit motor carriers from permitting a driver to be on duty if he or she possesses, is under the influence of, or uses a Schedule I controlled substance. (See 49 CFR §§ 392.2 and 392.4). Legalization of marijuana use by States and other jurisdictions also has not modified the application of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing regulations in 49 CFR parts 40 and 382. (See https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/medical-marijuana-notice and https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/odapc-notice-recreational-mj.pdf.)

Last Updated : October 23, 2017        
      **Does the USDOT have a regulation requiring working safety belts on commercial vehicles?**

        Yes. Section 393.93 of the FMCSRs (49 CFR 393.93) requires seat belts on trucks, truck tractors, and buses manufactured on or after January 1, 1965. For vehicles built on or after January 1, 1965, but before July 1, 1971, the seat belts must comply with the FMCSRs in effect on the date of manufacture.

For vehicles built on or after July 1, 1971, the seat belts must comply with the applicable National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards concerning seat belts (49 CFR 571.208, 571.209, and 571.210).

When the FMCSRs require conformity to a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, the vehicle or equipment must conform to the version of the Standard that is in effect on the date the vehicle, or a subsequent version of the requirements.

Last Updated : April 15, 2014        
      **Driving School Applicability: Is a person who is attending a truck driving school, and does not yet have a commercial learner’s permit or CDL, required to complete the return-to-duty process if they test positive on a DOT pre-employment test at the school**

        **Driving School Applicability: Is a person who is attending a truck driving school, and does not yet have a commercial learner’s permit or CDL, required to complete the return-to-duty process if they test positive on a DOT pre-employment test at the school?**

Persons who do not have a commercial learner’s permit or CDL are not subject to the DOT drug and alcohol testing program.  Therefore a drug test performed by the driving school on a student that does not possess a commercial learner’s permit or CDL does not qualify as a DOT pre-employment test and the student would not be subject to the DOT return-to-duty process.

Truck driving schools/employers must include prospective student drivers that possess a commercial learner’s permit or CDL in their DOT testing program before such drivers are allowed to operate a CMV that requires a CDL.  See §382.103, Question 2.

Last Updated : May 14, 2015        
      **Employer Requirements for Positives: Medical Review Officers (MROs) are required to maintain a signed or stamped and dated copy of Copy 2 of the control custody form (CCF) for positive drug test determinations. Are employers subject to the same ...**

        **Employer Requirements for Positives: Medical Review Officers (MROs) are required to maintain a signed or stamped and dated copy of Copy 2 of the control custody form (CCF) for positive drug test determinations. Are employers subject to the same requirement?**

MRO record retention requirements for drug test results are found at §40.163.  Pursuant to §382.401, employers must maintain certain drug and alcohol testing records for five (5) years, including positive drug test results. Employers may maintain these records electronically so long as they are able to produce the records for inspection pursuant to §390.31.

Last Updated : May 14, 2015        
      **Employment Change Prior to Completion of Follow-up Testing: Can a driver who tested positive and completed the return-to-duty process change employers before the follow-up testing is completed?**

        Yes, but the new employer must immediately resume the follow-up testing requirements prescribed by the substance abuse professional (SAP)  [§40.307(e)]

Last Updated : May 14, 2015        
      **For how long is my medical certificate valid?**

        The certificate is valid for 2 years. In addition, drivers with specific medical conditions require more frequent certification:
Hypertension (high blood pressure) stable on treatment 1 year
Heart disease 1 year
Qualified under 391.64 the original diabetes and vision waiver program 1 year
New insulin and vision exemption program 1 year
Driving in exempt intra-city zone 1 year
Determination by examiner that condition requires more frequent monitoring, such as diabetes mellitus or sleep disorders.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014        
      **Frack sand trailers and the “wait time” exception for drivers of specialized oilfield equipment.**

        Recently, industry presented a compelling argument that sand vehicles used in fracking operations (frack sand trucks) should be considered specialized oilfield equipment because they fit the criteria in paragraph 1 of Regulatory Guidance Question 8, as follows: (1) specially constructed for use at oil and gas well sites, and (2) for which the operators require extensive training in the operation of the complex equipment, in addition to driving the vehicle.


Last Updated : April 12, 2018        
      **Frequency of Selection: How often should selections take place under an employer’s random testing program?**

        Part 382 requires that random testing be spread reasonably throughout the calendar year. [§382.305(k)(2)]  Random tests must be unannounced. Further answers on random test selection may be found at the Office of Drug and Alcohol and Policy (ODPAC) ODAPC’s Best Practices for DOT Random Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Last Updated : May 20, 2015        
      **GENERAL: A driver with residence in Mexico drives for a U.S. company. Does that driver need a state-issued commercial driver’s license?**

        No, the driver may hold a valid license for the type of vehicle operated that is issued by the Mexico’s Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT).  Licensing is not dependent on place of employment.

However, to clarify further, the U.S. only recognizes the license (Licencia Federal de Conductor) issued by Mexico's SCT (NOT a Mexican-state-issued license) as reciprocal for operation in the U.S.

Last Updated : September 8, 2015

  Pagination
    «
            « First
                          ‹
            ‹ Previous
                                      1
              2
              3
              4
              5
              6
              7
              8
              9
                          ...
                          ›
            Next ›
                          »
            Last » U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration**

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

1-800-832-5660Subscribe to email updates
                    About
  

        
              About FMCSA
                Regulations
                Safety
                Analysis
                FMCSA PortalNews and Events
  

        
              FMCSA Newsroom
                Press Releases
                Emergency DeclarationsResources
  

        
              Career Center
                Resources for Carriers
                Resources for Consumers
                Resources for Drivers
                Forms
                Contact Us
                Trending TopicsPolicies, Rights, Legal
  

        
              About DOT
                Budget and Performance
                Civil Rights
                FOIA
                Information Quality
                No FEAR Act
                Office of Inspector General
                Privacy Policy
                Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
                USA.gov
                Web Policies and Notices
                Web Standards