Navigating the world of Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) entails its own set of rules and guidelines.
One such that every CMV operator should be familiar with is the marking requirements.
Properly marking a CMV not only ensures compliance with regulations, but also safety and professionalism on the road.
Understanding the Regulation for CMV Marking Requirements
The marking requirements for CMVs are stipulated in § 390.21 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
For those unacquainted, this might seem like a complex set of rules, but once broken down, you will find that they are actually pretty straightforward:
Essential Markings for your CMV
Every CMV must have specific markings, which need to be clearly displayed on both sides of the vehicle. These include:
- The Legal or Single Trade Name: This refers to the name of the company that operates the vehicle. Whether you’re an individual owner-operator or a fleet manager of a large company, the name that is officially registered should be clearly and prominently displayed.
- The USDOT Motor Carrier Identification Number: This number is not just any regular identification number, but one that is specifically issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Preceded by the letters “USDOT”, this identifier serves as a unique reference for the vehicle and aids in tracking and regulatory checks.
The Importance of Presentation
While the markings themselves are, obviously, essential, how they are presented is equally as vital:
- Contrast: The aforementioned letters should be in “sharp” contrast to the background. This means that if your vehicle is a dark color, the lettering should be in a light color and vice versa. The aim here is visibility; and a stark contrast ensures that the markings are clearly visible, even from a distance.
- Legibility: This might sound obvious, but you would be surprised how often it’s overlooked. The markings should be clearly legible from a distance of 50 feet during daylight hours. This is not just a regulatory requirement, but also crucial for safety. Properly marked vehicles can be easily identified by fellow motorists and authorities alike.
In Conclusion
Marking your CMV appropriately is not merely about ticking off a regulatory checklist. It’s a practice that embodies responsibility, safety, and professionalism. By ensuring your vehicle meets the §390.21 guidelines, you are not only adhering to the law but also reinforcing a commitment to road safety and industry standards.
When you’re out on the road, your vehicle represents you.
Make sure it portrays you in a good light.
FAQs
What information is required to properly mark a commercial motor vehicle under FMCSA regulations?
Under FMCSA regulations, every self-propelled commercial motor vehicle operated in interstate commerce must be marked with specific identification so enforcement officials can quickly determine who is responsible for the vehicle. At a minimum, the marking must display the motor carrier’s legal name or a single trade name, exactly as it appears on the carrier’s MCS-150 (USDOT registration), along with the identification number issued by FMCSA, preceded by the letters “USDOT.” If the name of any other company or person appears on the truck—for example, a lessor, an affiliated brand, or a previous owner—the name of the actual operating carrier must still be shown and preceded by the words “operated by”, followed by that carrier’s legal or trade name and its USDOT number. The markings must appear on both sides of the vehicle, usually on the cab doors or another clearly visible surface, and must be in letters and numbers that contrast sharply with the background color, remain in good condition, and are readily legible in daylight from a distance of at least 50 feet while the vehicle is stationary. The information may be painted directly on the vehicle or applied using durable decals or removable devices such as magnetic signs, as long as these devices meet the same visibility and legibility requirements and are properly maintained over time.
What practical steps can carriers take to keep their vehicle markings compliant and easy to read?
To keep vehicle markings compliant and easy to read, carriers should treat them as critical safety and identification tools rather than just branding. In practice, this means choosing a placement on both sides of the cab where the company name and USDOT number are not obstructed by mirrors, grab handles, fuel tanks, or trailer components, and where they can be seen clearly by inspectors and law enforcement from normal viewing angles. Many fleets standardize on door markings at a height that keeps the information visible when the truck is parked in a line of vehicles or pulled into a scale. Lettering should be large enough and bold enough to be read easily from 50 feet in daylight, using simple, high-contrast colors—such as dark lettering on a light truck or light lettering on a dark truck—rather than thin or decorative fonts that may look appealing in a logo but are hard to read at a distance. Carriers should also build marking checks into their regular inspection and maintenance routines: drivers and shop personnel can confirm that decals or magnets are intact, not peeling or faded, and not covered by dirt, road film, or ice. Whenever a truck is repainted, rebranded, transferred between operating entities, or placed under a different USDOT number, the markings must be updated promptly so that the legal name and identification number on the vehicle always match the active FMCSA registration for the carrier actually operating it.