Question:
Hope someone can help....My hubby and I own a Service car in Ohio and have the proper commercial tags, license and all...We were led to believe we did not need DOT numbers, but when he was pulled over by the DOT, they got him for it...His car would have passed otherwise. In fact this is the same car that he took his CDL test in and that was never mentioned...His car does not haul anything but his tools and him...Can someone please explain this rule for me...I have no problem complying with it, just like to know why exactly...One said it was due to weight and another said it wasn't that it was because it was because money was made from the car, hence commercial??????
Confused...
Thanks so much for the help

Answer:

More information would be helpful, such as the GVWR of the car, and where all it operates. Does it cross state lines etc.

Answer:

Hi,
Thanks for your response....The GVW is 28,040 and the car is local most of the time, their has been a few occasions he has done work in WV, but it is rare...He applied for the IFTA sticker which I thought covered the Interstate issue...

Answer:

With that GVWR you are a commercial motor vehicle, and when operating interstate you need a USDOT number. Ohio may have some of it's own regulations that you need to follow also. Hope this helps.

Answer:

Thanks so much for clearing that up for me....Keep up the good work...

Answer:

Bill, explain this:
I have icc/mc numbers, but NO DOT numbers. Some cars have "us dot" numbers but NO icc/mc numbers .... what is the difference?
Monty

Answer:

ICC numbers are for hire. They are used when the cargo is not yours it is someone elses, USDOT numbers are not for hire, as in the case of the service car, your hauling your own goods, or cargo.

Answer:

DOT numbers are also assigned to carriers with "Exempt" Authority that transport non regulated items such as cattle, logs, raw materials etc. So, if that's all you were hauling, you would not need the MC number.

Answer:

If you only have an ICC number, does this cover you occassionly hauling your own product?

Answer:

Santa...While hauling your own goods, you are a 'Private' carrier. There are several states which require one to register as a 'Private' carrier, so, theoretically speaking, one would have to have both registrations in place in those states. However, oftentimes if one has ICC or (FHWA) authority, a private load may not be questioned, unless you tell them...
Some states requiring the registration of 'Private' carriers are TX and KS. There are several more so it is advisable to check first.
Always remember, register now, avoid fines later! Mel

Answer:

Krazeemum...Always remember, there are a minimum of four areas to check out in any state you plan on operating in. Vehicle Registration (IRP), Fuel Tax(IFTA), Mileage Tax(Very few states left) and Authority Registration(ICC/FHWA; Intrastate; Exempt and Private)
Your GVW is what pushed you into the category on Commercial vehicle. The weight break on this is 26,000lbs. If you licensed your vehicle for only say 20,000lbs you would still be considered commercial as the rating follows the GVW assigned at manufacture, not the weight at which the vehicle is licensed.
Register first, avoid fines later! Mel

Answer:

carer...Hi, the law reads that if a carrier has both an ICC/FHWA number and a USDOT number, only the ICC/FHWA number need be on the vehicle. If only a DOT number is secured, that must be on the vehicle. This has always been a confusoing issue, thus many have just painted up the side of their rigs with every number known to man.
Keep in mind though, change is on the horizon. With the new bills being passed in the House, the FHWA will have to replace the current system and supposedly start issuing only one number to cover both the ICC and DOT #'s within two years. Of course, this was to happen a few years ago with the demise of the ICC but the extensions continue to be allowed.
Anyway, there is no word yet as to whether or not the numbering system will remain as one or the other, or if all carriers will have to re-apply and get a whole new number. Don't worry, there are those of us in the battle making sure you won't have to pay for again...Stay on board more news to come...

Answer:

Hi Guys & Gals;
Well I'm in Springfield on Thanksgivng break from the OMCS Academy and thought I'ld poke my head in a say hi.
Basically tow cars are considered carriers even though they only carry tools and such because they are providing a service for hire and the service is available to anyone and there should be a tarriff schedule published. So you need your MC/DOT number which is free and your ICC Number which cost $300. FMSCR 390.23(3)(i) list the exclusions for tow car operations. FYI whether you cross a State line once a day, once a year, or once a decade you're a interstate carrier.
Keep the faith.
M

Answer:

M!
Welcome back ... how are the fed's treating you?
I stopped in Cortez, and said you had died.
Thanks for the help Mel .... maybe we'll get someone to see you're on line soon!
Monty

Answer:

Hi Monte!
Feds are treating me pretty well.
Mel, FYI the FHWA is currently issuing ICC Numbers but I think Office of Motor Carrier Safety is handling the MC/DOT we were recently detached from FHWA and now report directly to the Secretary of DOT and on Nov 18th the House and Senate passed H.R. 3419 commissioning the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which will take effect January 1, 2000 unless President Clinton vetos the bill.
There is a zero based FMSCR in the wings but it has met some stiff opposition in being implimented.
Take care and I'll be back in late December.
M