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  Mass. Commercial Vehicle Operations

  Moving Massachusetts Forward > RMV-DOR- DEP-DPU-DOT/Permits-MSP-TAM-FMCSA

Frequently Asked Questions

VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT


Can I register my vehicle for less weight than GVWR?

Do I need a Fire Marshall sticker for a vehicle with a transfer fuel tank?

Do I need a backup alarm (audible warning)?

What do I need for a reg plate on a towed unit?

Does my trailer need an inspection?

What emergency equipment do I need to carry?


REGULATIONS/REQUIREMENTS


Are there regulations for amber lights?

When do I need a 2290?

Do I need a CDL?  

Do I need to maintain a log/ELD (Electroic Logging Device)?

Do my trailers have to be registered in Massachusetts?

What minimum license class do I need to operate a 26,000 lb. (or less) GVWR commercial vehicle equippoed with air brakes??


DRIVER/CDL


Can I hire someone under 18 to go interstate?

Can I hire a 21 year old to go interstate?

Can I hire a 16 year old to drive a commercial vehicle?  

Do I need drug testing?

Is there a military service conversion for Mass Commercial Drivers License application?

Transferring an Out-Of-State (OOS) CDL?  

How do I complete my CDL self certification in Massachusetts?

What disqualifies me from getting a CDL?

How do I get the necessary DOT Medical card?

How do I get a hoisting license?


MISCELLANEOUS


How do I get a crash report?

How do I determine the MCRS? (Motor Carrier Responsible for Safety)

What is unladen weight vs. GVWR? (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

What is the New Entrant program?

How do I contest a violation on an inspection report? (Link to Data Q)

What vehicles need a MA commercial vehicle state inspection?

Do I carry hazardous materials? What are my HazMat responsibilities?'




VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT


Can I register my vehicle for less weight than GVWR? BACK

See 540 Mass. Reg. 2.05 at this link: https://casetext.com/regulation/code-of-massachusetts-regulations/department-540-cmr-registry-of-motor-vehicles/title-540-cmr-200-motor-vehicle-regulations/section-205-vehicle-registrations-requirements


Do I need a Fire Marshall sticker for a vehicle with a transfer fuel tank?  BACK

For answer to this question, contact the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.  Contact information is located on this webpage.  

See https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-public-safety-and-security


Do I need a backup alarm (audible warning)?  BACK

General Law - Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, Section 7

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section7

Every commercial motor vehicle, or trailer weighing, with its load, more than twelve thousand pounds, and used to deliver gasoline or other flammable material, shall be equipped with an audible warning system when the vehicle's transmission is in reverse. For the purpose of this paragraph, the term commercial motor vehicle or trailer shall mean a bulk tank carrier delivering gasoline or other flammable material.


For school bus per 540 CMR 7.05(2):  https://www.mass.gov/doc/540-cmr-7-minimum-standards-for-construction-and-equipment-of-school-buses-and-minimum/download

School Bus Back Up Warning Alarm. An automatic audible alarm shall be installed behind the rear axle and shall comply with published Backup Alarm Standards (SAE J994B), providing a minimum of 112 dBA.


For dump truck  alarm: https://www.mass.gov/files/2017-07/Commercial%20Regulations.pdf?_ga=2.256958729.304347751.1554901855-287861362.1554490042   

Every motor vehicle truck with dump bodies shall be equipped with an adequate audible warning system to alert the operator when the dump body is in an upright and elevated position.


What do I need for a registered plate on a towed unit?  BACK

For towing plate regulations for trucks, trailers and dollies see: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/towing-regulations-trucks-trailers-dollies

For information on how to renew your vehicle or trailer registration see: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-vehicle-or-trailer-registration


Does my trailer need an inspection?  BACK

https://www.mass.gov/files/2017-07/Commercial%20Regulations.pdf

Commercial vehicles, trailers and converter dollies will be subject to the enhanced Mass. Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection beginning 10/1/08. This inspection will be the equivalent to the annual Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) “DOT” inspection. When your vehicle/trailer receives this enhanced state inspection beginning 10/1/2008, you will not be required to obtain an annual “DOT” inspection.


Single, full, or semi-trailers, used in commerce, that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 3,000 lbs or commercial vehicle/trailer combinations with a gross combined weight rating (GCVWR) of over 10,000 lbs will be subject to this new requirement, as will all heavy duty motor vehicles (over 10,000 lbs GVWR) and converter dollies.


What emergency equipment do I need to carry?  BACK

https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/05/04/CDL%20Manual_Combined%20File_0318_0518.pdf?_ga=2.19912184.1910124591.1548868259-1690439437.1548868259

Check for spare electrical fuses.

Check for three red reflective triangles, 6 fuses or 3 liquid burning flares.

Check for a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.

In addition, vehicles not equipped with positive, spring loaded air parking brakes: One pair of wheel chock blocks


REGULATIONS/REQUIREMENTS


Are there regulations for amber lights?  BACK

See the following link:

https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2017/10/19/540cmr22.pdf


When do I need a 2290?  BACK

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-2290

https://www.mass.gov/doc/irp-user-manual/download

See section titled “Supporting Documentation”

Within 60 days of registration date in the IRP program, and whenever vehicle is renewed in the IRP program

When to Present a Form 2290 Schedule 1

A Form 2290 Schedule 1 needs to be presented whenever a vehicle weighing 55,000 pounds or more is renewed. You do not need to present a Form 2290 Schedule 1 to amend a registration. When you are performing a first time registration, the receipted Form 2290 Schedule 1 does not need to be presented, however you are required to file this form with the IRS within sixty (60) days of on road use (registration date).

Failure to submit the proper documents will delay the processing of your application. No other documentation will be accepted as proof of payment. Do Not send your original – Send a copy!

** According to the IRS, the Form 2290 Schedule 1 cannot be altered in any way; this includes altering the date range. If the form has been altered in any way, or is inaccurate in any way, it will be returned and your application will be delayed.


Do I need a CDL?  BACK

Yes, but the class of CDL and required endorsements will depend upon the type of commercial vehicle you will operate.  For details, see the following link. https://www.mass.gov/service-details/commercial-drivers-license-cdl-classes-and-endorsements


Do I need to maintain a log/ELD (Electronic Logging Device)? (Link to FMCSA info)  BACK

Refer the FMCSA regulation at the following links:  

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=1&ty=HTML&h=L&mc=true&=PART&n=pt49.5.395#se49.5.395_11

https://eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/FAQ


Do my trailers have to be registered in Massachusetts?  BACK

See the following links:

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section3

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section9


What minimum license class do I need to operate a 26,000 lb. (or less) GVWR commercial vehicle equipped with air brakes??  BACK

Class D.


DRIVER/CDL


Can I hire someone under 18 to go interstate? BACK

No, must be 21 years of age or older to qualify for a commercial driver’s permit or license without an intrastate-only restriction.  See below:

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/commercial-drivers-license-cdl-classes-and-endorsements


Can I hire a 21 year old to go interstate?  BACK

Yes, must be 21 years of age or older to qualify for a commercial driver’s permit or license without an intrastate-only restriction.

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/commercial-drivers-license-cdl-classes-and-endorsements


Can I hire a 16 year old to drive a commercial vehicle? BACK

No, must be 18 years of age or older to qualify for a commercial driver’s permit or license with an intrastate-only restriction.

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/commercial-drivers-license-cdl-classes-and-endorsements


Do I need drug testing?   BACK

Yes, all CDL drivers who operate commercial vehicles that are subject to CDL requirements on public roads require DOT drug and alcohol testing.  See (§382.103).  


Military service conversion for Mass Commercial Drivers License application BACK

The Massachusetts Commercial Driver License (CDL) skills test waiver form may be used by service members who are currently licensed and who are or were employed within the past year (12 months) in a military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). This waiver allows a qualified service member to apply for a CDL without skills testing. CDL knowledge (written) test(s) cannot be waived.  See https://www.mass.gov/doc/military-waiver-application/download


Transferring an Out of State (OOS) CDL?  BACK

See the following link:

https://www.mass.gov/how-to/transfer-your-commercial-drivers-license-cdl-from-out-of-state


How do I complete my CDL self certification in Massachusetts?  BACK

There are four self certification categories:

* Non-Excepted Interstate (NI) - You operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce and must meet the federal Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card requirements

* Excepted Interstate (EI) - You operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce and do not have to meet the federal DOT medical card requirements

* Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA) - You operate only in intrastate commerce and must meet state driver qualification requirements and obtain a medical examiner's certificate

* Excepted Intrastate (EA) - You only operate in intrastate commerce and do not have to meet the federal DOT medical card requirements

The following links will help you understand the steps necessary for CDL self certification in Massachusetts:

https://www.mass.gov/how-to/complete-your-commercial-drivers-license-cdl-self-certification

What disqualifies me from getting a CDL?  BACK

Commercial drivers are held to higher standards than regular drivers due to the nature of their work. You can be legally disqualified from driving a commercial vehicle for any offense which you commit, even if not operating a commercial vehicle.  For more details, see:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/commercial-drivers-license-cdl-suspensions

 

For DOT Medical card information see these links:   BACK

To obtain your physical and medical card for operating in Massachusetts see this link:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/medical/driver-medical-requirements/driver-medical-fitness-duty

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/national-registry-certified-medical-examiners-search


For hoisting license information and requirements, see this link:   BACK

To obtain a hoisting license in Massachusetts see this link: https://www.mass.gov/hoisting


MISCELLANEOUS


How do I get a crash report?  BACK

To obtain a crash report, see this link:  

https://www.mass.gov/how-to/request-a-crash-report


How do I determine the MCRS?  BACK

MCRS - Motor Carrier Responsible for Safety - This is the person or company responsible for the safety of the vehicle. This person's or company's name is recorded on the MCS 150 Form filed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.


What is unladen weight vs. GVWR?  BACK

Unladen weight is the weight of a trailer unburdened or carrying no extra weight.

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum design loaded weight of a single vehicle.


What is the New Entrant program?  BACK

New Entrant Safety Assurance Programs affect U.S. and Canada-based motor carriers. New Entrant is a motor carrier not domiciled in Mexico that applies for a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) identification number, in order to initiate operations in interstate commerce.  For more information, see this link: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/new-entrant-safety-assurance-program


How do I contest a violation on an inspection report? (Link to Data Q)   BACK

To look for violation information or to contest the report, see the link:

https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov/Default.aspx?enc=4orUr4VSakAlYsjxOmHrCeQ158IknHedB20QvqZJtcw


What vehicles need a MA commercial vehicle state inspection?  BACK

This link provides information on commercial vehicle inspection requirements in Massachusetts.

https://www.mass.gov/files/2017-07/Commercial%20Regulations.pdf?_ga=2.256958729.304347751.1554901855-287861362.1554490042


Do I carry HazMat? BACK

Here is a very small subset of hazardous materials:  Lawn mower, small bobcat, gasoline tank, acetone, MOT (Materials of Trade) such as torch propane, etc.

For a thorough listing of hazardous materials and your responsibilities as identified by the Code of Federal Regulations, see this link:

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=558f68e878cb5465e479bda43947aa2d&mc=true&node=pt49.2.173&rgn=div5#sp49.2.173.a