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Mass. Commercial Vehicle Operations
Moving Massachusetts Forward > RMV-
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?
Do I need to maintain a log/ELD (Electroic Logging Device)?
Do my trailers have to be registered in Massachusetts?
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?
Is there a military service conversion for Mass Commercial Drivers License application?
Transferring an Out-
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 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-
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-
Do I need a backup alarm (audible warning)? BACK
General Law -
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-
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-
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-
For information on how to renew your vehicle or trailer registration see: https://www.mass.gov/how-
Does my trailer need an inspection? BACK
https://www.mass.gov/files/2017-
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-
What emergency equipment do I need to carry? BACK
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-
https://www.mass.gov/doc/irp-
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-
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-
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-
https://www.mass.gov/service-
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-
https://www.mass.gov/service-
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-
https://www.mass.gov/service-
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-
Transferring an Out of State (OOS) CDL? BACK
See the following link:
https://www.mass.gov/how-
How do I complete my CDL self certification in Massachusetts? BACK
There are four self certification categories:
* Non-
* Excepted Interstate (EI) -
* Non-
* Excepted Intrastate (EA) -
The following links will help you understand the steps necessary for CDL self certification in Massachusetts:
https://www.mass.gov/how-
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-
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-
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/national-
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-
How do I determine the MCRS? BACK
MCRS -
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-
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.
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:
