DOT Rules for Work Trucks (FMCSA)
Many construction trucks and trailers are “commercial motor vehicles” under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, even if driving isn’t your main job.
- Construction
- Transportation
When federal DOT rules apply (interstate commerce)
- Vehicles or truck-and-trailer combinations with a weight rating over 10,000 pounds generally need: a DOT number, driver medical certificate, driver qualification file, vehicle inspections and hours-of-service compliance.
- A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required for combinations over 26,000 pounds (when the trailer is over 10,000 pounds), single vehicles over 26,000 pounds, vehicles carrying 16 or more people, and placarded hazardous materials.
- CDL drivers are subject to drug and alcohol testing.
- Many states apply similar rules to trucks that operate only within the state.
Quick guide by weight
| Vehicle (interstate) | Usually needs |
|---|---|
| Pickup alone under 10,001 lb | Generally not a CMV (unless placarded hazmat) |
| Truck or truck + trailer rated 10,001 to 26,000 lb | DOT number, medical card, driver file, inspections, hours of service; no CDL |
| Single truck rated 26,001 lb or more | All of the above plus a Class B CDL and drug and alcohol testing |
| Combination 26,001 lb or more with a trailer over 10,000 lb | All of the above with a Class A CDL |
Ratings (GVWR and GCWR) count, not the actual weight on a given day. A one-ton pickup pulling a gooseneck can easily cross these lines. Check with your state, since rules for in-state trucks vary.
Medical cards
Drivers of CMVs must pass a DOT physical by a certified medical examiner. The medical certificate lasts up to two years, and less if the examiner wants to monitor a condition like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Hours of service (property-carrying drivers)
- Up to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- No driving after the 14th hour since coming on duty
- A 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
- 60 hours on duty in 7 days, or 70 hours in 8 days
- A short-haul exception lets many local construction drivers skip logs if they stay within 150 air miles and return within 14 hours, but they must still keep time records
Drivers who must log usually use an electronic logging device (ELD). See Driving for Work.
Driver basics
- Do a pre-trip inspection: brakes, tires, lights, coupling, load securement.
- Follow hours-of-service limits and keep logs when required.
- Secure loads per cargo securement rules. See Trailers & Towing.
- Don’t use a hand-held phone while driving a CMV.
Standards & references
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