Commercial Motor Vehicle Definition

Commercial motor vehicles are subject to both state and federal safety regulations. A motor vehicle is subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations if it is used to transport passengers or property and meets one or more of the following:

Table 26: Commercial Vehicle Definitions

Use	Condition
Interstate Commerce	The vehicle or combination has a – gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), or – gross combination vehicle weight rating (GCWR), or – gross vehicle weight, or – gross combination weight of more than 10,000 pounds. The vehicle is designed or used to carry 8 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation. The vehicle transports hazardous materials. The vehicle is designed to transport 15 passengers (including the driver).
Intrastate Commerce Only	The vehicle or combination has more than three axles and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Combination Weight Rating, or actual gross weight exceeding 26,000 pounds. The vehicle transports hazardous materials. The vehicle is designed or used to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver), whether or not compensation is provided.

Use

Condition

Interstate Commerce

The vehicle or combination has a
– gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), or
– gross combination vehicle weight rating (GCWR), or
– gross vehicle weight, or
– gross combination weight
of more than 10,000 pounds.

The vehicle is designed or used to carry 8 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation.

The vehicle transports hazardous materials.

The vehicle is designed to transport 15 passengers (including the driver).

Intrastate Commerce Only

The vehicle or combination has more than three axles and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Combination
Weight Rating, or actual gross weight exceeding 26,000 pounds.

The vehicle transports hazardous materials.

The vehicle is designed or used to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver), whether or not compensation is provided.

Carriers who are unsure whether their operation is intrastate or interstate should call the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at (605) 224-8202.