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Failing to Apply and Obtain a DOT Number Prior to Operating in Commerce

Entry DateJanuary 5, 2010
Issue Number10-001-DRV
NameMichael Blazevich
AgencyMontana Department of Transportation - MCSAP
Address2100 West Broadway, P.O. Box 7039Missoula, MT, 59808United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab)
Phone406-523-5850
Fax(406) 523-5874
Email[email protected]
CommitteeDriver-Traffic Enforcement Committee
StatusClosed
Summary of Issue

The issue we have been finding lately is people operating CMVs in commerce without applying for and obtaing a DOT number before operating. This issue is not addressed in the FMCSR's (only operating authority). There is not a violation for this issue.

Justification or Need

I do not know if other jurisdictions are experiencing this issue. Currently, there is not a requirement in the regulation to obtain a US DOT number before operating. There is not an out-of-service requirement to require a person to obtain a DOT number unless he/she is a fore-hire carrier or offers to carry placardable amounts of HM.

Request for Action

I propose a revision to Part 390 of the FMCSR requiring an operator to obtain a DOT number to operating in commerce whether exempt or private.