Question about DOT registration

It has to have the carrier name to which the number is assigned. It needs to be a contrasting color easy to read at distance.

Usually there is a city and state on there. But this is the extent of my knowledge of this particular item.

 

No. The DOT requirements seem to be carrier name and DOT number. That is all the megas have, that is all my company has.

 

Short answer, no the city/state is no longer required, only the name of the operating carrier and their US DOT number. Some states prefer you to have the last 8 of the VIN to make it easier for them to check your tax compliance (Colorado wants it on the right side of the truck), but it is not legally required. Other states like PA and Ohio require you to have Public Utility Commission authority and display a PUC number if you are doing intrastate work in their state and Kentucky likes you to display your KYU number but I believe it is no longer required to be displayed. Here is the text of 390.21 which is the Federal requirements on marking of commercial vehicles.

§ 390.21: Marking of self-propelled CMVs and intermodal equipment.
Link to an amendment published at 78 FR 52653, Aug. 23, 2013.

(a) General . Every self-propelled CMV subject to subchapter B of this chapter must be marked as specified in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section, and each unit of intermodal equipment interchanged or offered for interchange to a motor carrier by an intermodal equipment provider subject to subchapter B of this chapter must be marked as specified in paragraph (g) of this section.

(b) Nature of marking. The marking must display the following information:

(1) The legal name or a single trade name of the motor carrier operating the self-propelled CMV, as listed on the motor carrier identification report (Form MCS-150) and submitted in accordance with § 390.19.

(2) The identification number issued by FMCSA to the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider, preceded by the letters “USDOT.”

(3) If the name of any person other than the operating carrier appears on the CMV, the name of the operating carrier must be followed by the information required by paragraphs (b)(1), and (2) of this section, and be preceded by the words “operated by.”

(4) Other identifying information may be displayed on the vehicle if it is not inconsistent with the information required by this paragraph.

(c) Size, shape, location, and color of marking. The marking must—

(1) Appear on both sides of the self-propelled CMV;

(2) Be in letters that contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed;

(3) Be readily legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet (15.24 meters) while the CMV is stationary; and

(4) Be kept and maintained in a manner that retains the legibility required by paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

(d) Construction and durability. The marking may be painted on the CMV or may consist of a removable device, if that device meets the identification and legibility requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, and such marking must be maintained as required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section.