State Police Remind Motor Carriers to Obtain, Display Federal Number

Many Pennsylvania Carriers Haven't Complied with 2010 Rule

HARRISBURG, PA, April 5, 2011: The Pennsylvania State Police reminds all motor carriers operating in the state that they are required to obtain and a display a U.S. Department of Transportation number on their vehicles.

"Before April of 2010, this requirement applied only to motor carriers operating in interstate commerce," said acting Commissioner Frank Noonan. "Since the new rule was enacted in Pennsylvania, more than 1,700 intrastate trucking companies in the state have applied for and received a U.S. DOT number. Unfortunately, many carriers still have not complied."

Noonan said more than 1,300 violations of the new rule were documented by state police motor carrier enforcement personnel during the past year.

"All motor carriers now must have a U.S. DOT number displayed, along with their business name, on both sides of the truck," Noonan said. "The numbers are there to assist in tracking trucks with poor safety records and in investigating crashes involving motor carriers."

The number is provided without charge. Penalties for violating the rule, however, can total $134.50 in fines and costs to a company and $109.50 in fines and costs if the driver is cited.

To obtain a U.S. DOT number, motor carriers can visit FMCSA and click on registration and licensing.

Carriers with questions can contact the PSP Commercial Vehicle Safety Division at 717-346-7347.

For more information, visit PSP PA or call 717-783-5556.