Guidance issued by CVSA last week urges states to begin enforcement January 1 for the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) 2023 registration year.

Enforcement officials verify compliance with UCR during roadside inspections using CVIEW, SAFER, or www.ucr.gov/enforcement.. A violation appears on the Driver/Vehicle Examination Report as “392.2 UCR - Failure to pay UCR fees.” No UCR credential must be carried in the commercial motor vehicle.

When does UCR apply?

The program applies to all motor carriers that operate in interstate and international commerce. This includes:

• For-hire, private, and exempt carriers;
• Brokers;
• Freight forwarders; and
• Leasing companies.

Carriers based in Canada or Mexico that operate in the U.S. must also register under the program.

Exempt carriers

Carriers not subject to UCR include:

• Motor carriers that operate only in intrastate commerce. These carriers do not handle interstate or international freight, or make interstate or international movements.
• Private motor carriers of passengers. These private carriers transport passengers as part of a commercial enterprise. The transport service is not available to the public at large.

Roadside inspections reveal evidence

During roadside inspections, officials look for evidence of interstate or international operations. Proof may include:

• Log entries,
• Toll receipts,
• Shipping papers,
• Bills of lading,
• Previous year’s apportioned receipt, and
• Prior roadside inspection reports of interstate or international operations.

Key to remember: Carriers subject to UCR must register and pay by January 1. There is no grace period for compliance.