Are you required to display your company name and DOT number on rented or leased vehicles?

Yes. All commercial motor vehicles operated by your company must be legally marked with your company name as listed on your MCS-150 and your USDOT number. This must be done before the vehicle is put into service and operated on public roads. All rented and leased vehicles operated by your company are required to comply with the DOT marking rule.

A vehicle is rented for a short period of time — 30 days or less may be marked with the rental company’s name and USDOT number. To qualify for the exception:

• The vehicle is rented for 30 days or less;
• The vehicle is properly marked with the rental company’s legal name and USDOT number;
• The rental agreement entered into by the lessor and the renting motor carrier conspicuously contains the following information:
  • The name and complete physical address of the principal place of business of the renting motor carrier, and
  • The identification number issued the renting motor carrier by the FMCSA, preceded by the letters “USDOT,” and
  • The sentence: “This lessor cooperates with all Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials nationwide to provide the identity of customers who operate this rental CMV;” and
  • The rental agreement entered into by the lessor and the renting motor carrier is carried on the rental CMV during the full term of the rental agreement.