DOT marking identification - Texas

Texas has adopted 390.21 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), as amended through September 1, 2022.

The following intrastate vehicles are required to have and display a US DOT number and register with the Texas DMV for intrastate authority (Texas Motor Carrier Registration Certificate):

• Private and for-hire vehicle (or combination of vehicles) with a gross weight or gross weight rating > 26,000 lbs., that is designed or used for transportation of cargo in furtherance of any commercial enterprise.
• For-hire vehicles used to transport household goods, regardless of gross weight rating.
• Vehicles, including a bus, designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver.
• A commercial school bus.
• Vehicles used to transport hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding.
• Vehicles operated by a foreign carrier.
• A foreign-domiciled bus.
• Vehicles owned or controlled by someone who is not a U.S. citizen or does not live in the United States.

The following intrastate vehicles are not required to have and display a US DOT number or register with the Texas DMV for intrastate authority (Texas Motor Carrier Registration Certificate):

• Farm vehicles with a gross weight or gross weight rating < 48,000 lbs.
• Cotton vehicles registered under Texas Transportation Code (TRC) 504.505.
• Vehicles registered with the Texas Railroad Commission under Texas Natural Resources Code, 113.131 and 116.072.
• Vehicles used to transport liquor under a private carrier permit issued under Alcoholic Beverage Code, Chapter 42.
• Vehicles used to transport passengers and operated by an entity whose primary function is not to transport passengers, such as a vehicle operated by a hotel, day-care center, nursing home, etc.
• Vehicles operated by a governmental entity.