Vehicle license

Scope

Every commercial motor vehicle must be licensed according to the laws of all jurisdictions in which it operates.

Regulatory citations

• 392.2 Applicable operating rules
• International Registration Plan (IRP)

Key definitions

• Apportioned registration: Paying fees in proportion to the distance traveled in each jurisdiction.

Summary of requirements

Vehicle licensing fees and procedures vary from state to state and can depend upon:

• The type of vehicle,
• The weight of the vehicle,
• Where travel will take place,
• The kind of motor carriage being conducted, or
• The value or age of the vehicle.

Vehicle registration. Unlike private automobiles, commercial motor vehicles registrants must pay vehicle registration fees to each jurisdiction in which they operate. To travel interstate (from state to state) carriers may be subject to apportioned registration under the International Registration Plan (IRP).

International Registration Plan (IRP). Registration under IRP is required when an apportionable vehicle operates in two or more IRP jurisdictions. IRP registration method is based upon “apportioning” the registration fees. The base jurisdiction collects the fees, sends each jurisdiction its share, and issues a single IRP cab card and apportioned vehicle registration plate that allows travel in all jurisdictions. The cab cards are vehicle-specific, and must be carried in the vehicle at all times.

IRP-apportioned registration applies to the power unit only. Trailers are issued state registration plates from the jurisdiction of registration.

Non-apportioned vehicles. Vehicles not meeting the definition of an apportionable vehicle under IRP do not automatically receive reciprocity when traveling to another jurisdiction. These non-apportioned vehicles are subject to the registration laws in each state of operation. Carriers should check the registration requirements before entering another jurisdiction. Trip permits or full apportioned registration may be required.

Note: Vehicle license registration, either base plate or IRP, does not meet requirements for Operating Authority (UCR) or fuel taxes (IFTA), and does not allow a carrier to exceed legal size and weight limits without first obtaining the necessary permit.