Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Definition – Why You Should Care

A motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the vehicle:

  • Has a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) or gross combination weight (GCW) of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s() with a GCWR or GCW of more than 10,000 pounds, whichever is greater; or
  • Has a GVWR or GVW of more than 26,001 pounds, whichever is greater; or
  • Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or
  • Is of any size and is used in the transportation of materials listed in the hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR part 172, subpart F).

Any driver of a vehicle meeting the definition is required to have a Driver Qualification File and be enrolled in a “Alcohol Misuse and Controlled Substance” testing program.  This includes independent owner-operators.

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