Hiding other DOT numbers

Duct tape, only numbers showing should be yours. Painters tape works well also.

 

§ 390.21: Marking of self-propelled CMVs and intermodal equipment.
Link to an amendment published at 78 FR 52653, Aug. 23, 2013.

(a) General . Every self-propelled CMV subject to subchapter B of this chapter must be marked as specified in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section, and each unit of intermodal equipment interchanged or offered for interchange to a motor carrier by an intermodal equipment provider subject to subchapter B of this chapter must be marked as specified in paragraph (g) of this section.

(b) Nature of marking. The marking must display the following information:

(1) The legal name or a single trade name of the motor carrier operating the self-propelled CMV, as listed on the motor carrier identification report (Form MCS-150) and submitted in accordance with § 390.19.

(2) The identification number issued by FMCSA to the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider, preceded by the letters “USDOT.”

(3) If the name of any person other than the operating carrier appears on the CMV, the name of the operating carrier must be followed by the information required by paragraphs (b)(1), and (2) of this section, and be preceded by the words “operated by.”

(4) Other identifying information may be displayed on the vehicle if it is not inconsistent with the information required by this paragraph.

(c) Size, shape, location, and color of marking. The marking must—

(1) Appear on both sides of the self-propelled CMV;

(2) Be in letters that contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed;

(3) Be readily legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet (15.24 meters) while the CMV is stationary; and

(4) Be kept and maintained in a manner that retains the legibility required by paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

(d) Construction and durability. The marking may be painted on the CMV or may consist of a removable device, if that device meets the identification and legibility requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, and such marking must be maintained as required by paragraph (c)(4) of this section.

(f) Driveaway services. In driveaway services, a removable device may be affixed on both sides or at the rear of a single driven vehicle. In a combination driveaway operation, the device may be affixed on both sides of any one unit or at the rear of the last unit. The removable device must display the legal name or a single trade name of the motor carrier and the motor carrier's USDOT number.

 

I understand what the regulations say. But what the heck is the point? If a drive away contractor has their information posted, officers should have enough sense to figure it out. This has nothing to do with safety, or tracking compliance.

 

It isn't for the compliance officer, the operating carrier information is also posted for the public to know who is operating a commercial vehicle so they can file complaints. The average layperson may have a hard time figuring out who is the operating carrier, plus, as we all know, most of the regulations don't really do anything to improve safety.

 

Maybe in theory, but that is not the real world. If they can't tell is who is operating a truck with the name on it, they sure aren't going to know anything about the DOT number. Most regs do help with safety, documenting or issuing a citation over number not covered is idiotic.

 

Just have "operated by:" near your info, and then it doesn't matter if the other company's info also appears. I'm a little surprised I haven't been harassed over my lettering...says "owned & operated by:" my company name, then "leased to:" on the door above the motor carrier's name & info. Then again, the only USDOT# on the truck belongs to the carrier.

 

I bet hands down this is about the tollway authorities having accurate ID.
To file for charges and fines.

I know in Texas after the expansion of the toll roads all kinds of laws changed regarding front plates and temp tags.

Temp tags used to have a date, seller, buyers info.....

Now they have a unique number.. Greedy NTTA wanting to capture all the new car buyers, no more 2 months of free toll usage with a car purchase.

If multiple numbers are in the photo, they can't file legit claims in court.

 

You can only display one set of carrier markings (required by 390.21) at any given time.

In a driveaway situation you need to put your carrier's markings on both sides of the vehicle, not in the side windows or windshield. Any other USDOT number needs to be covered during transport.

 

Scalemaster, usually you are spot on, and with all due respect I have to disagree with you regarding driveaway service. 390.21 (f) clearly states the marking must be on either both sides or the rear of a single vehicle, it does not specify if the side marking must be on the body, door, or window. I realize you can not obstruct the front door windows or the windshield but there is nothing to prevent using the side windows on the rear of an extended cab vehicle or sleeper side window. I would simply use the rear window on daycabs or hang the identification placard from the rear of other vehicles.

(f) Driveaway services. In driveaway services, a removable device may be affixed on both sides or at the rear of a single driven vehicle. In a combination driveaway operation, the device may be affixed on both sides of any one unit or at the rear of the last unit. The removable device must display the legal name or a single trade name of the motor carrier and the motor carrier's USDOT number.