What types of motor carriers in Georgia are required to get the U.S. DOT number?

In Georgia, if a motor carrier has a vehicle that meets the following criteria, it must get a U.S. DOT Number.

  • The truck has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater.
  • The vehicle is used to transport more than eight passengers, including the driver, for compensation.
  • The vehicle is used to transfer more than 15 passengers, including the driver and not for transporting passengers for compensation.
  • The truck is used for transporting hazardous materials in high quantities.
  • The truck is involved in interstate commerce.

Interstate commerce is defined as any one of the following.

  • Transportation between a state and another state (or outside of the U.S.)
  • Transportation between two places within a state "as part of trade, traffic, or transportation originating or terminating outside the State or the United States."

Georgia State Motor Carrier Laws

Under Georgia law, there are several processes that a carrier must complete before it is allowed to operate a commercial vehicle. For instance, if the commercial motor truck will travel in Georgia and in other jurisdictions that fall under the International Registration Plan, it must use Apportioned Registration (IRP) if it meets the following criteria.

  • The truck has a power unit that has two axles, and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds; or
  • The truck has a power unit having two or more axles; or
  • The truck is used in combination and the weight exceeds 26,000 pounds.

Georgia also requires a 72-hour trip permit if an out-of-state vehicle operator is driving in Georgia and the vehicle is registered in another state and the vehicle meets criteria for IRP registration but isn't authorized for travel in Georgia.

How Georgia Truck Laws Can Impact Your Accident Claim

Commercial trucks are heavier, bulkier, and can have a devastating impact when they are involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. It is precisely for this reason that there are stringent regulations attached to truck operations. Trucking companies that do not obtain the right permits or that do not follow other trucking regulations may be negligent, which could affect an accident claim.

Commercial trucking companies are also held to high standards when it comes to safety of operations. There are stringent rules that involve all of the following.

  • Alcohol and drug use by drivers
  • Driving within the legally permissible hours of service rules
  • Operating a truck with a valid commercial motor vehicle license
  • Use of proper cargo securement procedures
  • Compliance with federal safety standards

Failure to comply with federal and state regulations can prove the carrier’s and driver’s negligence if a violation causes an accident.

Get Help from the Law Office of Jason R. Schultz

If you suffered injuries in a trucking accident, speak with a trucking accident attorney. An attorney will identify the commercial truck laws that the trucker or trucking company violated and can help prove that these violations caused or contributed to the accident. Call 404-474-0804 to set up a consultation with attorney Jason Schultz. Or just contact us online to set up your consultation.

Jason R. Schultz
Helping Georgia area residents with car accident, medical malpractice, and personal injury claims since 1991.