Intrastate DOT Number Requirements by State

Written By Bailey Hoak

Do you need a USDOT number if you never leave your home state? The answer depends on your vehicle's weight and your state's specific rules. While federal rules apply to everyone crossing state lines, each state sets its own limits for "intrastate" (in-state) driving.

This guide simplifies the requirements for all 50 states so you can stay compliant and avoid heavy fines.

Quick Navigation

Federal vs. State Requirements

Federal Requirements (Crossing State Lines):

  • 10,001 lbs GVWR or GCWR

  • 9 passengers for-hire (including driver)

  • 16 passengers not-for-hire (including driver)

  • Any quantity of hazmat requiring a placard

Intrastate Commerce (Staying In-State): If you never leave your state, you follow state-level rules. While most states adopt federal safety standards, some have set higher weight limit before you are required to register.

States Following the Federal 10,001 lb Limit

If you use a vehicle at or above 10k lbs in these states, you need a DOT number.

  • California

  • Georgia

  • Hawaii

  • Illinois

  • Kansas

  • Kentucky

  • Maryland

  • Massachusetts

  • Minnesota

  • Nebraska

  • New Jersey

  • New York

  • Rhode Island

  • South Carolina

  • West Virginia

States Using the 26,001 lb Limit

These 24 states allow you to operate heavier vehicles (up to 26,000 lbs) without a DOT number, as long as you stay within the state.

  • Alabama

  • Arkansas

  • Delaware

  • Florida

  • Idaho

  • Iowa

  • Louisiana

  • Maine

  • Mississippi

  • Missouri

  • Montana

  • Nevada

  • New Hampshire

  • New Mexico

  • North Carolina

  • North Dakota

  • Oklahoma

  • South Dakota

  • Tennessee

  • Texas

  • Vermont

  • Virginia

  • Wisconsin

  • Wyoming

In these states, vehicles between 10,001 and 26,000 lbs operating solely intrastate are not subject to USDOT number and DQ file requirements based on weight alone. However, passenger and hazmat thresholds still apply.

States with Unique Weight Limits

A few states set their limits somewhere in the middle:

  • 14,001 lbs: Alaska

  • 16,001 lbs: Colorado, Utah, Washington

  • 17,001 lbs: Pennsylvania

  • 18,001 lbs: Connecticut

Split Limits (For-Hire vs. Private):

In Indiana, Ohio, and Oregon, the rule depends on if you are getting paid to haul (For-Hire) or hauling your own property (Private). For-hire carriers usually have a lower limit of 10,001 lbs, where private carriers can operate up to 26,001lbs without a DOT number.

Passenger & Hazmat Rules

Weight isn't the only factor. You need a DOT number if:

  1. Hazmat: You carry any amount of hazardous materials that require a placard.

  2. Passengers: You designed your vehicle to carry 9-16+ passengers (limits vary by state).

Driver Qualification (DQ) File Requirements

In most states, the Driver Qualification file requirement follows the same threshold as the USDOT number requirement. If you need a DOT number to drive in that state, you also need a Driver Qualification file..

Complete State-by-State Reference

State DOT Weight Passengers Hazmat DQ File Weight
Alabama26,00116Yes26,001
Alaska14,00116Yes14,001
Arizona26,0019 FH / 16 PPYes26,001
Arkansas26,00116Yes26,001
California10,00116Yes10,001
Colorado16,00116Yes16,001
Connecticut18,0019 FH / 16 PPYes18,001
Delaware26,00116Yes26,001
Florida26,00116Yes26,001
Georgia10,0019 FH / 16 PPYes10,001
Hawaii10,0019Yes10,001
Idaho26,00116Yes26,001
Illinois10,0019 FH / 16 PPYes10,001
Indiana10,001 (FH) / 26,001 (PP)9 FH / 16 PPYes10,001 (FH) / 26,001 (PP)
Iowa26,00116Yes26,001
Kansas10,0019 FH / 16 PPYes10,001
Kentucky10,00116Yes10,001
Louisiana26,00116Yes26,001
Maine26,00116Yes10,001
Maryland10,00116YesTBD
Massachusetts10,00116Yes10,001
Michigan26,00116Yes10,001
Minnesota10,0019 FH / 16 PPYes10,001
Mississippi26,00116Yes26,001
Missouri26,00116Yes26,001
Montana26,00116Yes26,001
Nebraska10,0019 FH / 16 PPYes10,001
Nevada26,0019 FH / 16 PPYes26,001
New Hampshire26,00116Yes26,001
New Jersey10,0019 FH / 16 PPYes10,001
New Mexico26,0019 FH / 16 PPYes26,001
New York10,0019 FH / 16 PPYes10,001
North Carolina26,00116Yes26,001
North Dakota26,0019 FH / 16 PPYes26,001
Ohio10,001 (FH) / 26,001 (PP)9 FH / 16 PPYes10,001 (FH) / 26,001 (PP)
Oklahoma26,0019 FH / 16 PPYes26,001
Oregon10,001 (FH) / 26,001 (PP)16Yes10,001 (FH) / 26,001 (PP)
Pennsylvania17,0019 FH / 16 PPYes17,001
Rhode Island10,00116Yes10,001
South Carolina10,0019 FH / 16 PPYes10,001
South Dakota26,00116Yes26,001
Tennessee26,00116Yes26,001
Texas26,00116Yes26,001
Utah16,00116Yes16,001
Vermont26,00116Yes26,001
Virginia26,00116Yes26,001
Washington16,00116Yes16,001
West Virginia10,00116Yes10,001
Wisconsin26,00116Yes26,001
Wyoming26,0019 FH / 16 PPYes26,001

FH = For-Hire | PP = Private Property

State-Specific Notes

California: Also requires a CA Number and Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) for intrastate carriers.

Oregon: Has state-specific hours of service changes for intrastate carriers. Also requires an OR Weight & Distance Permit.

Ohio: Requires a CPCN filing for intrastate carriers. Filed with the Ohio PUC.

Texas: Also requires a TxDMV Number for carriers operating in Texas.

Why Crossing State Lines Matters

If you ever cross state lines, even once, you are now an “interstate carrier”.

Example: A Texas landscaper has a 15,000 lb truck. In Texas, they don't need a DOT number. But if they take a job across the border in Oklahoma, they are immediately subject to federal rules. They would need a DOT number and DQ files for their drivers before they cross the line.

Need Help Getting Into Compliance?

Laws change fast, and a single mistake can lead to an audit failure.

At TIPS, we take the guesswork out of compliance. We offer Free USDOT Number registration and manage your DQ files, drug programs, and more.

SOURCES

This information was compiled from state administrative codes, department of transportation regulations, and direct verification with state agencies. Last verified January 2026.

Regulations change. If you need to confirm requirements for a specific state, we recommend verifying with the state's motor carrier division or contacting TIPS for assistance.

Bailey Hoak
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