Commercial Vehicle FAQs
Answers to the most common questions concerning Commercial Motor Vehicles
- CDL & Medical Cards
- Do I have to stop at weigh stations?
- Do I need a USDOT number or other authority to operate in Kansas?
- Load/Cargo securement
- Oversize load permits and restrictions
- Rules and regulations for Farmers
- Size and Weight restrictions
- What equipment do I need to carry on or in my commercial vehicle?
- What is a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)
Kansas carriers operating in intrastate commerce who do not have apportioned registration, and meet any of the following requirements must obtain a Kansas commercial registration (KSA 8-143m):
- Has a gross weight or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more;
- is designed or used to transport 15 or more passengers, including the driver; or
- is used to transport hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding.
Any load extending more than 4 feet to the rear, or 4 inches to the side must be flagged.
The flags must be 18” square, red or orange fluorescent for the federal regulation, and 12” square red for state law (49 CFR §393.87 and KSA 8-1715).
If the vehicle exceeds any of the legal dimensions and does not qualify for an exception to the oversize load permit. (KSA 8-1911)
If you drive a vehicle or vehicles that meets the following definition, a CDL is required (49 CFR §383.5):
Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle is a:
- Combination Vehicle (Group A) – having a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds, whichever is greater; or
- Heavy Straight Vehicle (Group B) – having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater; or
- Small Vehicle (Group C) that does not meet Group A or B requirements but that either –
- Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or
- Is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials as defined in this section.
Simply stated:
- if the combination is over 26,000 lbs. AND the towed unit is over 10,000 lbs., a Class A CDL is required.
- If a single vehicle is over 26,000 lbs., a Class B CDL is required.
- If the vehicle is designed to transport 16 or more passengers and does not meet the definition of a Class A or B vehicle, a Class C CDL and P endorsement are required.
- If the vehicle does not meet the definition of a Class A or B vehicle, but it is used to transport a quantity of haz-mat requiring placards, a Class C CDL and haz-mat endorsement is required.
Haz-Mat placards are required when:
Generally, any quantity of “Table 1” materials listed in the placarding tables (49 CFR §172.504(e)), and any bulk packages require placarding. “Table 2” non-bulk materials require placards if the aggregate gross weight exceeds 1,000 lbs. There are numerous other exceptions to placarding that may affect the requirement.
If your vehicle meets the definition of a commercial motor vehicle (over 10,000 lbs., buses, limousines, or any size vehicle hauling haz-mat that requires placards), you must stop at the weigh station if it is open.
While some of the regulatory signs read all “TRUCKS” must stop, the weigh stations are designed to weigh and inspect commercial motor vehicles. If your vehicle meets the definition of a commercial motor vehicle (over 10,000 lbs., buses, limousines, or any size vehicle hauling haz-mat that requires placards), you must stop at the weigh station if it is open. If you are using PrePass or DriveWyze weigh station bypass services, follow the in-cab signals of those devices. (KSA 8-1507, 8-1910, 66-1324)
The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is a process by which motor fuel taxes are collected and distributed to the states in which interstate motor carriers operate.
If you operate any of the following vehicles or combinations in interstate commerce, you must obtain a fuel permit/IFTA:
- A single unit with two axles and a registered or actual weight exceeding 26,000 lbs., or
- A single unit with three or more axles, regardless of weight, or
- A combination vehicle with a registered or actual weight exceeding 26,000 lbs.
However, if your vehicle is a government vehicle, school bus, Kansas farm registered, or recreational vehicle, you are not required to obtain a fuel permit.
For more information: Visit: https://www.iftach.org/Â or https://www.ksrevenue.org/forms-mfifta.html
Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) is a fee collected from interstate carriers that helps fund motor carrier safety initiatives, such as safety and education.
It is based on the number of vehicles in the fleet and collected annually. Â Enforcement begins January 1st of each year. Â If you operate interstate; or have an active Operating Authority, also known as an “MC number”; or have an interstate USDOT number, you must pay UCR fees.
For more information, visit:Â https://www.ucr.gov/
Generally, the legal width is 8 ½ feet (102 inches).
There are some exceptions for farm tractors, hay bales, etc. found in KSA 8-1902.
Generally, the legal length requirements are as follows (KSA 8-1904):
Single vehicle, 45 feet
- Truck and trailer, 65 feet
- Truck-tractor and semi-trailer, no overall length limitation
- Single trailer, 59 ½ feet each
- Double or triple trailers, 28 ½ feet each
- Poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects of a structural nature that cannot be readily dismembered, 85 feet, unless a special permit has been issued
- Truck-tractor and house trailer, 97 feet
- Stinger-steered automobile transporter, 80 feet
- Stinger-steered boat transporter, 75 feet
- Drive-away saddlemount or full-mount, 97 feet
- Custom harvester truck-tractor and two trailer, or truck-tractor semi-trailer, trailer, 81 ½ feet (between April and November)
- Towaway trailer transporter and two trailers not exceeding 26,000 lbs., 82 feet
The legal height is 14 feet tall
except for cylindrically shaped (round) hay bales, for which the maximum height 14 ½ feet tall. (KSA 8-1904)
Agricultural Commodity means:
- Any agricultural commodity, non-processed food, feed, fiber, or livestock as defined in this section.
- As used in this definition, the term “any agricultural commodity” means horticultural products at risk of perishing, or degrading in quality, during transport by commercial motor vehicle, including plants, sod, flowers, shrubs, ornamentals, seedlings, live trees, and Christmas trees.
On November 15th, 2021, the law was changed to include a 150-air mile radius from the DESTINATION in addition to the 150-air mile radius SOURCE, for livestock and insect haulers. Â As a result of the law change, livestock and insect haulers are exempt hours of service when they are LOADED and within 150-air miles of their destination. Â If they are returning empty, they are subject to hours of service until they are within 150-air miles of the source.
A vehicle meeting the requirements of the Covered Farm Vehicle (CFV)Â definition with GVWR/GCWR/GVW/GCW of 26,001 lbs. or less may use the exception anywhere in the United States.
A CFV with a GVWR/GCWR/GVW/GCW of 26,002 lbs. or more may use the exception in the state of registration, or within 150 air miles of the farm where it is registered. (49 CFR §390.5T & 390.39).
This is commonly referred to as “MAP-21.” Â A CFV is exempt the following parts of the federal regulations:
- Part 382, Drug and alcohol testing
- Part 383, CDL
- Part 395, Hours of service (i.e., log book)
- Part 396, Inspection, repair and maintenance (i.e., annual inspection)
A special annual permit exists for vehicles to only carry agricultural inputs, farm supplies, biofuels, feed, raw or processed agricultural commodities, livestock, raw meat products intended by the shipper for further processing or farm products.
The maximum weight is 90,000 lbs., with a minimum of six axles, and cannot be operated on the interstate. A special bridge chart is found in KSA 8-1919.
Apportioned registration, or the International Registration Plan (IRP) is a special type of vehicle registration for motor carriers who operate in more than one state.
Fees collected are distributed to the states in which the carrier operates just as vehicle registration fees are paid to a base state when operating in only one state. Â Your vehicle must be registered in Kansas if it operates in intrastate commerce (that is, point to point movements within Kansas), or if it operates in interstate commerce in or through Kansas and is registered for more than 12,000 lbs. (KSA 8-127, 8-143c, KAR 92-51-53)
Kansas registration may be satisfied by either a Kansas base plate, out of state apportioned registration with Kansas listed on the cab card, or temporary Kansas registration. Â Temporary registration may be obtained through K-Trips at k-trips.ksdot.gov
Exceptions to the registration requirement exist for:
- Restricted plates (farm, local, 6,000 mile)
- Charitable non-profit organizations
- Schools
- Recreational vehicles for personal use
- Drive-away, transporter/dealers
- Government vehicles
- Operating under the Missouri bilateral agreement (see KAR 92-51-53)
A Covered Farm Vehicle (CFV) is an exception to some federal regulations for farming operations.
49 CFR §390.5T defines a CFV as:
- A straight truck or articulated vehicle
- Registered in a State with a license plate or other designation issued by the State of registration that allows law enforcement officials to identify it as a farm vehicle;
- Operated by the owner or operator of a farm or ranch, or an employee or family member of an owner or operator of a farm or ranch;
- Used to transport agricultural commodities, livestock, machinery or supplies to or from a farm or ranch; and
- Not used in for-hire motor carrier operations; however, for-hire motor carrier operations do not include the operation of a vehicle meeting the requirements of paragraphs (1)(i) through (iii) of this definition by a tenant pursuant to a crop share farm lease agreement to transport the landlord’s portion of the crops under that agreement.
KSA 8-142 and 8-143 describes what a farm tag can be used to legally haul. Any activities outside of the statute would be in violation of the farm tag.
8-142. Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person to commit any of the following acts and except as otherwise provided, violation is subject to penalties provided in K.S.A. 8-149, and amendments thereto:
Ninth: To operate on the highways of this state a farm truck or farm trailer other than to transport: (a) Agricultural products produced by such owner; (b) commodities purchased by the owner for use on the farm owned or rented by the owner of such vehicles; (c) commodities for religious or educational institutions being transported by the owner of such vehicles for charity and without compensation of any kind, except as provided in K.S.A. 66-1,109(c), and amendments thereto; or (d) sand, gravel, slag stone, limestone, crushed stone, cinders, black top, dirt or fill material to a township road maintenance or construction site of the township in which the owner of such truck resides.
Tenth: To operate a farm truck or truck tractor used in combination with a trailer or semitrailer for a gross weight which does not include the empty weight of the truck or truck tractor or of the combination of any truck or truck tractor and any type of trailer or semitrailer, plus the maximum weight of cargo which will be transported on or with the same; and such farm truck or farm truck tractor used to transport a gross weight of more than 54,000 pounds shall have durably lettered on the side of the motor vehicle the words “farm vehicle—not for hire.”
Thirteenth: To operate on the highways of this state a farm trailer carrying more than 6,000 pounds without being registered and the registration fees paid thereon.
- A single wheel may not exceed 10,000 lbs.
- A single axle may not exceed 20,000 lbs. (22,000 lbs. on the Kansas Turnpike)
- A tandem axle (40 inches 96 inches from center to center) may not exceed 34,000 lbs.
- A triple axle (96 inches 132 inches from center of first to third axle), may not exceed 42,000 to 44,000 lbs., depending on measurement
- A quad axle (120 inches 150 inches from center of the first to fourth axle) may not exceed 50,000 lbs.
- May not exceed 80,000 lbs. on interstate
- May not exceed 85,500 lbs. on other roads
- May not exceed tire weight ratings
- May not exceed declared registered weight (license plate)
KAR 36-1-37 outlines legal axle weights for overweight permits, as follows:
- Single, non-drive axle: 22,000 lbs.
- Single, drive axle: 24,000 lbs.
- Tandem axle: 45,000 lbs.
- Triple axle: 60,000 lbs.
- Quad or more: 65,000 lbs.
Federal law prohibits window tint on the front side windows and windshield less than 70% light transmission (49 CFR §393.60).
Kansas law (KSA 8-1749a) prohibits window tint on vehicles that require Kansas registration with less than 35% light transmission on all windows (front, side, back, windshield). The tint may not extend beyond the AS1 line on the windshield. The tint must be non-reflective, and must not be red, yellow, or amber in color.
Simply stated, if you use your vehicle to make money or other compensation, it may be considered a CMV, as defined by 49 CFR §390.5T
Commercial motor vehicle means any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle –
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater; or
- Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
- Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
- Is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and transported in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary under 49 CFR, subtitle B, chapter I, subchapter C.
No.
The commercial zone of Kansas City only applies to operating authority and registration in Kansas. The increased weight exceptions in the commercial zone are only in Missouri.
No.
In the United States, there is only an air brake RESTRICTION. If the CDL applicant does not take the written air brake exam when applying for a CDL or does not take the road test with an air brake equipped vehicle, the CDL will have a restriction “L” on the CDL, meaning vehicles without air brakes. This restriction only applies to vehicles that require a CDL. For example, a driver with a CDL and air brake restriction can still legally operate a box truck with a GVWR less than 26,001 lbs. with air brakes, because the box truck does not require a CDL.
No.
The requirements for registration are separate from the requirements for obtaining a USDOT number.
The weight of the vehicle, or the cargo type (passengers or haz-mat) determines whether a CDL is required.
The presence of air brakes does is not a determining factor in whether a CDL is required.
Yes.
Kansas has reciprocity agreements with Nebraska, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Farmers entering Kansas from non-reciprocity states will only qualify for the CDL exceptions if they meet the requirements of a covered farm vehicle.
That depends on the type of power unit being used (truck or truck-tractor).
- If the power unit is a truck-tractor in a Class A combination, then a non-commercial Class A driverÂ’s license is required.
- Class A does NOT include a combination of vehicles that has a truck registered as a farm truck.
- If the single unit is a truck-tractor of 26,001 pounds or more, then a non-commercial Class B driverÂ’s license is required.
- Class B motor vehicles do NOT include a single vehicle registered as a farm truck, when such farm truck has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds, or more.
The truck registration must have enough weight to cover the weight of the truck, trailer, and any load thereon.
In general, one securement device is required for every 10 feet of length or fraction thereof.
- There must be enough securement devices (i.e., chains, straps, etc.) to cover half the weight of the cargo, based on the working load limit of the securement devices and how they are attached to the transport vehicle.
- Additionally, cargo must be secured for length.  If the cargo is not against a front-end structure or other equivalent device, one additional tie-down is required for the first 10 feet of length.  There are additional commodity specific cargo securement rules found in 49 CFR §393.116 § 393.136.
Drivers hauling certain agricultural commodities are not subject to hours of service regulations (i.e., log books).
All drivers and motor carriers subject to the federal commercial vehicle regulations are subject to hours of service. However, several exemptions exist, one of which is found in 49 CFR §395.1(k), related to agricultural commodities.
(k) Agricultural operations. The provisions of this part shall not apply during planting and harvesting periods, as determined by each State, to drivers transporting:
- Agricultural commodities from the source of the agricultural commodities to a location within a 150 air-mile radius from the source;
- Farm supplies for agricultural purposes from a wholesale or retail distribution point of the farm supplies to a farm or other location where the farm supplies are intended to be used within a 150 air-mile radius from the distribution point; or
- Farm supplies for agricultural purposes from a wholesale distribution point of the farm supplies to a retail distribution point of the farm supplies within a 150 air-mile radius from the wholesale distribution point.
All permitting is done through the Kansas Truck Routing Intelligent Permitting System, known as K-Trips.
Call (785) 368-6501 or visit k-trips.ksdot.gov
A USDOT number must be obtained from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
The process will take about 30 minutes and is completed on-line, free of charge.
No.
Superloads, large structures, and loads exceeding 14 feet in width require escort vehicles. All escort service providers and operators must be registered with KDOT. (KSA 8-1921 and KAR 36-45-1 through 36-45-10)
No.
KDOT only issues oversize load permits. Otherwise, they have very little bearing on commercial vehicle regulations in Kansas.
Federal regulation only requires safety chains on full trailers and dolly convertors.  State law requires safety chains for semi-trailers, except fifth wheel couplers. (49 CFR §393.70 and KSA 8-1907)
Yes.
All required lamps must be operational on the rearmost vehicle in any combination (e.g., brake lights, taillights, turn signals, four-way flashers, clearance, identification, side marker, license plate lights). (49 CFR §393.9(a) and 393.11)
Yes.
The weigh stations are used for inspecting vehicles also, not just weighing. If the vehicle meets the definition of a commercial motor vehicle, and the weigh station is open, it must stop.
Maybe.
If your vehicle meets the definition of a commercial motor vehicle and does not qualify for any of the exceptions, the USDOT number and full legal name or trade name must be displayed, as registered with the FMCSA. The number and name must appear on both sides of the power unit in letters that contrast sharply with the background, be readily legible during daylight hours from a distance of 50 feet while the vehicle is stationary.
Federal regulation and state law do not specifically require tarps, but some city ordinances require certain types of cargo be tarped, such as sand, gravel, dirt, mulch, etc.
- Federal cargo securement regulation (49 CFR §393.100) requires all cargo be secured to prevent the cargo from leaking, spilling, blowing or falling from the motor vehicle.
- Kansas state law (KSA 8-1906) requires all vehicles be constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking or otherwise escaping therefrom.
CDL holders only need to carry their medical card for 15 days after renewal. Non-CDL holders must carry their medical card.
Yes. If you are hauling someone else’s property for compensation, and the property is not a commodity that’s exempt operating authority
Operating authority, also known as an “MC number” must be obtained from FMCSA. Â There is a $300 fee for operating authority.
Visit: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/get-mc-number-authority-operate
Yes, unless you meet one of the five exceptions to the medical certification requirements found in 49 CFR §391.2, or meet the intrastate exceptions found in KSA 66-1,129(c).
The five federal exceptions to the medical card requirement are:
- Custom harvesters
- Apiarian industries (beekeepers)
- Certain farm vehicle drivers (non-articulated farm vehicles)
- Covered farm vehicles
- Pipeline welders operating vehicles not over 15,000 lbs. GVWR/GCWR/GVW/GCW
No.
A legible electronic copy is sufficient but must be open to inspection by any police officer or authorized agent of any authority granting the permit. (KSA 8-1911(e))
You must stop like all other regulated vehicles
Unless your vehicle is equipped with PrePass or DriveWyze services then you are not required to stop if you receive the bypass from the device. There is no specific requirement for haz-mat loads to stop.
No.
All permitting is through K-Trips, and our weigh stations cannot accept payments.
No. Vehicles operating under the provisions of a special permit that exceed the width or length limitations shall have a sign attached that reads “OVERSIZE LOAD” while operating in Kansas. Â
The dimensions of the sign shall be a minimum of seven feet long and 18 inches high. Â Letters shall be a minimum of 10 inches high with a brush stroke of not less than 1 2/5 inches. Â The sign shall be readily visible from a distance of 500 feet and shall be removed when the vehicle or load no longer exceeds the legal width or length dimensions. Â Vehicles that are only overweight shall not have a sign attached which states “OVERSIZE LOAD.” Â (KSA 8-1911 and KAR 36-1-36(s))
Yes.
- Vehicles operating under the provision of a special permit that exceed length or width limitations shall not operate during the time period between 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, unless specifically authorized under another statute or regulation. (KSA 8-1911(m))
- Oversize and overweight loads shall not be transported when visibility is less than one-half mile, or when conditions of moderate to heavy rain, sleet, snow, fog, or smoke exist, or when highway surfaces are slippery due to ice, packed snow, or rain. (KAR 36-1-36)
- Geographical time restrictions (7:00am to 9:00am, and 4:00pm to 6:30pm) may exist for certain areas for cities including Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Leawood, Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park, Shawnee, Topeka, and Wichita. Pickups or deliveries originating in or destined for these cities are excluded from the time restriction for these cities. Refer to the oversize permit to be sure before starting.
Are there any exceptions to obtaining a USDOT number for intrastate commerce (wholly within Kansas)?
Yes
In addition to the exceptions found in 49 CFR §390.3T for interstate commerce, KSA 66-1,129(c)(1) – (8) provides exceptions to the requirement for some intrastate operations. One of the most common exceptions is for private carriers, operating wholly within Kansas, between 10,001 and 26,000 lbs., with Kansas registration on the power unit. Such vehicles are only subject to the federal regulations pertaining to annual inspections, coupling devices, and cargo securement. This exception does not apply to for-hire operations (i.e., hauling someone else’s property), vehicles designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers, or vehicles used to haul haz-mat that requires placarding.
Wholly intrastate Kansas farmers are also exempt the federal trucking regulations and do not require a USDOT number.
Yes.
Limited exceptions are found in 49 CFR §390.3T, such as for the occasional transportation of personal property (e.g., renting a truck to move your family and personal belongings).
No.
Snow chains may be used when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid but are not required. (KSA 8-1742)
Only Special Vehicle Combinations (SVC), which means truck-tractor and triple trailers, are required anti-spray devices in accordance with KAR 36-1-31.
(l) Antispray devices. Â Antispray mud flaps shall be attached to the rear of each axle except the steering axle. Mud flaps shall have a surface designed to absorb and deflect excess moisture to the road surface.
However, truck-tractors are required retroreflective sheeting (DOT tape) on the lower rear of the vehicle, which may be displayed on the mudflaps, mudflap brackets, or on the rear of the cab (49 CFR §393.11).
Yes.
Doubles may be pulled anywhere, so long as the trailers are not over 28 ½ feet in length each, except on the Kansas Turnpike, where double 53-foot trailers are legal.
Triple trailers are only allowed on the Kansas Turnpike with a “special vehicle combination” (SVC) annual permit (KAR 36-1-28). Turnpike access routes include all routes between the Turnpike and a motor freight terminal located within a 10-mile radius of each toll booth, except at the northeastern end of the Turnpike where a 20-mile radius is allowed. SVC access routes include all routes between the Interstate and a motor freight terminal located within 5 miles of the Interstate at Goodland.
