Frequently Asked Questions


FMCSA/DOT compliance FAQ’s

1. Driver Qualification and Medical Certification

  • Do I need to carry my medical examiner’s certificate even after submitting it to the state?
    Yes, drivers must carry the certificate for at least 10 days after submission to allow time for processing.

  • Do intrastate drivers need a DOT medical certificate?
    Only if required by their state. Each state has its own rules, though many align with federal standards.

2. Drug and Alcohol Testing

  • What is “actual knowledge” of drug or alcohol use?
    It includes direct observation, previous employer reports, citations, or driver admission.

  • Can an alternate driver be selected for random testing?
    Yes, if the originally selected driver is unavailable for the entire testing period.

3. Registration and Operating Authority

  • Do I need both a USDOT number and an MC number?
    Yes, if you're operating as a for-hire carrier across state lines.

  • How do I update my MCS-150 form?
    Updates can be made online and should be done every two years or when company information changes.

4. Safety Measurement System (SMS) and CSA Scores

  • How can I improve my CSA scores?
    Focus on reducing violations, maintaining equipment, and training drivers.

  • How long do violations stay on my SMS record?
    Typically, violations remain for 24 months.

5. Vehicle and Equipment Requirements

  • What are the inspection requirements for CMVs?
    Carriers must perform regular inspections, including pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections.

  • What records must be maintained for vehicle maintenance?
    Maintenance records must be kept for at least one year while the vehicle is in service and for six months after it's sold or retired.


IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) FAQs

What is IFTA and why do I need it?
IFTA is an agreement among U.S. states and Canadian provinces that simplifies fuel tax reporting for interstate carriers. It allows carriers to file one quarterly fuel tax return with their base jurisdiction

  1. Who needs to register for IFTA?
    Carriers operating qualifying vehicles (over 26,000 lbs GVW or with three or more axles) in more than one jurisdiction must register

  2. How often do I need to file IFTA returns?
    Quarterly:

    • Q1: Jan–Mar → Due April 30

    • Q2: Apr–Jun → Due July 31

    • Q3: Jul–Sep → Due Oct 31

    • Q4: Oct–Dec → Due Jan 31

  3. What records must I keep for IFTA compliance?

    • Mileage by jurisdiction

    • Fuel purchases with receipts

    • Trip sheets or electronic logs

  4. What happens if I file late or inaccurately?
    Penalties and interest may apply. Consistent errors can lead to audits or suspension of IFTA credentials.

IRP (International Registration Plan) FAQs

What is IRP and why do I need it?
IRP is a registration reciprocity agreement among U.S. states and Canadian provinces for commercial vehicles traveling in multiple jurisdictions

  1. How are IRP fees calculated?
    Fees are prorated based on the percentage of miles traveled in each jurisdiction

  2. Do I need both IRP and IFTA?
    Yes, if your vehicle meets the criteria and operates interstate.

  3. How long must I keep IRP records?
    Typically, 3–4 years of mileage and trip records are required for audit purposes

Fuel & Mileage Tax Filings FAQs

What is the difference between fuel tax and mileage tax?

  • Fuel tax is based on fuel purchased and consumed.

  • Mileage tax (e.g., Oregon's Weight-Mile Tax) is based on miles traveled in the state.

  1. Which states require mileage tax filings?
    States like Oregon, New York, Kentucky, and New Mexico have separate mileage-based tax programs.

  2. Can I use electronic logging devices (ELDs) for tax reporting?
    Yes, ELDs can help track mileage and fuel usage, but ensure they meet IFTA/IRP audit standards.

Intrastate vs. Interstate Carrier FAQs

What’s the difference between intrastate and interstate authority?

  • Intrastate: Operates within one state only.

  • Interstate: Operates across state lines and requires federal DOT authority.

  1. Do intrastate carriers need IFTA or IRP?
    No, unless they cross state lines. However, they may still be subject to state-specific fuel or mileage taxes.

  2. What credentials are needed for interstate operations?

    • USDOT number

    • MC (Motor Carrier) number

    • IFTA license and decals

    • IRP apportioned plates

    • UCR (Unified Carrier Registration)


IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) Penalties

Late Filing or Non-Filing

  • Penalty: $50 or 10% of the taxes owed, whichever is greater

  • Interest: Accrues monthly on unpaid taxes, calculated per jurisdiction

  1. Underpayment or Inaccurate Reporting

    • Subject to the same penalties as late filing.

    • May trigger an audit if discrepancies are frequent or significant

  2. License Revocation

    • If taxes remain unpaid or returns are not filed within 30 days of notice, your IFTA license can be revoked

    • Operating without a valid IFTA license is illegal in all member jurisdictions.

  3. Jurisdiction-Specific Penalties

    • For example, California imposes fines of $100 to $500 for operating without valid IFTA credentials

IRP (International Registration Plan) Penalties

Failure to Register or Renew

  • Operating without IRP apportioned plates can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or out-of-service orders.

  1. Inaccurate Mileage Reporting

    • May lead to back charges, audits, and penalties for underreported miles.

  2. Audit Failures

    • Poor recordkeeping can result in estimated assessments that are often higher than actual liability.

Fuel & Mileage Tax Penalties

Mileage Tax States (e.g., Oregon, NY, KY, NM)

  • Late or missing filings can result in daily penalties, interest, and suspension of permits.

  • Oregon: May assess penalties per mile for unreported travel.

  1. Failure to Maintain Records

    • Can lead to inadequate-records assessments, where tax liability is estimated based on worst-case assumptions

General Consequences Across All Programs


Audits: Triggered by red flags like inconsistent MPG, large refunds, or amended returns.

Operational Disruption: Revoked credentials can halt operations across multiple states.

Reputational Damage: Non-compliance can affect business relationships and insurance rates.