Complete trucking and transportation compliance checklist. Know exactly what licenses, permits, and regulations your transportation business needs. Free compliance check in 2 minutes.
Required for drivers operating commercial vehicles over 26,001 lbs or transporting hazardous materials.
Fines up to $16,000, criminal charges, disqualification from driving
All 50 states (federal requirement)
Required for commercial vehicles crossing state lines or weighing over 10,001 lbs.
Out-of-service orders, fines up to $25,000, criminal prosecution
All 50 states (federal requirement)
Federal limits on driving time to prevent fatigue, with electronic logging device requirements.
Driver fines up to $16,000, carrier fines up to $16,000 per violation
All 50 states (federal law)
Mandatory testing program including pre-employment, random, post-accident, and return-to-duty testing.
Driver disqualification, carrier fines up to $78,936, DOT audit penalties
All 50 states (federal requirement)
Required daily vehicle inspections and preventive maintenance programs.
Out-of-service orders, fines up to $25,000, increased insurance rates
All 50 states (federal requirement)
Special training, placarding, and shipping paper requirements for dangerous goods.
Fines up to $81,993 per violation, criminal charges, terrorism penalties
All 50 states (federal law)
Quarterly fuel tax reporting for vehicles traveling in multiple jurisdictions.
Penalties 10-50% of tax owed, license suspension, audit assessments
48 contiguous states plus DC (Alaska and Hawaii exempt)
SMBRegs uses the business details you provide to generate a tailored checklist, suggested priorities, and tracked deadlines for follow-up.
Track update signals and reminders related to your industry. Timing and coverage can vary, so verify material changes with the issuing agency.
Use SMBRegs to organize industry-specific requirements and research questions before you decide whether to involve a lawyer, accountant, or other qualified advisor.
Organize all your licenses, permits, and compliance documents in one secure location with renewal reminders.
Yes, you need a CDL to operate vehicles over 26,001 lbs, vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers, or any vehicle carrying hazardous materials. Even driving within one state requires a CDL for these vehicles.
A DOT number identifies your company for safety monitoring and is required for most commercial vehicles. An MC number provides operating authority to transport regulated commodities for hire across state lines. You may need both.
Most CDL drivers need a DOT physical every 2 years. Drivers with certain medical conditions may need more frequent exams (annually or every 3 months). Driving without a valid medical certificate can result in disqualification.
Both the driver and carrier face penalties up to $16,000 per violation. The driver will be placed out-of-service until they complete required rest time. Repeated violations can result in increased penalties and safety ratings downgrades.
Yes, even single-truck owner-operators must have a drug and alcohol testing program if they have a CDL and operate in interstate commerce. This includes pre-employment, random, post-accident, and return-to-duty testing requirements.