Blogs

A large semi-truck drives on a highway, depicted within a circular frame. The backdrop features a smooth road under a cloudy sky. Text reads: "Motor Passenger Carrier Authority: 8 Things To Know About It In 2022."

June 21, 2022

Motor Passenger Carrier Authority: Key Insights for 2022

Before you understand motor passenger carrier authority, you must know what a motor passenger carrier is. It is a car or a road motor vehicle that is not a motorcycle or a moped. It is intended for the carriage of passengers. It is designed to seat at least 9 passengers and that includes the driver as well. You must also know what a passenger motor vehicle is. This is a motor vehicle that is designed to carry 12 individuals and it is not a motorcycle or a truck that is not designed to carry the operator or passengers.

What Is A Motor Passenger Carrier Authority?

If you are a motor carrier company or an individual working in the transport and logistics sector, and if you operate any commercial motor vehicles that are designed or constructed for the purpose of transporting 9 passengers or more and that should include the driver for interstate commerce and related activities, it should be registered with the federal motor carrier safety administration. It must also have a USDOT number.

The FMCSA is going to issue you a motor carrier passenger authority that will enable you to perform all your business-related functions across interstate borders. You must fulfill certain requirements to obtain your authority.

Who Needs Motor Passenger Carrier Authority?

If you own and drive a vehicle that is designed or being used to transport 16 passengers or more and if that includes the driver, you will be required to obtain a motor passenger carrier authority.

Why Is It Required?

The federal motor carrier safety administration has certain safety regulatory norms and practices. These are the most basic requirements that every vehicle operator must fulfill. Whether you are a commercial van or for-hire operator of any small passenger vehicles, and if you engage in interstate commerce, you will be subject to these regulatory requirements throughout the year. Whenever your vehicles are on the highways and involved in interstate commerce and transporting passengers for compensation, the specific safety regulations that are applicable to your vehicle will kick in. You will have to obtain your authority if you want to keep on performing your daily business activities without any hindrances or interruptions.

How Much Does Motor Passenger Carrier Authority Cost?

The cost for any individual operating authority that you require depends upon the functions that you perform during the course of your normal business activities. Yes, for each operating authority that you require you will have to pay a fee. For example, if you request for a passenger authority and in addition to that household goods authority, you will have to pay a double fees.

How To Apply For Motor Passenger Carrier Authority?

Applying for your motor passenger carrier authority is very simple but it can be simplified even further if you have associated with a trustworthy and experienced third-party administrator. These third-party administrators or service agents as a lot of people call them are very efficient in what they do. They know what it takes to keep you compliant with the rules and regulations laid down by the federal motor carrier safety administration and the department of transportation. 

Other than this, you can follow the manual procedure which is a little more complicated and may take up a lot of your time. You can fill up the form OP-1 (P) and follow the instructions given on it for the application of your motor passenger carrier authority.

Remember that these OP series forms are now used for additional authorities only. You cannot use them for any initial registration with the FMCSA. If you are a first-time applicant, you must use the unified registration system.

Can I Operate Without Motor Passenger Carrier Authority?

Before you begin your interstate operations in the US, you must obtain your operating authority. If you are authorized to perform for hire duties and if you are a carrier of non-exempt property and passengers, in addition to being a broker or freight forwarder and are based in the US or Canada, you have to obtain operating authority. You will be required to submit the appropriate forms in the OP-1 series for this purpose. If you are a carrier and if you operate only within the state of Hawaii, then you are not required to obtain any operating authority. If you are a Mexico-based motor carrier, there are different forms and requirements for you which you must go through on the FMCSA website. In addition to your operating authority as a motor passenger carrier, you must obtain a USDOT number as well. Without that, you will not be able to begin your interstate operations.

What Are The Steps To Getting Your Motor Passenger Carrier Authority?

The most common way to apply for the motor passenger carrier authority is through the internet. You must have a valid credit card such as American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa. If you do not wish to submit your credit card information on the internet, you can complete the application and also make the payment by mail. You can go to the FMCSA website and follow the registration process step by step. You will have to go through the registration guide to understand the entire procedure and then perform every step according to the instructions. You can contact dotcompliancegroup.com for hassle free Motor Passenger Carrier Authority.

There will be a series of questions that you will have to answer and based upon those answers, the registration guide will recommend you the required registration forms that you should fill out. It is going to take a considerable amount of time and effort on your part. This is why it is highly recommended to associate with a third-party administrator or a service agent. This way, you don’t have to do anything at all which means you end up saving a lot of your time. If you have decided to apply through the mail for your motor passenger carrier authority, it is going to take an additional processing time of about 2 to 3 weeks.

What Is An OP-1 Form?

In simple words, you are going to require the OP-1 form to apply for your motor passenger carrier authority.

Conclusion

It is highly recommended that you get in touch with a dependable and proficient third-party administrator or a service agent you can rely on. It is in your best interest because they will be able to keep you compliant throughout the year without you having to spend any time or resources on these legalities, formalities, paperwork, and complicated documentation. It just makes a lot of sense and your life a lot easier.

FAQ

What Happens If You Fail a DOT Inspection?

If the vehicle or driver is deemed unsafe, they may be placed out of service, meaning the vehicle cannot operate until all violations are properly corrected.

Who decides which level of inspection to perform?

Both the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have a part in DOT inspection levels. The CVSA develops the criteria and sets the procedures for every inspection level. The FMCSA establishes overall regulations and determines which vehicles must be inspected.

How often do DOT inspections happen?

DOT inspections can happen at any time. They most commonly happen during roadside stops and weigh stations. Carriers with higher risk, poor safety records, or hazardous material may be inspected more frequently.

What documents are required during an inspection?

Documents required during an inspection include but may not be limited to:

  • State driver’s license or commercial driver’s license
  • Medical examiner’s certificate
  • Record of duty status
  • Vehicle registrations
  • Periodic inspections document for all vehicles being operated
  • Shipping papers or bills of lading
  • Information for hazardous materials being transported
  • Proof of insurance

What are common DOT inspection violations?

According to the FMCSA, the 5 most cited roadside violations are:

  1. False Report of Driver’s Record of Duty Status: log falsification providing inaccurate or intentionally altered duty-status information.
  2. No Record of Duty Status (ELD Required): using a commercial vehicle without the required electronic logging device or valid time records.
  3. Inoperable Required Lamp: crucial lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, etc.) are not functioning properly.
  4. Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle Without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  5. Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle Without Proof of a Periodic Inspection: failure to meet FMCSA the maintenance standards of a required annual inspection.

Why is updating VMT important for compliance?

VMT is tracked to determine fuel tax obligations (Vehicle Miles Traveled Tax) used for road maintenance and improvements. Trucking companies must keep accurate records of VMT to ensure they pay the correct amount of taxes.

How often should VMT be updated?

For motor carriers VMT must be updated every two years along with the MCS-150 form for the Biennial Update.

Can VMT be tracked automatically with technology?

Yes, Electronic Legging Devices (ELDs), Fleet Management Apps, and Mileage Tracking Software are all technological advancements that can simplify the process of VMT tracking.

How does VMT affect taxes and fuel reporting?

Accurate VMT records help document mileage for business-related tax deductions, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. It also supports fuel tax reporting by tracking the miles each vehicle travels in different jurisdictions, which is essential for state and federal fuel tax calculations. Proper tracking reduces errors, prevents penalties, and provides a clear record of operational costs.

How do I know when my Biennial Update is due?

  • Your filing schedule depends on the last two digits of your USDOT number. The last digit corresponds with what month the form needs to be filed in. January is 1, February is 2, March is 3, etc. The next to last digit determines the year (odd-numbered year or even numbered year). For example, DOT number 1234567 files their biennial update in July (7) of every even year (6). Contact us today to see if you’re due.

Does the Biennial Update cost money to file?

While you can file your Biennial Update yourself for no cost through FMCSA. The process can often be confusing and time-consuming. Our team can handle your filing for you, simplifying the process for you.

Do intrastate carriers need to file the update?

Yes, even if carriers stay within state lines, a biennial update is still needed for their USDOT number.

What happens if I miss my filing deadline?

  • Failure to complete biennial update to FMCSA can be subject to fines with a maximum penalty of $10,000. If your update is past due, you can still file it to restore your compliance status. Contact us today to file your form! https://dotcompliancegroup.com/bu-update/ 

What are the new FMCSA rules in 2025?

  1. Civil Penalty Amount Increases
  2. Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Becomes Exclusive Source for checking driver history.
  3. ELD Technology Required
  4. SMS (Safety Measurement System) Modernization
  5. Crash Preventability Determination Program Expanded

When do the 2025 FMCSA regulations take effect?

The confirmed dates these regulations take effect is May 30, June 23, October 1, 2025.

How can trucking companies prepare for these changes?

Regularly reviewing your Safety Measurement System (SMS) scores and maintaining personal checklists for inspections, driver qualification files, and drug and alcohol testing helps catch issues before they affect audits. Partnering with DOT Compliance Group streamlines filings, reporting, and ongoing monitoring, taking the guesswork out of FMCSA regulations and keeping your operation audit-ready year-round.

What Triggers a DOT Compliance Review?

A DOT compliance review is triggered when FMCSA wants to ensure a carrier is following safety regulations. Common triggers include high SMS safety scores, a history of crashes or violations, and previous noncompliance. Staying proactive with accurate records, driver files, and regular internal audits helps reduce the likelihood of a review.

Where can I get help with FMCSA filings?

DOT Compliance Group can assist with any help or questions you may have about FMCSA filings. Call 972-476-9962.

How long are violations kept on record?

According to the Clearinghouse rules, drug and alcohol violations remain in the FMCSA Clearinghouse for five years, provided all requirements (such as completing the return‑to‑duty process) have been met before that period ends.

What if an employer makes a mistake in reporting?

In practice, correcting an employer reporting error typically involves identifying the mistake in the database and then submitting a request for correction through the Clearinghouse portal or FMCSA procedures, so the record reflects accurate information. 

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

FMCSA rules allow civil penalties for non‑compliance, and separate authorities note that employers who fail to meet Clearinghouse requirements may face civil fines or criminal penalties under federal regulations.

Do trucking companies check the Clearinghouse?

Yes — trucking companies check the Clearinghouse as part of their hiring and compliance process. The FMCSA Clearinghouse is designed so employers can search a driver’s drug and alcohol violation records before permitting them to operate a commercial vehicle. Employers are required to conduct these queries for both prospective and current drivers as part of compliance.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment