Tough New Rules Apply to Mass. Commercial Vehicles
If you are a Massachusetts-only business operating a commercial vehicle weighing 10,000 lbs. or more, take heed. The Commonwealth has adopted a series of tough new regulations accompanied by hefty fines for violations.
A Massachusetts-only business that has never had to comply with rules governing federal commercial vehicles now has to conform to virtually all of them. For example, a contractor with a one-ton, Ford F-350 pickup with a gross vehicle weight rating of 12,500 lbs., now has to mark both sides of the vehicle with the company’s legal name. Additionally, the vehicles will be the subject to a more costly commercial vehicle inspection, and drivers will have to carry a medical card that certifies they are healthy enough to drive a large commercial vehicle. There are already reports that some non-complying drivers have been ticketed for not having a medical card and fined up to $1,000!
To find out how to comply, get in touch with your professional trade association or seek the advice of a special consultant. There are two such advisors in Massachusetts: Fleet Safety Services, Inc. of Worcester (800 215-2490); and The Transportation Advisor Inc. of Palmer (800 608-8890).
Additionally, the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents has prepared a chart showing the key federal rules that now apply to intrastate drivers in Massachusetts.
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