Commercial vehicles are generally large, making them harder to operate on the streets of New York. Many people use the word “truck” to describe a commercial vehicle. However, under New York law, commercial vehicles and trucks are completely different things. Determining the correct classification for your vehicle is essential, as the rules and regulations are different for each.
What is a commercial vehicle?
According to the New York City Traffic Rules, a vehicle must meet certain alteration and display requirements to be considered a commercial vehicle. For a vehicle to be considered a commercial vehicle for parking, standing, and stopping purposes, it must meet the following criteria:
- The vehicle must have commercial plates.
- The vehicle must be permanently altered by having all seats removed, other than the front seats, to assist with transporting property. Exception: The seating capacity in a cab will not be considered when deciding if vehicle is properly altered in vehicles with a passenger cab separate from a cargo area.
- The vehicle must display the registrant’s name and address. According to Sec. 4.08 of the New York Traffic Rules, the display must be: permanently affixed, use characters at least three inches high on both sides of the vehicle, be in a color that contrasts with the vehicle’s color, and be placed nearly midway, vertically on doors/side panels.
For any purpose other than parking, stopping, and standing, a commercial vehicle must meet the following criteria:
- The vehicle must be designed, maintained, or used mainly for transporting property; or
- The vehicle must be used mainly for the provision of commercial services; and
- The vehicle must bear commercial plates.
Commercial motor vehicle registrants in New York will be required to obtain a USDOT number, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA).
Certain laws only apply to commercial vehicles
If you own a commercial vehicle in New York, it is important that you follow all applicable rules and regulations to avoid being involved in an accident that causes you injury. For example, vehicles that are classified as commercial vehicles and are registered and operating in New York must have cross over mirrors installed.
Commercial vehicles are also not permitted on New York State Parkways and must follow all parking, standing, and stopping rules (e.g., do not park on residential street between the hours of 9pm and 5am). These rules and regulations are intended to make the roadways safer for motorists and pedestrians.