Answer: The regulations that address this question are found in FMCSA CFR 383.3.
§383.3 Applicability. (a) The rules in this part apply to every person who operates a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce, to all employers of such persons, and to all States.
The definition for a Commercial Motor Vehicle for this regulation is a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle:
- Has a gross combination weight rating of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds); or
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 11,794 or more kilograms (26,001 pounds or more); or
- Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or
- Is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials as defined in this section.
Originally Posted on the Idealease Safety Bulletin