What Is Considered a Commercial Motor Vehicle?

The most recognizable commercial motor vehicle is typically a Class 7 or 8 big rig or tractor-trailer rig, commonly known as an 18-wheeler. This is used for hauling goods either locally or across the country, and requires a commercial driver's license to operate. Commercial vehicles fall into several other categories--including intra-city delivery vans, coaches, buses, limousines and taxi cabs.

Identification

Class 7 or 8 commercial vehicles can be identified by their cab-over-engine design, in which the driver sits above the front axle and engine, or the more popular conventional cab models that feature a long hood and sleeper accommodations toward the rear of the cab.

Big Rigs

Trucks are classified in categories 1 through 8, with Classes 7 and 8 identified as commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 26,001 lbs.

Buses

Passenger buses such as Greyhound or Amtrak coaches equipped to carry a minimum of nine passengers for fares are classified as commercial vehicles.

Taxis

Taxi cabs are commercial vehicles, which are licensed by local municipalities and subject to local and state safety laws.

Small Business

Plumbers' trucks, flower delivery vans, mobile auto repair trucks and similar vehicles are considered commercial vehicles but generally don't require a commercial driver's license.

Trailers

Larger trailers or containers transported by big rigs fall under the commercial vehicle definition, but recreational or farm trailers do not.

References

• Commercial vehicle regulations

Resources

• Kenworth truck history