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Georgia Department of Public Safety | FAQs

Georgia Department of Public Safety


What does "GVWR" mean?

GVWR means Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. GVWR is the rating applied by a vehicle manufacturer, and represents the maximum total weight of vehicle, cargo, people, fuel, and other fluids together.

How is GVWR used?

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is one method used to determine whether a vehicle is subject to regulation.

My truck (or truck & trailer) that I use for my business has a GVWR of 10,001 lb. or more. Do I need a medical examiner's certificate?

Yes. The medical qualification and exam requirements apply. You may download the medical exam form here. http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/print-forms/print-forms.htm

My truck (or truck & trailer) that I use for my business has a GVWR of 10,001 lb. or more. Do I need a US DOT Number?

Yes.  You may apply for a US DOT Number through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at www.fmcsa.dot.gov

My truck (or truck and trailer) that I use for my business has a GVWR of 10,001 lb. or more. What hours-of-service limits apply?
  1. The driver may drive up to 11 hours, after having 10 consecutive hours off duty.
  2. The driver must go off-duty after 14 hours, after having 10 consecutive hours off duty (all time counts against this 14-hour limit).
  3. For a company that has vehicles operating every day, the driver may not exceed a total of 70 hours on duty time in the current 8-day period. For a company that does not operate every day, the limit is 60 hours on duty in the current 7-day period.
  4. Drivers utilizing time records may drive up to 11 hours if they return to their work reporting location within 12 hours.

I'm confused. I've heard some people say that a GVWR of 10,001 lbs. or more makes a vehicle subject to the regulations, others say 26,001 lbs. Can you help clear this up?

  • Vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 lbs. or more used as part of a business (including a non-profit organization) are considered commercial motor vehicles for purposes of most of the safety regulations. This applies to:
  • Single vehicles (trucks and vans)
  • Passenger carrying vehicles with more than 15 passengers including the driver and passenger carrying vehicles equipped for 15 passengers, including the driver.
  • Combinations of vehicles (such as a truck pulling a trailer or other equipment). At 26,001 lb. and above GVWR, additional requirements also apply (Commercial Driver's License and Drug and Alcohol Testing).
  • Vehicles that carry hazardous materials for a business purpose are considered commercial regardless of GVWR.

I've never heard of these regulations before. Are they new?

No. The safety regulations at the 10,001 lb. GVWR level have been in the Federal Regulations for decades. The State of Georgia first adopted the Federal Regulations in 1972 for for-hire carriers, and they have applied to both private and for-hire companies since 1984. The current adoption of the Safety Regulations can be found here.


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Location: Georgia, USA

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