Legislation that changes the way commercial vehicles weighing between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds are considered in Michigan has been signed into law. House Bill 5228, now Public Act 231, eliminates the requirement of a vehicle doing business solely within Michigan that weighs less than 26,000 pounds from registering as a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV). Before this change, a commercial vehicle weighing over 10,001 pounds had to be registered as a CMV, which had many restrictions attached to it.
Federal guidelines define a CMV as any vehicle being used for commercial purposes over 26,000 pounds had to be registered as a CMV but for some reason Michigan’s law defined that as any vehicle over 10,001 pounds. There are some exemptions to the new weight limits including vehicles transporting hazardous materials and requiring placarding, vehicles trailering equipment with a combination gross weight rating of over 26,000 pounds, and vehicles designed and used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver. Below is a chart that illustrates the different requirements of vehicles between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds and vehicles over 26,000 pounds.
| Requirement: | 10,001 – 26,000 pounds | Greater that 26,000 pounds |
| Commercial Drivers License Required |
No | Yes |
| Medical Card Required | Yes | Yes |
| Inspection Reports Required | No | Yes |
| Company Name, City and State Required on Vehicle |
Yes | Yes |
| US DOT Registration Required | No | Yes |
| Cell Phone Use Banned | Yes | Yes |
| Hours of Service Required | No | Yes |
