Purpose Statement
Speed Trailers
INFORMATION ON
COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
Both the State of Utah and South Jordan City has adopted the Federal Code regarding the operation Commercial Motor Vehicles (FMCSR).
A Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) is defined as a vehicle or combination of vehicles, used in commerce, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds or more. This is NOT what the vehicle or combination of vehicles actually weighs. It is what the capacity of the vehicle(s) is.
Many of our small businesses (i.e. construction, yard care, waste removal, etc.) using pickup trucks and trailers exceed this weight limit and ARE CMV's. Most ¾ ton pickup trucks are near the 10,001 GVWR without adding a trailer. Adding any trailer will place the GCWR over 10,001 pounds, thus making it a CMV and requiring the compliance with ALL Federal Laws governing CMV's.
To check your vehicles weight rating, look at the VIN (vehicle identification number) plate on the driver door and the tongue area of the trailer for the GVWR (do NOT look at each axle separately). If there is no GVWR listed, the next method would be to check the weight limit for each tire and add them all together. Scales can also be used to determine weight. However, for inspection purposes, we use the highest weight rating available.
If your vehicle classifies as a CMV, you need to make sure your vehicle is properly equipped and that all the equipment is working. A safety inspection checks all parts of the vehicle for leaks, worn parts, load securement, lights, tires…. everything on the vehicle. Fire extinguisher and reflective safety triangles are required to be carried in the vehicle.
The driver is also required to keep track of the hours worked and driving each day. There are many laws governing this. Please call Officer (801) 254-4708 or the Utah Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Division (801) 596-9248 for additional information. Drivers also have to carry a DOT medical card (not a CDL-Commercial Driver License unless the GVWR or GCWR is 26,001 pounds or more). A DOT medical card is a card from a medical professional stating this person is physically capable of driving a CMV. Most medical professionals can issue you one of these after completing an examination similar to an annual physical.
A few more common violations include the failure to display the Company Name, DOT (Department of Transportation) numbers and GVWR on both sides of the power unit (Not a trailer) visible from 50'.
Under the law, CMV's can be stopped, without cause, for the purpose of submitting to a safety inspection. If there is a significant safety violation, the vehicle or combination of vehicles will be placed Out Of Service (following CVSA guidelines) go to www.cvsa.org for further. Citations can be issued for any violation discovered during the inspection process.
In addition to the safety inspections, size and weight enforcement is also conducted. Portable scales are utilized to enforce overweight laws.
The South Jordan Police Department's Traffic Division also has Commercial Vehicle Inspectors certified through CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance). Commercial vehicles are thoroughly inspected, thus taking unsafe commercial motor vehicles off the roadways. Inspections are completed either randomly, resulting from traffic stops or traffic collisions, or by appointment.
To make an appointment, please call Officer Chris Hart or Officer BJ Smith at 801-254-4708.
