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  Mass. Commercial Vehicle Operations

  Moving Massachusetts Forward > RMV-DOR- DEP-DPU-DOT/Permits-MSP-TAM-FMCSA

Vehicles Requiring a Commercial Plate

(requiring at least a “Class D” Drivers License)






Commercial Plates Required Vehicle, is any motor vehicle required to display a ‘commercial’ registration plate and which is not an ‘apportioned vehicle,’ a private passenger motor vehicle, personal transportation network vehicle, antique motor car, motorcycle, trailer, semi-trailer, auto home, house trailer, taxicab, ambulance, hearse, livery vehicle, bus, school bus, or school pupil transport vehicle, including the following:

540 CMR 2.05 Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles

(a) Any vehicle which has a vehicle weight, or curb weight, of more than six thousand pounds, as per the manufacturer's description of said vehicle, unless such vehicle is a sport utility vehicle or passenger van, or a pickup truck or cargo van meeting the definition of private passenger vehicle or a camper vehicle;

(b) Any vehicle which has five or more wheels on the ground, except a pick-up truck that is registered to an individual and is used exclusively for personal use shall not be classified as a ‘commercial plates required vehicle’ for purposes of registration unless another provision of law requires such registration.;

(c) Any pickup truck or cargo van, owned by a partnership, trust or corporation unless such vehicle meets the definition of private passenger motor vehicle;

(d) Any pickup truck or cargo van, if on the bed of the vehicle tools, supplies, materials or equipment are transported to or from a job site, or are stored for use at a job site, provided that transportation to or storage for use at a personal project for which no compensation is received shall not be considered in connection with a "job site";

(e) Any vehicle, if on the roof or sides of the vehicle, tools, supplies, materials or equipment are transported to or from a job site, or are stored for use at a job site, provided that transportation to or storage for use at a personal project for which no compensation is received shall not be deemed in connection with a "job site";

(f) A vehicle which has business advertisements or business markings thereon; provided however that markings limited to the name, address, telephone number, and logo of any corporation whose personal property is exempt from taxation under M.G.L. c. 59, § 5, Clause Third or Tenth and markings limited to the name, address, telephone number, logo or website address of a “car-sharing organization” as defined in M.G.L. c.90, §32J shall not be considered business advertisements or business markings for purposes of 540 CMR 2.05;

(g) A vehicle used for hire to plow;

(h) A vehicle used for hire to transport or store goods, wares or merchandise, provided that if the vehicle is owned by an individual, has a maximum load carrying capacity of 1,000 pounds or less, and is so used on only a part-time basis, such vehicle shall not be deemed a commercial plates-required vehicle under 540 CMR 2.05(3). - commercial vehicle(h). "Part-time basis" shall mean that not more than 40% of the total usage of the vehicle is devoted to the transporting or storing of goods, wares or merchandise.

(i) A vehicle used to transport or store goods, wares or merchandise intended for sale in the ordinary course of the vehicle operator's or owner's business, provided that if the vehicle is owned by an individual, has a maximum load carrying capacity of 1,000 pounds or less, and is so used on only a part-time basis, such vehicle shall not be deemed a commercial plates-required vehicle under 540 CMR 2.05(3). commercial vehicle(i). "Part-time basis" shall mean that not more than 40% of the total usage of the vehicle is devoted to the transporting or storing of goods, wares or merchandise.


The regulation listed above (540 CMR 2.05) applies for vehicles requiring a Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D Driver’s license. For questions specifically related to Class D Driver’s licenses, choose the relevant options below to determine what you’ll need to operate safely and legally in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Vehicle will be operated exclusively within Massachusetts borders.

Vehicle will be operated occasionally or regularly outside of the Massachusetts state line.

Commercial Plate Required Commercial Plate Required

Where will the Vehicle Operate?

(Click one of the options below)