If you drive a commercial truck or own a fleet, you need to follow federal rules about displaying your company information. These DOT lettering requirements aren’t just suggestions – they’re the law. Getting them wrong can lead to fines and inspection delays.
Don’t worry – the rules are simple once you know what to do. This guide explains everything about marking your truck correctly. For professional DOT signs that meet all federal standards, check our options.
What Information Must You Display?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires two pieces of information on every commercial vehicle:
Your Legal Business Name: This must match exactly what’s registered with the FMCSA on your MCS-150 form. You can’t use a nickname or shortened version.
Your USDOT Number: Write it as “USDOT” followed by your number.
For example:
- ABC Trucking LLC
- USDOT 1234567
Some companies may also need to show other numbers like MC, MX, or FF numbers. Also, some states require their own state numbers. Check both federal and state rules to be sure.
Where to Place the Lettering
The goal is simple: make sure law enforcement and the public can easily see your information.
Both Sides Required: Put your information on both sides of your truck or tractor. The cab doors are the most common spot. Don’t put it only on the trailer or back of the cab – that won’t pass inspection.
Permanent Location: Place the lettering on a permanent part of your vehicle. Avoid removable parts since the truck itself must always be properly marked.
Size and Color Requirements
This is where many truck owners make mistakes. There are two important rules:
Must Be Readable from 50 Feet: Your lettering needs to be large and clear enough to read from 50 feet away during daylight. While there’s no exact size requirement, most professionals recommend letters at least 2 inches tall. Use simple fonts like Arial instead of fancy script fonts that are hard to read.
High Contrast Colors: Your letters must stand out clearly against your truck’s background color. Black letters on white work well, as do white letters on dark blue. Don’t use similar colors like dark gray on black – inspectors will fail you.
Working with us helps ensure you get both the size and colors right while keeping your truck looking good.
How to Display Your Information
You have two main options for showing your required information:
Vinyl Decals: These are the most professional choice. Good quality vinyl lasts for years, handles all weather, and stays secure once applied. This works best if you own your truck and want a permanent solution. You can also add your logo for a more professional look.
Magnetic Signs: These give you flexibility, which is great if you lease trucks or use your vehicle for personal use too. However, buy high-quality magnets – cheap ones can fall off or get stolen. Make sure your truck surface is clean and flat before applying magnets.
Final Thoughts
Following lettering requirements is straightforward but essential. Display the right information on both sides of your truck using large, high-contrast letters to avoid fines and pass inspections.
Professional DOT signs make this easy, durable, and visually appealing. Proper marking is more than compliance – it shows your business is professional, trustworthy, and easy to identify.
