What Is Considered a Commercial Vehicle in Texas?

If a vehicle involved in an accident is considered a commercial vehicle, different rules may apply that can affect fault determinations, insurance requirements, and regulatory compliance. An experienced San Antonio commerical vehicle accident attorney from The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC can review your case and help determine if the other vehicle involved is a commercial motor vehicle.

How Commercial Vehicles Are Defined in Texas

If the vehicle only operates within the state of Texas, it is considered a commercial vehicle under the Texas Transportation Code if it is a self-propelled or towed vehicle (other than a farm vehicle) with a gross weight, registered weight, or gross weight rating of less than 48,000 pounds if it is used on a public highway to transport passengers or cargo if the vehicle weighs more than 26,000 pounds, is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, or is used to transport hazardous materials in an amount that requires a placard under federal law. If the vehicle is used for interstate purposes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) defines a commercial vehicle as a self-propelled or towed vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle:

• Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more
• Is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers for compensation
• Is designed or used to transport more than fifteen passengers without compensation
• Is used to transport hazardous materials in a quantity requiring a placard under federal regulations

Common Examples of Commercial Motor Vehicles

Key differences between commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles are their size, weight, and use. Commercial vehicles are often (but not always) used for compensation.

Commercial vehicles that meet the state and/or federal definition include the following:

• Semi-trucks
• Tankers
• Buses
• Party vans
• Tow trucks
• Flatbed trucks
• Garbage trucks
• Cement trucks
• Amazon delivery trucks
• FedEx trucks
• UPS trucks

Why Commercial Motor Vehicle Classification Is So Important

Commercial motor vehicle classification is important because it dictates licensing, insurance, and safety responsibilities. Commercial motor vehicle drivers and the companies that hire them are subject to various rules, including:

• Drivers must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and pass a written and skills test.
• Drivers must have medical certification demonstrating that they are physically capable of handling the job and be able to communicate in English.
• Drivers are subject to hours-of-service regulations that limit how many hours a driver can work and drive within a specified period of time and are designed to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue.
• Drivers are subject to at-hire, random, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing.
• Certain records must be gathered and maintained for defined periods of time.
• Maintenance and inspection requirements must be followed.
• Securement rules must be followed to prevent cargo shifts or spills.

These rules can directly affect your case, help you establish liability, and strengthen your claim for compensation.

Commercial motor vehicles must also carry higher insurance limits, so if you get injured in an accident involving one, more insurance may be available to cover your accident-related injuries and losses.

Contact the Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers at The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC

If you were injured in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, reach out to the legal team of San Antonio accident lawyers at The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC. We can discuss your legal rights and options and how we can help during a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact us today to get started with yours.