Truck Lettering Regulations & Compliance Guide

Truck lettering is essential for vehicle identification, regulatory compliance, and effective branding. Understanding the specific requirements for different vehicle sizes and operations ensures adherence to legal standards and enhances road safety. At NYC Car Wraps, located at 4700 Northern Boulevard, New York, 11101, we specialize in providing compliant and high-quality truck lettering services for all vehicle types across Queens and the greater New York area.

• Legal Name or Single Trade Name: The official name under which the business operates.
• USDOT Number: A unique identifier issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The lettering must contrast sharply with the background color of the vehicle and be legible from a distance of 50 feet during daylight hours. While federal regulations do not specify a minimum letter height, a common industry standard is at least 2 inches to ensure readability. (FMCSA Regulations)

• New York State:
  • The state recommends that lettering be at least 2 inches high, contrast with the vehicle’s background, and be readable from 50 feet away.
  • This applies to any commercial vehicle operating within the state.
  • (NY DOT Regulations)
• New York City:
  • All commercial vehicles operating within the five boroughs must display:
    • Business name
    • Full address (street address, city, state)
  • Lettering must be at least 3 inches high and in a contrasting color.
  • This ensures easy identification by law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
  • (NYC Vehicle Marking Regulations)

• The USDOT number must be displayed on both sides of the vehicle in a contrasting color and be legible from 50 feet away.
• This applies regardless of state if the vehicle crosses state lines for commercial purposes.

• Trucks and vans used for business purposes that meet the GVW threshold.
• Interstate delivery vehicles, including those used by independent contractors.
• Fleet vehicles and service trucks used in logistics and transportation.

Additional Information for Display

Depending on the vehicle’s use and jurisdiction, additional information may be required:

• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): Some states require GVW to be displayed, especially for vehicles over specific weight limits.
• Company Address and Phone Number: While not federally mandated, displaying your business contact information is recommended for branding and compliance.

Vehicle Size Considerations

Small Vehicles (Under 10,001 Pounds GVW)

• Not required to display USDOT numbers unless specified by local or state regulations.
• May still need business name and address if used for commercial purposes in New York City.

Medium & Large Vehicles (10,001 Pounds or More GVW)

• Must display a USDOT number if engaged in interstate commerce.
• Lettering must be at least 2 inches high to ensure readability.

Oversized & Heavy-Duty Vehicles

• Must display additional markings such as GVW and operational permits.
• May require additional regulatory compliance depending on state or federal guidelines.