The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) has specific registration requirements for various types of commercial vehicles. This guide provides detailed information on these codes, helping you understand the regulations for your specific vehicle. Below are the different commercial vehicle codes in New Jersey, each with its own set of requirements and specifications.
Commercial Truck or Tractor (Code 11)
This code applies to all motorized vehicles used for commercial purposes, including the transportation of goods, wares, and merchandise (N.J.S.A. 39:3-20). Heavy Use commercial vehicles, those registered at 55,000 lbs. or more, are required to upload the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) for online renewal.
License Plates:
- Clearly display the word “commercial”.
- Numerals are prefixed by the letter “X” or another prefix designated by the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission.
Required Lettering:
A clearly visible sign or nameplate, as prescribed by N.J.S.A. 39:4-46, must include:
- The name of the vehicle’s owner, lessee, or lessor.
- The municipality where the owner, lessee, or lessor has their principal place of business.
- The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the combined gross vehicle weight rating if the vehicle is 26,001 pounds or more and is registered or principally garaged in New Jersey.
- Lettering must be at least three inches in height.
Exceptions:
- Franchised public utilities and operators of fleets with 50 or more commercial vehicles are exempt from displaying the municipality name if their vehicles display a corporate identification number.
- You can obtain a Federal DOT registration number online or by contacting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at (703) 280-4001.
Taxi (Code 13)
This category includes all motor vehicles used for transporting passengers for hire, excluding school buses, omnibuses, and limousines.
License Plates:
- Designated for taxis or displaying the word “Taxicab”.
Special Conditions:
- Applicants must present an original letter of authorization or certificate from the local municipality where the taxi will operate.
- This Letter of Authorization or City Certificate must be uploaded for online renewal.
Limousine (Code 14)
A limousine is defined as an automobile with a capacity of no more than 14 passengers (excluding the driver) or stretched no more than 4 passenger seats beyond the original manufacture, as indicated on the secondary manufacturer’s plate, and used for charter at a premium fare.
License Plates:
- Specifically for charter operations and displays the word “Limousine”.
Special Conditions:
- Can be used for lease or hire.
- Limousines cannot operate on fixed routes. Vehicles operating on routes are classified as buses or jitneys.
- Vehicles used as limousines should not be registered as taxis.
- If a vehicle is used for carpooling and compensation is received, it must be registered as a limousine.
- For initial, transfer, and renewal transactions, applicants must provide an operating license issued by the municipality.
- An Insurance Certificate is required, reflecting:
- The name of the Insurance Company
- Policy Number
- Policy Expiration Date
- Minimum liability insurance of $1.5 million
- Description of all covered vehicles
- The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission listed as the certificate holder
- A Power of Attorney (POA) must be filed, appointing the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission as the attorney-in-fact for service of process.
- Certificate of Insurance and BA-49T must be uploaded for online renewal.
Aggregate Haulers (Code 16)
This code covers commercial motor vehicles used in the business of hauling aggregate materials such as ready-mix cement, stone, and clean fill.
All requirements for Code 16 vehicles are the same as for Code 11 vehicles. These vehicles are restricted to hauling aggregate as defined. Heavy Use commercial vehicles (registered at 55,000 lbs. or more) must upload the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) for online renewal.
School Bus (Codes 17, 18)
- Code 17: Vehicles with a seating capacity of 16 or more, including the driver.
- Code 18: Vehicles with a seating capacity of fewer than 16, including the driver.
License Plates:
- Code 17 plates display “school vehicle” and begin or end with “S1”.
- Code 18 plates display “school vehicle” and begin or end with “S2”.
Special Conditions:
- Plates expire 11 months from the issue date on the initial transaction only.
- All renewals expire 12 months from the registration date.
- Vehicles registered as School Vehicle I or II may only transport enrolled children and adult chaperones to and from:
- School
- School-related activities
- Day camp
- Summer day camp
- Nursery school
- Child-care center
- Pre-school
- Similar educational places
Vehicles must comply with regulations from both the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and The New Jersey Department of Education at the time of inspection.
Four-Year Commercial Trailer (Code 19)
This code is for trailers or non-title trailers used for commercial purposes registered for a four-year period.
License Plates:
- Trailer plates bear the prefix letter “T”.
Commercial Lettering:
- Follow the requirements for Commercial Truck or Tractor (Code 11).
- Commercial trailer GVW is 0; total weight is displayed on the towing vehicle.
Commercial Trailer (Code 21)
Encompasses every vehicle, motorized or not, designed to carry persons or property and to be drawn by a motor vehicle.
Four Types:
- Trailer
- Non-titled trailer
- Mobile Home
- Bogey
License Plate:
- Trailer plates bear the prefix letter “T”.
Commercial Motorcycle (Code 24)
Code 24 includes vehicles used on highways for commercial purposes, such as transporting goods, wares, and merchandise. This includes:
- Motorcycles
- Motorbikes
- Bicycles with motors attached
- Motor-operated vehicles of a bicycle or tricycle type
License Plates:
- Code 24 plates display the word “Commercial” and numerals are prefixed by the letter “X”.
Farm Truck (Code 31)
A vehicle used for transporting farm products or farm supplies produced or raised on the owner’s farm. Farm trucks cannot be used for hauling for hire.
License Plates:
- Plates for Code 31 display the word “Farmer” and begin with the prefix “XY” or “XZ”.
Vehicle Signage Requirements:
Vehicles must have a clearly visible sign or name plate that includes:
- Name of owner, renter, or renting party.
- Municipality of residence.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), if applicable, or the combined GVWR if it’s 26,001 pounds or more and the vehicle is registered or principally garaged in New Jersey.
- Lettering at least three inches high.
Special Conditions:
- A farmer is defined as someone engaged in commercial raising, growing, and producing farm products on a farm of at least five acres.
- Farm products include crops, livestock, and fur products.
- Farm supplies include farm-related supply or repair items.
- Applicants must present a current Agricultural Certificate from a county agricultural agent, which will be returned after the transaction.
- Agricultural Certificates must be uploaded for online renewal.
- Plates expire 11 months from the issue date on initial transactions.
- All renewals are valid for 12 months.
- Farm trucks may not haul for hire.
- Farm trucks may operate under contract with a municipality for snow removal.
Light–Medium Weight Tow Truck (Code 32)
This applies to vehicles engaged in towing weighing less than 32,000 lbs.
Special Conditions:
- Provide a valid Certificate of Insurance for a minimum liability of $750,000.
- The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission must be listed as the certificate holder.
- Documentation of manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (either a manufacturer’s statement of origin (MSO) or owner/lessee certification on the Application for Tow Truck Decals (Form BA-49T, available online or at motor vehicle agencies).
- Certificate of Insurance and BA-49T must be uploaded for online renewal.
Heavy Duty Tow Truck (Code 33)
Vehicles engaged in towing weighing more than 32,000 lbs. fall under this code.
Special Conditions:
- Provide a valid Certificate of Insurance for a minimum of $1,000,000.
- The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission must be listed as the certificate holder.
- Documentation of manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (MSO or owner/lessee certification on form BA-49T).
- Certificate of Insurance and BA-49T must be uploaded for online renewal.
- For tow trucks registered at 55,000 lbs. or more, the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) must be uploaded for online renewal.
Solid Waste (Code 39)
This code is for vehicles used in solid waste disposal (trash collection) with the following registration weight limits:
- 42,000 pounds for a two-axle vehicle
- 60,000 pounds for:
- Tandem three-axle vehicle
- Four-axle vehicle
- Four-axle tractor-trailer combination
License Plates:
- Regular commercial plates that begin with “X”.
Special Conditions:
- Applicants must hold a “Certificate of Convenience and Necessity” issued by the Board of Public Utility Commissioners.
- Vehicles registered as Code 39 Solid Waste can also be dually registered as Code 41 Constructor, provided the owner presents a photocopy of the title and pays the full fee for the Code 41 registration.
- In dual registration, the vehicle will have two sets of plates and registrations, both of which must be displayed and carried in the vehicle at all times.
- Vehicles registered as Solid Waste Disposal Vehicles are limited to the gross weight shown on the registration certificate.
- Certificate of Convenience and Necessity must be uploaded for online renewal.
- For vehicles registered at 55,000 lbs. or more, the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) must be uploaded for online renewal.
Constructor (Code 41)
Covers vehicles with a gross weight between 41,000 and 70,000 pounds used in construction work or in the business of supplying and/or transporting construction materials such as dirt, concrete, wood, bricks, and pipes.
License Plates:
- Regular commercial plates starting with the prefix “X”.
Restrictions:
- Vehicles cannot exceed 45 mph on highways when carrying a load under 50% of the registered gross weight.
- Vehicles cannot exceed a 30-mile air radius when carrying a load over 50% of the registered gross weight.
Special conditions (dual registration):
- Vehicles registered as Code 41 Constructor can be dually registered as Code 39 Solid Waste if the owner presents a photocopy of the title and pays the full fee for Code 39 Solid Waste.
- Proof of Business Engagement must be uploaded for online renewal.
- For vehicles registered at 55,000 lbs. or more, the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) must be uploaded for online renewal.
- In dual registration, the vehicle will have two sets of plates and registrations, both must be displayed and carried in the vehicle at all times.
Farm Use (farm machinery or implements) (Code 51)
Farm-use vehicles not for hire, used exclusively as farm machinery or implements traveling short distances from one part of a farm to another across or along a public road. Vehicles not exceeding 20 mph are exempt from registration.
License Plates:
- Plates must display “FARM USE”.
- The first letter of the alpha-numeric combination will be “F”.
- Registration is staggered throughout the year.
- The MVC issues only one plate for Code 51 registrations, to be affixed to the rear of the vehicle (Code 31 Farmer Vehicle registrations receive two plates).
Restrictions:
- Code 51 vehicles may not pull more than one vehicle used exclusively on the farm.
- Vehicles cannot be operated on the highway between sunset and sunrise and must remain within a 15-mile radius of the home farm.
- Code 51 equipment may pull machinery in transit between farms without additional machinery registration.
- Applicants must present a farm certificate from the county agricultural agent for initial, transfer, and renewal transactions (certificates are returned to the applicant).
Agricultural Tractor (Code 52)
Agricultural tractor registration allows farm tractors and traction equipment for farm operation to travel on public highways. This code also includes vehicles with permanently mounted well-drilling or impregnating machines, provided they have rubber wheels. Vehicles not exceeding 20 mph are exempt from registration.
License Plates:
- Plates must display “Tractor,” and the first letter will be “T”.
- Applicants must present a current Agricultural Certificate from a county agricultural agent, which will be returned after the transaction.
- Agricultural Certificates must be uploaded for online registration.
Special Conditions:
- Code 52 equipment may pull machinery in transit between farms without additional registration.
Omnibus and Passenger Vehicle Transportation (PVT) (Code 54)
Includes all motor vehicles used for passenger transportation for hire, except school buses, limousines, and taxis.
Omnibus 1: Traditional route buses, charter buses, and special operation buses as defined in N.J.S.A. 48:4-1. These must undergo biannual inspections by the MVC’s Bus Inspection Unit.
License Plates for Omnibus 1:
- Plates must display “Omnibus” and begin with the letter “O”.
Special Conditions:
- For initial transactions, applicants must provide the MVC with a copy of the Autobus Certificate of Compliance (MC-9) and the Authorization to Issue of Renew License Plates (MC-12), obtained after passing a New Jersey Omnibus Specification Inspection, including Safety and Emissions inspections by the MVC’s Division of Operations Bus Unit.
- Non-profit organizations should contact the MVC’s Government Unit (609-292-6500 ext. 5076) for license plates.
- Renewal transactions require only the MC-12.
Omnibus 2: Motor vehicles owned and operated by a company or individual providing passenger transportation to a specific market of their constituents, not in competition with public transit or charter services, and not collecting fares from the general public. These vehicles undergo annual safety and emissions inspections at an Inspection Station or Private Inspection Facility (PIF).
License Plates for Omnibus 2:
- Omnibus 2 Vehicles receive license plates starting with the letter “O” and number 2, followed by four alpha or numeric characters.
Special Conditions:
- Initial transaction information is available at www.njmvc.gov/pvtandyou or by calling the MVC’s Operations Bus Unit at 609-984-9362 or 609-633-9473.
- For renewal and transfer transactions, applicants must provide the MVC Agency with the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) as an “OMNIBUS 2 CARRIER”.
- Non-profit organizations should contact the MVC’s Government Unit (609-292-6500 ext. 5076) for license plates.
Passenger Vehicle Transportation (PVT): Includes ambulances, hotel buses, jitneys, mobility assistance vehicles, and para-transit vehicles providing transportation to targeted audiences or markets. PVT Definitions are available at www.njmvc.gov/pvtandyou. These vehicles require annual safety and emissions inspections at an Inspection Station or Private Inspection Facility (PIF).
License Plates for Passenger Vehicle Transportation (PVT):
- PVT vehicles receive license plates starting with the letter “O,” the second character being the first letter of the vehicle type, and four remaining alpha or numeric characters.
- Non-profit organizations should contact the MVC’s Government Unit (609-292-6500 ext. 5076) for license plates.
Note: All commercial and transit buses receive an Autobus Certificate of Compliance (MC-9) and an Authorization to Issue or Renew License Plates (MC-12) from the MVC’s Division of Operations Bus Unit before initial registration. Renewals require an MC-12 from the same unit.
Contractor Equipment In-Transit (Code 56)
Allows persons, partnerships, or corporations to obtain general registration and plates marked “temporary” or “in-transit” for road-building machinery, traction engines, rollers, or other machinery they own or control.
License Plates:
- Code 56 plates must display “CONTRACTOR EQUIPMENT IN-TRANSIT”.
- Plates are issued in bundles of five sets (10 plates) with hyphenated numbers through five.
Restrictions/Limitations:
- In-transit plates are for vehicles/equipment such as:
- Road-building machinery
- Backhoes
- Front-end loaders
- Well drilling equipment (including attachments)
- Cranes
- Arrow boards
- Chippers/Shredders
- Cement mixers
- Compressors
Alt Text: Example of a New Jersey Contractor Equipment In-Transit license plate, used for vehicles like compressors and construction machinery.
- Other self-propelled and towed equipment moving to and from construction sites.
- No load may be carried on Code 56 registered vehicles while in transit.
- Vehicles towing Code 56 plated equipment must be properly registered.
- Code 56 plated vehicles cannot be used in combination with another Code 56 plated vehicle or equipment.
- Code 56 plates are not for snowplows.
- Code 56 plates must be displayed on both the front and rear of each vehicle or piece of equipment, except for trailers or towed equipment where only one plate is required.
- Vehicles exceeding size and/or weight limits under N.J.S.A.39:3-84 require a special permit.
- Visit the NJDOT website for permit information or access the NJDOT Super load online permitting website: https://nj.gotpermits.com/njpass/login.asp.
Insurance Requirements:
- The Certificate of Insurance must include:
- Insured’s name and address.
- Policy number and valid expiration date.
- Proper coverage.
- List of all registered equipment.
Initial Registrations:
- Complete the vehicle registration application (BA-49) with:
- Owner information.
- Authorized signature and title of office.
- Leave vehicle description blank.
- Valid Certificate of Insurance or photocopy.
- Initial registration fee payment.
- All Code 56 registrations expire in March.
- Title issuance and sales tax do not apply to Code 56 registrations.
Renewal Registrations:
- Complete the vehicle registration application (BA-49).
- Provide a valid Certificate of Insurance or photocopy. Must be uploaded for online renewal.
- Pay the renewal registration fee.
Replacement Plates:
- Complete the registration application (BA-49).
- Provide a valid Accord Certificate of Insurance or photocopy.
- Pay the replacement plate fee.
Duplicate Registrations:
- Complete the vehicle registration application (BA-49).
- Provide a valid Accord Certificate of Insurance or photocopy.
- Up to five duplicate registrations may be issued.
- Pay the replacement plate fee.
Migrant farm worker (Code 58)
Vehicles used to transport persons for hire, compensation, or profit within businesses operated in New Jersey for transporting property, requiring a special permit during “seasonal employment in agricultural pursuits.”
To apply for a special permit:
- Present a migrant farm worker certification from the County Agricultural Agent or New Jersey Employee Service Office.
- Complete the application with the employer’s agricultural number.
- If applying at a New Jersey Employment Service, the office manager must vouch for the applicant.
- Cross out “EMPLOYED BY ME” and insert “NEW JERSEY”.
- Cross out “NAME OF FARMER AND CERTIFICATE NUMBER” and insert the office manager’s name, title, and branch office name.
Special Conditions:
- Permits expire on November 30th.
- Permits are not valid as driver’s licenses.
- Farm Worker Certificate must be uploaded for online renewal.
In-Transit empty (Code 59)
Includes empty trucks, trailers, semi-trailers, and mobile and manufactured homes transported between terminals or from sale locations to the registrant’s terminal or business place, or empty homes transported for additional equipment or lettering (per statute 39:3-20).
Registration:
- To apply, complete a registration application form (BA-49).
- Provide the company Entity Identification Number (EIN) or your current driver’s license number.
- Mail documents and fee to: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Government Unit 225 East State Street P.O. Box 016 (2nd Floor) Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0016.
Farm labor transport (Code 99)
Applies to commercial vehicles used for transporting migrant farm workers to and from New Jersey farms.
License Plates:
- Code 99 plates must display “Commercial”.
- Numerals are prefixed by the letter “X” or another designation by the director.
Required Lettering:
- Vehicles must have “farm labor transport” on both sides with letters at least 6 inches high in the rear.
Special Conditions:
- Drivers must be at least 21 years old and hold a commercial license (Class B or C) with a passenger endorsement or equivalent from their home state.
- Vans or buses without windows are not allowed for farm labor transport.
- Vehicles must have liability insurance for bodily injury or death.
- Proof of insurance must always be in the vehicle.
- Vehicles must be inspected annually during the registration renewal month and before use for transport.
- Inspections must be done at a state-operated inspection station.
- The owner’s name and address and the vehicle’s GVWR (if over 26,000 pounds) must be on the vehicle.
- Passengers cannot be charged for transportation.
- A notarized affidavit is required, attesting that the vehicle will only be used for transporting immigrant farm workers to and from New Jersey farms.
Related Links
Licenses and Permits
- Commercial Driver License
- Getting your Commercial Driver License (CDL)
- Commercial Learner Permits (CLP)
- Transfer out-of-state CDL
- Endorsements
- Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) Endorsements (HME)
- CDL test
- Commercial Driver License Self-Certification and Medical Examiner’s Certificate
- Commercial Driver License Violations
- Commercial Driver License (CDL) Manual
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
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