Decoding New Jersey Commercial Vehicle Codes: A Comprehensive Guide for Business Owners

Navigating the regulations for commercial vehicles can be complex. In New Jersey, the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) has established a system of codes to categorize different types of commercial vehicles, each with specific requirements. This guide breaks down these codes, providing essential information for businesses operating in the Garden State. While a well-equipped tool kit for your car is essential for personal vehicle maintenance, understanding these commercial codes is your business’s equivalent for staying compliant and on the road. This informational guide aims to clarify these codes, ensuring your commercial operations run smoothly and legally.

Understanding Commercial Truck and Tractor Regulations (Code 11)

Code 11 encompasses a broad range of motorized vehicles used for commercial activities, including the transportation of goods and merchandise, as defined by N.J.S.A. 39:3-20. For heavy-use commercial vehicles, specifically those registered at 55,000 lbs or more, it’s mandatory to upload the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) during online renewals to confirm federal compliance.

Key Features for Code 11 Vehicles:

• Plates: Distinctly marked with the word “commercial.” Numerals are prefixed with “X” or another designated prefix by the MVC Chief Administrator.
• Required Lettering: A clearly visible sign or nameplate, as per N.J.S.A. 39:4-46, must display:
  • The full name of the vehicle’s owner, lessee, or lessor.
  • The municipality where the principal business is located.
  • The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or combined GVWR if the vehicle is 26,001 pounds or more and registered or primarily garaged in New Jersey.
  • Lettering must be at least three inches in height to ensure visibility.

Exceptions to Municipal Name Display:

• Franchised public utilities and fleets of 50+ commercial vehicles are exempt from displaying the municipality name, provided they display a corporate identification number for easy recognition.
• For Federal DOT registration, which might be necessary for interstate commerce, you can register online via the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website or by contacting them directly at (703) 280-4001.

Taxi Vehicle Requirements (Code 13)

Code 13 is specifically for taxis – motor vehicles used to transport passengers for hire, excluding school buses, omnibuses, and limousines.

Taxi Vehicle Specifics:

• Plates: Designated for taxi use, often displaying “Taxicab” to clearly identify the vehicle’s purpose.
• Special Conditions:
  • Applicants must provide an original letter of authorization or a certificate from the local municipality where the taxi will operate, ensuring local compliance.
  • This Letter of Authorization or City Certificate is required for upload during online renewal processes, maintaining up-to-date permissions.

Limousine Vehicle Regulations (Code 14)

Code 14 applies to limousines, defined as automobiles with a passenger capacity of no more than 14 (excluding the driver) or stretched no more than 4 passenger seats beyond the original manufacture, intended for premium fare charter services.

Limousine Vehicle Details:

• Plates: Specifically for charter operations, displaying “Limousine” to distinguish them from other for-hire vehicles.
• Special Conditions:
  • Limousines are permitted for lease or hire but cannot operate on fixed routes. Vehicles running on routes are classified as buses or jitneys.
  • Registration as a taxi is inappropriate for vehicles used as limousines.
  • Vehicles used for carpooling for compensation must be registered as limousines to comply with regulations.
  • For initial, transfer, and renewal transactions, a municipal license to operate is mandatory.
  • Insurance Certificate requirements include:
    • Name of the Insurance Company for verification.
    • Policy Number for tracking and reference.
    • Policy Expiration Date to ensure active coverage.
    • Minimum liability insurance of $1.5 million to cover potential incidents.
    • Description of all vehicles under the policy for clarity.
    • Listing the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission as the certificate holder for official record-keeping.
  • A Power of Attorney (POA) must be filed, appointing the Chief Administrator of the MVC as the attorney-in-fact for service of process, facilitating legal communications.
  • Certificate of Insurance and BA-49T form must be uploaded for online renewals to keep records current.

Regulations for Aggregate Haulers (Code 16)

Code 16 is designated for commercial motor vehicles used in the business of hauling aggregate materials such as ready-mix cement, stone, and clean fill.

Aggregate Hauler Specifications:

• Requirements are identical to Code 11 vehicles, ensuring uniformity in commercial vehicle standards.
• Vehicle use is restricted to hauling aggregate materials as specifically defined, maintaining the code’s purpose.
• Heavy Use commercial vehicles (55,000 lbs. or more) must upload the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) for online renewal, similar to Code 11, for tax compliance.

School Bus Vehicle Codes (Codes 17, 18)

Codes 17 and 18 differentiate school buses based on seating capacity, both crucial for student transportation safety.

• Code 17: For vehicles with a seating capacity of 16 or more, including the driver, typically larger school buses.
• Code 18: For vehicles with a seating capacity of less than 16, including the driver, usually smaller school vehicles.

School Bus Plate and Usage Conditions:

• Plates:
  • Code 17 plates display “school vehicle” and include “S1” at the beginning or end for easy identification.
  • Code 18 plates display “school vehicle” and feature “S2” at the start or end, distinguishing smaller capacity buses.
• Special Conditions:
  • Initial transaction plates for both codes expire after 11 months from issuance, with renewals extending to 12 months from registration date.
  • Vehicles under Code 17 or 18 may only transport enrolled children and chaperoning adults to and from:
    • School for daily education.
    • School-related activities such as field trips and sports events.
    • Day camps and summer day camps for seasonal programs.
    • Nursery schools, child-care centers, and pre-schools for early childhood education.
    • Similar educational venues, ensuring transport is strictly for educational purposes.
• Inspection Compliance: Vehicles must meet regulations from both:
  • The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission for vehicle safety and operational standards.
  • The New Jersey Department of Education for educational transportation guidelines, ensuring student safety and vehicle suitability.

Four-Year Commercial Trailer Registration (Code 19)

Code 19 is for commercial trailers or non-title trailers seeking a four-year registration period, simplifying long-term compliance.

Trailer Registration Details:

• Plates: Trailer plates are identified by the prefix letter “T”, standardizing trailer identification.
• Commercial Lettering: Follows the same requirements as Commercial Trucks or Tractors (Code 11), ensuring uniformity in commercial vehicle markings.
• GVW: Commercial trailer GVW is recorded as 0; the total weight is accounted for and displayed on the towing vehicle, streamlining weight management and display.

Commercial Trailer Registration (Code 21)

Code 21 encompasses all trailers, motorized or non-motorized, designed for carrying persons or property and intended to be drawn by a motor vehicle.

Types of Trailers Under Code 21:

• Trailer – standard towable trailers.
• Non-titled trailer – trailers not requiring a title.
• Mobile Home – for transporting mobile homes.
• Bogey – specialized trailers for heavy or oversized loads.

Plate Identification:

• Plate: Similar to Code 19, Code 21 trailer plates also bear the prefix letter “T”, maintaining consistency in trailer plate identification.

Commercial Motorcycle Regulations (Code 24)

Code 24 covers commercial motorcycles, including motorbikes, motorized bicycles, and similar vehicles used for commercial purposes like transporting goods.

Vehicle Types and Plate Details:

• Included Vehicles:
  • Motorcycles for standard commercial use.
  • Motorbikes, typically lighter motorcycles.
  • Bicycles with attached motors for light commercial tasks.
  • Motor-operated vehicles of bicycle or tricycle type for niche commercial applications.
• Plates: Code 24 plates display “Commercial” and numerals are prefixed by “X,” mirroring commercial truck plates for consistency.

Farm Truck Regulations (Code 31)

Code 31 applies to vehicles transporting farm products or supplies produced on the owner’s farm, with restrictions on hauling for hire.

Farm Truck Specifications:

• Plates: Plates display “Farmer” and begin with “XY” or “XZ” prefixes, distinguishing farm-use vehicles.
• Required Signage: Vehicles must have a visible sign or nameplate with:
  • Name of the owner, renter, or renting party for accountability.
  • Municipality of residence to establish local connection.
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), if applicable, or combined GVWR if over 26,001 lbs, for weight compliance.
  • Lettering at least three inches high for clear visibility.
• Special Conditions:
  • A farmer is defined as someone commercially raising farm products on at least five acres.
  • Farm products include crops, livestock, and fur products; farm supplies include related repair items.
  • Applicants need a current Agricultural Certificate from a county agricultural agent, returned after transaction completion, verifying farm status.
  • Agricultural Certificates are required for upload during online renewal.
  • Initial plate transactions expire in 11 months; renewals are valid for 12 months.
  • Farm trucks are prohibited from hauling for hire but can operate under municipal snow removal contracts.

Light–Medium Weight Tow Truck Regulations (Code 32)

Code 32 covers tow trucks engaged in towing vehicles weighing less than 32,000 lbs.

Tow Truck Specific Requirements:

• Special Conditions:
  • A valid Certificate of Insurance with a minimum liability of $750,000 is required.
  • The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission must be listed as the certificate holder for direct accountability.
  • Documentation of the manufacturer’s GVWR, like a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) or owner/lessee certification on Form BA-49T, is necessary.
  • Certificate of Insurance and BA-49T form must be uploaded for online renewal, ensuring current compliance.

Heavy Duty Tow Truck Regulations (Code 33)

Code 33 applies to tow trucks towing vehicles weighing more than 32,000 lbs, indicating heavier towing capabilities.

Heavy Tow Truck Requirements:

• Special Conditions:
  • Requires a valid Certificate of Insurance with a minimum liability of $1,000,000, reflecting the increased risk.
  • The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission must be the certificate holder for regulatory oversight.
  • GVWR documentation (MSO or owner/lessee certification on Form BA-49T) is needed to verify vehicle capacity.
  • Certificate of Insurance and BA-49T are required for online renewal. For trucks over 55,000 lbs, the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) must also be uploaded for tax compliance.

Solid Waste Vehicle Regulations (Code 39)

Code 39 is for vehicles used in solid waste disposal (trash collection), with specific weight ceilings based on axle configuration.

Weight Limits and Plate Details:

• Weight Ceilings:
  • 42,000 pounds for two-axle vehicles.
  • 60,000 pounds for tandem three-axle, four-axle vehicles, and four-axle tractor-trailer combinations, optimizing load distribution.
• Plates: Use regular commercial plates starting with “X”, blending with standard commercial vehicle identification.
• Special Conditions:
  • Applicants must possess a “Certificate of Convenience and Necessity” from the Board of Public Utility Commissioners, ensuring regulated operation.
  • Code 39 vehicles can be dually registered as Code 41 Constructor, requiring a title photocopy and full Code 41 registration fee, allowing versatile vehicle use.
  • Dual registration means two plate sets and registrations must be maintained and displayed/carried at all times.
  • Weight limits are strictly enforced as per the registration certificate.
  • Certificate of Convenience and Necessity must be uploaded for online renewal. For vehicles over 55,000 lbs, the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) is also needed for online renewal.

Constructor Vehicle Regulations (Code 41)

Code 41 is for vehicles between 41,000 and 70,000 lbs used in construction or material transport like dirt, concrete, and wood.

Operational Restrictions and Dual Registration:

• Plates: Use standard commercial plates starting with “X,” similar to Code 39.
• Restrictions:
  • Speed limit of 45 mph when carrying under 50% of registered gross weight.
  • 30-mile air mile radius limit when carrying over 50% of registered gross weight, managing operational scope.
• Special Conditions (Dual Registration):
  • Code 41 vehicles can be dually registered as Code 39 Solid Waste, requiring a title photocopy and full Code 39 fee, enabling broader vehicle application.
  • Dual registration necessitates maintaining and displaying both plate sets and registrations.
  • Proof of Business Engagement must be uploaded for online renewal. Heavy vehicles (55,000+ lbs) also need the Heavy Use Tax Form (2290) for online renewal.

Farm Use Vehicle Regulations (Code 51)

Code 51 is for farm-use vehicles not for hire, used as farm machinery traveling short distances between farm parts.

Usage Limits and Plate Specifications:

• Vehicles not exceeding 20 mph are registration-exempt, simplifying requirements for slow-moving farm equipment.
• Plates: Display “FARM USE,” with the first alphanumeric character being “F,” for easy identification. Only one plate is issued, for rear vehicle affixation.
• Restrictions:
  • May not pull more than one farm-use vehicle.
  • Operation prohibited between sunset and sunrise and must stay within a 15-mile radius of the home farm, limiting operational scope.
  • Code 51 equipment can pull machinery between farms without extra registration.
  • Farm certificate from a county agricultural agent is needed for initial, transfer, and renewal transactions, verifying farm use.

Agricultural Tractor Regulations (Code 52)

Code 52 allows farm tractors and traction equipment to travel on public highways, also covering vehicles with mounted well-drilling or impregnating machines.

Vehicle Types and Plate Details:

• Vehicles not exceeding 20 mph are exempt from registration, similar to Code 51.
• Plates: Display “Tractor,” with the first letter being “T,” for clear identification as agricultural tractors.
• Agricultural Certificate from a county agent is required for registration and must be uploaded for online processes, confirming agricultural vehicle status.
• Special Conditions: Code 52 equipment can pull machinery between farms without additional registration, easing inter-farm equipment transport.

Omnibus and Passenger Vehicle Transportation (PVT) (Code 54)

Code 54 covers vehicles transporting passengers for hire, excluding school buses, limousines, and taxis, divided into Omnibus 1 and Omnibus 2.

Omnibus 1 vs Omnibus 2 and Plate Types:

• Omnibus 1: Traditional route, charter, and special operation buses (N.J.S.A. 48:4-1), requiring biannual MVC Bus Inspection Unit inspections. Plates display “Omnibus” and start with “O.”
• Omnibus 2: Company-owned vehicles transporting a specific group without direct fare collection, inspected annually for safety and emissions. Plates start with “O” followed by “2.”
• PVT: Includes ambulances, hotel buses, jitneys, etc., for targeted transport markets, inspected annually. PVT plates start with “O” and the vehicle type’s first letter.
• Non-profit Organizations: Should contact the MVC’s Government Unit for license plates.

Special Conditions for Omnibus and PVT:

• Omnibus 1: Initial transactions need Autobus Certificate of Compliance (MC-9) and Authorization to Issue License Plates (MC-12), obtained post-inspection. Renewals only need MC-12.
• Omnibus 2: Initial information at www.njmvc.gov/pvtandyou. Renewals and transfers require the owner’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN).
• PVT: Definitions at www.njmvc.gov/pvtandyou.

Note: All commercial and transit buses need MC-9 and MC-12 from the MVC’s Bus Unit before initial registration and MC-12 for renewals.

Contractor Equipment In-Transit Regulations (Code 56)

Code 56 is for temporary registration and plates for contractor equipment in transit, such as road building machinery and rollers.

Plate Details and Usage Restrictions:

• Plates: Display “CONTRACTOR EQUIPMENT IN-TRANSIT,” issued in bundles of five sets with hyphenated numbers.
• Restrictions/Limitations: For equipment like road-building machinery, backhoes, cranes, cement mixers, etc., moving to/from construction sites.
  • No loads are allowed during transit.
  • Towing vehicles must be separately registered.
  • Code 56 plates cannot be combined on multiple vehicles/equipment.
  • Not for snowplows.
  • Plates on front and rear, except trailers/towed equipment (one plate).
  • Vehicles exceeding size/weight limits need special permits from NJDOT (https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/freight/trucking/oversize.shtm).

Insurance and Registration Requirements:

• Insurance: Certificate must include insured’s details, policy number, expiration, coverage, and equipment list.
• Initial Registrations: Use application BA-49, include owner info, signature, insurance certificate, and fee. Code 56 registrations expire in March. No title/sales tax applies.
• Renewal Registrations: Use BA-49, provide insurance certificate, and renewal fee. Upload insurance for online renewal.
• Replacement Plates/Duplicate Registrations: Use BA-49, insurance certificate, and replacement fee. Up to five duplicate registrations allowed.

Migrant Farm Worker Vehicle Regulations (Code 58)

Code 58 is for vehicles transporting persons for hire in agricultural businesses during seasonal employment.

Permit and Usage Conditions:

• Special permit needed for seasonal agricultural employment period. Apply with migrant farm worker certification from a County Agricultural Agent or NJ Employee Service Office, and boss’s agricultural number.
• Special conditions: Permit expires November 30th and is not a driver’s license. Farm Worker Certificate must be uploaded for online renewal.

In-Transit Empty Vehicle Regulations (Code 59)

Code 59 covers transporting empty trucks, trailers, and mobile homes between terminals or from sale to the registrant’s business for outfitting.

Registration Process:

• Apply using registration form BA-49. Provide company Entity Identification Number (EIN) or driver’s license number.
• Mail documents and fee to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Government Unit in Trenton.

Farm Labor Transport Regulations (Code 99)

Code 99 applies to commercial vehicles transporting migrant farm workers to and from New Jersey farms.

Vehicle and Driver Requirements:

• Plates: Display “Commercial” and numerals prefixed by “X” or director’s designation.
• Required lettering: “farm labor transport” on both sides, rear letters at least 6 inches high.
• Special conditions:
  • Drivers must be 21+ with a commercial license (Class B or C) and passenger endorsement.
  • Windowless vans/buses prohibited.
  • Liability insurance required, proof must be in the vehicle.
  • Annual inspection at a state station during renewal month and before transport use.
  • Owner’s name, address, and GVWR (if over 26,000 lbs) must be on the vehicle.
  • No passenger transportation fees allowed.
  • Notarized affidavit needed, attesting vehicle use only for migrant farm worker transport to/from NJ farms.

Understanding these New Jersey MVC commercial vehicle codes is crucial for compliance and efficient business operation. Ensuring you have the correct registration and adhere to all requirements keeps your vehicles legally on the road, just as maintaining a tool kit for your car keeps your personal vehicle running smoothly. This guide is for informational purposes and businesses should always verify the latest regulations with the NJ MVC directly to ensure full compliance.