MDT's Motor Carrier Services Division protects taxpayer investment in Montana's highway system and ensures the safety of the traveling public through uniform regulation of the commercial motor carrier industry and enforcement of all state and federal commercial motor carrier laws, rules, and regulations.
Motor Carrier Services (MCS) is also responsible for the State of Montana's oversize/overweight permit program. MCS administers all policies and rules governing the issuance of oversize/overweight permits and manages Montana's automated web-based permitting system.
What you need to know before you begin to Operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle
Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program
See the Getting Started Guide. This is “A How To booklet on getting your motor carrier company in compliance with the transportation safety regulations.”
Learn more about the FMCSA New Entrant Safety Program.
Background: The Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) lead agencies work together with FMCSA to reduce the number and severity of crashes and hazardous materials incidents involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The goal of the MCSAP is to reduce CMV-involved crashes, fatalities, and injuries through consistent, uniform, and effective CMV safety programs.
Investing grant monies in appropriate safety programs increases the likelihood that safety defects, driver deficiencies, and unsafe motor carrier practices are detected and corrected before they become contributing factors to crashes. Montana’s commercial vehicle safety program is a cooperative effort between MDT’s Motor Carrier Services Division, Montana Highway Patrol, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Program highlights include: 1) interstate and intrastate motor carrier compliance operations; 2) roadside driver and vehicle safety inspection and enforcement program; and, 3) motor carrier and public education function.
Related Links
Motor Vehicle Laws
Rules Governing MCS Administration
Federal Safety Resources
Voluntary Inspection Program
This program is voluntary and was created to allow Montana based carriers to be randomly inspected at their place of business in a setting other than those conducted roadside. Click on the Voluntary Inspection Program link for further information.
Electronic Logging Devices
An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is an electronic device designed to comply with FMCSA's criteria to accurately record a drivers' driving time for Hours of Service compliance. The International Registration Plan (IRP) and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) each allow the use of electronic devices to document vehicle distance by jurisdiction provided the required supporting data are maintained for audit purposes.
Visit the links below for further information:
IRP and IFTA Industry Advisory Committee
FMCSA
FMCSA – ELD Frequently Asked Questions
Be sure to view the Drivers and Carriers; Manufacturers, and Enforcement Partners section on the FMCSA web site.
This will guide you further on finding a compliant ELD, Timeline, FAQ’s, and much more.
