Commercial Vehicle Safety Division

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Division (CVSD) coordinates the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) throughout Pennsylvania using a strategy of education, regulatory oversight, and enforcement to prevent crashes and save lives. In addition, the CVSD is responsible for coordinating Pennsylvania’s vehicle weight enforcement and school bus safety programs.

Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program

Throughout Pennsylvania, more than 700 specially trained state and local officers inspect commercial vehicles and their drivers for compliance with state and federal motor carrier safety regulations. Inspections are conducted at interstate weigh stations as well as along many of the state’s frequently travelled rural roadways.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do the federal motor carrier safety regulations apply to me?
• I’m an intrastate carrier. Do I need a USDOT number?
• Do I need a commercial driver's license? 
• How do I get a USDOT Number? 
• Do I need a special hauling permit?
• How do I challenge an inspection report?
• How can I pay a traffic citation online?
• What are the cargo securement rules?

Weight Enforcement Program

While inspecting commercial vehicles for safety compliance, many of Pennsylvania’s motor carrier enforcement professionals also weigh them in an effort to help protect our transportation infrastructure.  Using weigh in motion and portable scales, commercial vehicles are screened and weighed to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania’s weight laws.
PA Truckers Handbook
Special Hauling Permit Information
Motor Carrier Height and Weight Restrictions

School Bus Inspection Program

Each year, more than 28,000 registered school buses are inspected during the months of May-August. School buses and school vehicles are also subjected to random inspections throughout the school year to further ensure the safe transportation of Pennsylvania’s school students.
Pennsylvania School Bus Drivers Manual
School Bus & School Vehicle Inspection Standards
School Bus Safety Tips
Pennsylvania School Bus Association
Pennsylvania Association of School Bus Officials
Pupil Transportation Association of Pennsylvania

Additional Resources

Commercial Vehicle Safety Division 2020 Municipal Police Training
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
PA Motor Truck Association
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
PA Public Utility Commission
PA Department of Transportation