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At Wrapbook, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding free resources to producers and their crews, but this post is for informational purposes only as of the date above. The content on our website is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, or tax advice. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances.
As your production company grows, so do your responsibilities. Traveling to new locations with larger crews and more gear can be an exciting evolution—but also a legal minefield if you’re not DOT-compliant.
The biggest mistake smaller productions make is not realizing that the moment you employ the use of a commercial motor vehicle, you may fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
But what are the DOT requirements for film productions? Here’s what you need to know to keep your shoot safe, compliant, and fine-free.
Department of Transportation compliance becomes mandatory when your production starts paying drivers and using commercial vehicles.
The FMCSA defines a commercial motor vehicle as one with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 lbs or more. Vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR are considered regulated vehicles and require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
If your production is paying the driver and using a vehicle that meets these thresholds—whether a passenger van, bus, or a commercial motor vehicle; whether owned, rented, or trip leased—your company is legally considered the “Motor Carrier” and you must register for a DOT Number for your company’s vehicles.
A DOT Number is a unique identifier required for any company operating commercial vehicles. It allows the FMCSA to monitor compliance with safety regulations across your company’s vehicles and drivers.
To get started on your film production DOT requirements:
You’ll need to provide:
Once issued, your DOT number must be displayed on all commercial vehicles your production rents or uses for 30 or more days—or you will be in breach of film production DOT requirements.
Remember, the FMCSA provides the rules and regulations to ensure safe travel.
If your production leases, rents, or owns commercial vehicles—locally or across state lines—your company becomes the “Motor Carrier” and must follow these rules.
To remain compliant with all film production DOT requirements, any vehicle used for 30 or more days must clearly show your company name and DOT number on both sides.
All commercial or regulated vehicles operating under film production DOT requirements must stop at open weigh stations to ensure compliance with weight, safety, and emissions standards.
You may also need a trip permit depending on the state.
All drivers following film production DOT requirements must be able to readily provide documentation accounting for requirements set for by the Department of Transportation.
These documents include:
To operate vehicles over 10,001 GVWR across state lines and stay compliant with film production DOT requirements, all employed drivers must have a Drivers Qualification File (DQF) as well as a Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
Under film production DOT requirements, each DQF must provide a three-year employment history of the driver, any records of Department of Transportation tests or inspections, and proof of a Department of Transportation medical examination within the past two years. Drivers operating regulated vehicles (26,001+ GVWR) must also have a valid CDL.
Film production DOT requirements apply whenever a driver of a commercial or regulated vehicle is transporting goods for service, but remember that each state will have its own unique driver regulations. (Just as they do for minimum wage and overtime laws!)
As you expand your range of production locations, be sure to contact the motor carrier bureau of each state you plan to film in. Stay informed on your locations’ regulations to ensure that your drivers, vehicles, and productions stay compliant and avoid any issues and/or fines.
If you’re renting a cube truck, trailer, or 15-passenger van for your next shoot, you’re likely entering DOT territory. Compliance isn’t just a box to check—it’s essential for legal, safe production travel.
And remember: If you ever find yourself wondering what are the DOT requirements for film production, you can contact your local DOT office or visit FMCSA.dot.gov for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.
For more tips on navigating production compliance with confidence, Wrapbook is here to help!
