Blogs

A large truck drives on a dirt road against a hilly backdrop. Text reads: "Crossing Indiana State Lines with Farm-plated Truck. Does the Weight Matter?"

April 17, 2022

If you are a farmer in Indiana and own a semi-tractor or a trailer, and intend to haul your own products, you can place a 30,000 lbs farm plate on your tractor. The Indiana Bureau of motor vehicles license branch is going to facilitate this. You can haul your loads across the state roads of Indiana. You can also take it to the Indiana interstate highways even if the gross weight is 80,000 LBS. However, there are a few limitations to this rule. These are as follows:

  • Every load that you are carrying should have originated from your farm. It must be the products that you have produced. You can transport grain from your farmland to other locations in Indiana. 
  • You can also transport grain from your fields to the bins and farm machinery located across various fields throughout numerous locations in Indiana.
  • Once you have taken a load from your farm and unloaded it at another location, it will not be possible for you to pick up any other load and bring it back to your farm. Whenever you return, your trailer must be completely empty. You are allowed to bring any loads from the field back to your yard or you can bring any rejected loads back to your property. These are the loads that have originated on your farm. 
  • If you pick up any other load from any other location that does not belong to your farm and bring it back to your farm, in case you are caught with it, you will have to pay a fine for this violation. This fine will be for the entire weight of the truck, the load, and the trailer that you are driving.
  • You cannot haul any kind of loads for hire which is the case with every farm plated tractor. If you intend to haul any load for pay, your regular plate is not going to cut it. You will have to plate your tractor commercially. 
  • There is a BMV plate that you must use if you want to haul within your state. Also, you can use an IRP plate if you intend to cross state lines. If you haul any products for hire, you must register for Indiana fuel stickers. Alternatively, you can register for IFTA stickers if you want to cross state lines. 
  • You must register for a US DOT number as well if you want to cross state lines in addition to a Unified Carrier Registration filing. 

The Rule Of 10% Overweight

In case you intend to haul any grain, you will be allowed a 10% overweight. If you are hauling 80,000 LBS on state roads, this will be allowed. You have to keep your weight at a lower limit on county roads. You will also have to be careful of the bridges that span throughout your state. Traveling on Indiana interstate highways is allowed with a 30,000 LBS farm plate. 

However, you cannot exceed the 80,000 LBS limit because there is no allowance for overweight journeys for any vehicle that has a 30,000 LBS farm plate. If you are traveling on the interstate highways with a weight of 80,000 LBS, you will have to pay a fine for the excess weight which is the weight in excess of 30,000 LBS. This means that you will end up with a $10,000 fine. Your tractor or trailer will be impounded until you pay up this fine.

If you have a farm vehicle with a farm plate of 30,000 LBS in Indiana, it is going to run $202.75 for a full year. The exercise tax on it will be $189 for 12 months. This means that the total stands at $391.75. In case you have a county wheel tax, this will also be added to the cost of your plate.

If you have a farm vehicle with 78,000 LBS farm plate, it is going to cost you $682.75 for the plate for the entire year. Now combine this with a $654 exercise tax. Again, add the county wheel tax if there is any and you have a very hefty amount to pay.

Plating Your Tractor With A BMV License Branch

Many farmers decide to plate their tractors from the BMV license branch that facilitates a regular commercial plate. This allows them to travel anywhere across Indiana. If you intend to do the same, you must remain within the state borders. 

  • You can haul any non-hazardous products but not any household goods. 
  • You must also register for proof of liability insurance with the state and apply for a USDOT number as well. 
  • In addition to this, you will also have to register for Indiana fuel tax. 
  • In case the title of your tractor shows that you have been the owner of it for more than 60 days when you had applied for a plate, you must provide enough documentation to prove that you have submitted a 2290 federal highway use tax form. This form will be submitted to the IRS on your tractor.

It is applicable if the weight of the tractor is above 54,000 lbs for the current year. Remember that whenever you file your 2290 federal highway use tax form, you must also have your Employer Identification Number which is the federal ID number.

Crossing State Lines With A Farm Plate

Crossing state lines with a farm plate is only possible when the plate says the exact weight which is that of your trailer, tractor, and load. You must have a USDOT number and should also register for IFTA fuel stickers. In order to cross state lines, you should also apply for your UCR and you can only haul loads that are your produce and nothing else across state lines.

Hauling Loads For Pay Across State Lines

There are a few requirements that you will have to fulfill if you want to haul loads across state lines with your vehicle. 

  • You must have a USDOT number in addition to an IRP license plate. Register for IFTA fuel tax as well. Unified carrier registration is also necessary if you are hauling any exempt commodities.
  • There are a few items (that you might choose to haul) that would require you to obtain the MC authority if you want to transport them across state lines. Take fertilizers, for example, because for them, you will need to have a federal motor carrier MC authority with you.
  • You will have to show to the state office that issues IRP license plates that you are legal to haul loads across state lines when the plate was issued.
  • It is important that you separate your farm business from your trucking business because of various legal liability issues. You can form an LLC for this purpose. This can be done very easily and for this, you will have to understand the various IRP office requirements. 

The one person that can handle all these responsibilities and formalities is your DOT compliance partner. You can get in touch with them right away and ditch all this stress once and for all.

FAQ

What Happens If You Fail a DOT Inspection?

If the vehicle or driver is deemed unsafe, they may be placed out of service, meaning the vehicle cannot operate until all violations are properly corrected.

Who decides which level of inspection to perform?

Both the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have a part in DOT inspection levels. The CVSA develops the criteria and sets the procedures for every inspection level. The FMCSA establishes overall regulations and determines which vehicles must be inspected.

How often do DOT inspections happen?

DOT inspections can happen at any time. They most commonly happen during roadside stops and weigh stations. Carriers with higher risk, poor safety records, or hazardous material may be inspected more frequently.

What documents are required during an inspection?

Documents required during an inspection include but may not be limited to:

  • State driver’s license or commercial driver’s license
  • Medical examiner’s certificate
  • Record of duty status
  • Vehicle registrations
  • Periodic inspections document for all vehicles being operated
  • Shipping papers or bills of lading
  • Information for hazardous materials being transported
  • Proof of insurance

What are common DOT inspection violations?

According to the FMCSA, the 5 most cited roadside violations are:

  1. False Report of Driver’s Record of Duty Status: log falsification providing inaccurate or intentionally altered duty-status information.
  2. No Record of Duty Status (ELD Required): using a commercial vehicle without the required electronic logging device or valid time records.
  3. Inoperable Required Lamp: crucial lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, etc.) are not functioning properly.
  4. Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle Without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  5. Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle Without Proof of a Periodic Inspection: failure to meet FMCSA the maintenance standards of a required annual inspection.

Why is updating VMT important for compliance?

VMT is tracked to determine fuel tax obligations (Vehicle Miles Traveled Tax) used for road maintenance and improvements. Trucking companies must keep accurate records of VMT to ensure they pay the correct amount of taxes.

How often should VMT be updated?

For motor carriers VMT must be updated every two years along with the MCS-150 form for the Biennial Update.

Can VMT be tracked automatically with technology?

Yes, Electronic Legging Devices (ELDs), Fleet Management Apps, and Mileage Tracking Software are all technological advancements that can simplify the process of VMT tracking.

How does VMT affect taxes and fuel reporting?

Accurate VMT records help document mileage for business-related tax deductions, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. It also supports fuel tax reporting by tracking the miles each vehicle travels in different jurisdictions, which is essential for state and federal fuel tax calculations. Proper tracking reduces errors, prevents penalties, and provides a clear record of operational costs.

How do I know when my Biennial Update is due?

  • Your filing schedule depends on the last two digits of your USDOT number. The last digit corresponds with what month the form needs to be filed in. January is 1, February is 2, March is 3, etc. The next to last digit determines the year (odd-numbered year or even numbered year). For example, DOT number 1234567 files their biennial update in July (7) of every even year (6). Contact us today to see if you’re due.

Does the Biennial Update cost money to file?

While you can file your Biennial Update yourself for no cost through FMCSA. The process can often be confusing and time-consuming. Our team can handle your filing for you, simplifying the process for you.

Do intrastate carriers need to file the update?

Yes, even if carriers stay within state lines, a biennial update is still needed for their USDOT number.

What happens if I miss my filing deadline?

  • Failure to complete biennial update to FMCSA can be subject to fines with a maximum penalty of $10,000. If your update is past due, you can still file it to restore your compliance status. Contact us today to file your form! https://biennialupdatenow.com/bu-update/ 

What are the new FMCSA rules in 2025?

  1. Civil Penalty Amount Increases
  2. Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Becomes Exclusive Source for checking driver history.
  3. ELD Technology Required
  4. SMS (Safety Measurement System) Modernization
  5. Crash Preventability Determination Program Expanded

When do the 2025 FMCSA regulations take effect?

The confirmed dates these regulations take effect is May 30, June 23, October 1, 2025.

How can trucking companies prepare for these changes?

Regularly reviewing your Safety Measurement System (SMS) scores and maintaining personal checklists for inspections, driver qualification files, and drug and alcohol testing helps catch issues before they affect audits. Partnering with DOT Compliance Group streamlines filings, reporting, and ongoing monitoring, taking the guesswork out of FMCSA regulations and keeping your operation audit-ready year-round.

What Triggers a DOT Compliance Review?

A DOT compliance review is triggered when FMCSA wants to ensure a carrier is following safety regulations. Common triggers include high SMS safety scores, a history of crashes or violations, and previous noncompliance. Staying proactive with accurate records, driver files, and regular internal audits helps reduce the likelihood of a review.

Where can I get help with FMCSA filings?

DOT Compliance Group can assist with any help or questions you may have about FMCSA filings. Call 972-476-9962.

How long are violations kept on record?

According to the Clearinghouse rules, drug and alcohol violations remain in the FMCSA Clearinghouse for five years, provided all requirements (such as completing the return‑to‑duty process) have been met before that period ends.

What if an employer makes a mistake in reporting?

In practice, correcting an employer reporting error typically involves identifying the mistake in the database and then submitting a request for correction through the Clearinghouse portal or FMCSA procedures, so the record reflects accurate information. 

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

FMCSA rules allow civil penalties for non‑compliance, and separate authorities note that employers who fail to meet Clearinghouse requirements may face civil fines or criminal penalties under federal regulations.

Do trucking companies check the Clearinghouse?

Yes — trucking companies check the Clearinghouse as part of their hiring and compliance process. The FMCSA Clearinghouse is designed so employers can search a driver’s drug and alcohol violation records before permitting them to operate a commercial vehicle. Employers are required to conduct these queries for both prospective and current drivers as part of compliance.

How MOTUS Changes Daily Compliance Operations

MOTUS primarily changes system access and verification, not safety rules. Login issues, verification delays, or profile errors could temporarily affect filing ability if not addressed early. Even when regulations themselves remain unchanged, system transitions can create operational confusion. Proper preparation helps prevent disruptions in daily compliance operations.

When will MOTUS fully launch for motor carriers?

Phase 2 of MOTUS, which includes motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders, is expected mid-to-late 2026. During this phase, users will create accounts, complete business verification, and begin filing through the system. Post-launch enhancements and refinements will continue afterward.

Who is required to use MOTUS?

MOTUS will apply to interstate carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, passenger carriers, and Mexico-domiciled carriers operating in the U.S. Intrastate requirements remain governed by state regulations, though some states still require USDOT registration. For authority holders, additional insight is available in our guide to Motus registration for carriers and brokers.

Does MOTUS replace the FMCSA Portal?

MOTUS does not directly replace the FMCSA Portal. It modernizes and centralizes functions currently spread across multiple systems. Over time, it will replace legacy registration platforms.

Does MOTUS replace the Unified Registration System (URS)?

MOTUS is part of the FMCSA’s broader modernization effort and is intended to replace fragmented registration processes, including legacy URS functions. It consolidates and modernizes legacy registration systems over time, but does not change the core regulatory requirements for carriers.

Will MOTUS eliminate MC, FF, or MX numbers?

No, MOTUS will not eliminate MC, FF, or MX numbers. The modernization affects access and verification — not authority structure. Existing authority numbers stay valid; MOTUS only changes how registration data is accessed and managed.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment