Abbreviation: CMV
Commercial Motor Vehicle
A vehicle used in interstate commerce that meets one or more of the following: GVWR or GCWR of 10,001 lbs or more; designed to carry 9 or more passengers for compensation; or 15 or more passengers not for compensation; or used to transport hazardous materials requiring placards.
For CDL purposes, the thresholds are higher (26,001 lbs GVWR, 16+ passengers, or hazmat requiring placards). The broader CMV definition applies to other FMCSA regulations.
Last updated: June 4, 2026