Texas Intrastate Authority

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Texas Intrastate Authority  -  for business equipment owners with vans, trucks, semis, coaches, busses or tow trucks - if you operate within the state of Texas, do you need Texas Intrastate Authority, also known as Texas DOT, TX DOT and TXDOT?  If you also cross state lines, in addition to Texas Intrastate Authority, do you need MC Authority and register for UCR - Unified Carrier Registration? There is a $300 minimum fine for failing to register for UCR when crossing state lines.

Texas Intrastate Authority for commecial vehicles:   When you haul items, products, commodities or loads within the state of Texas without crossing state lines with a van, van and trailer, pickup truck, pickup truck and trailer, straight truck, straight truck and trailer or semi-tractor and trailer, you may be required to register with the state for Texas Intrastate Authority. If you are a Private Carrier transporting your own items, products or loads, or For-Hire Carrier, Motor Coach operator or use a tow truck, check the listings below to see if you are required to register for the Texas Intrastate Authority. There are requirements for transporting goods within the state of Texas, and also additional requirements for crossing state lines both empty and loaded.  Check the requirements below to see if you fall into any of the categories requiring Texas Intrastate Authority and also for crossing state lines.

Private Carriers - Texas Intrastate Authority requirements:  Private Carriers carrying or transporting items, products, loads or equipment belonging to the carrier or company owning the vehicle or vehicles (commercial business) - Texas Intrastate Authority requirements -

• Transporting items or loads inside Texas and not crossing state lines with these items, products or loads with a vehicle, or vehicle and trailer weighing 26,000-lbs or under - Texas Intrastate Authority not required.
• Transporting loads inside Texas and not crossing state lines with these loads with a vehicle, or vehicle and trailer weighing 26,001-lbs or heavier when loaded - Texas Intrastate Authority is required.
• Transporting loads inside Texas and transporting loads across state lines in a van or pickup truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or lower, or with a van pulling a trailer, or a pickup truck pulling a trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 10,000-lbs or lower for both the power unit and the trailer - Texas Intrastate Authority not required.
• Transporting loads inside Texas and transporting loads across state lines in vehicles with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for both the power unit and the trailer, but where the van or the pickup truck pulling the trailer has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or less by itself - Texas Intrastate Authority not required.
• Transporting loads inside texas and transporting loads across state lines in vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for the power unit, or Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for both the power unit and the trailer, with the GVWR of the power unit between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs crossing state lines - Texas Intrastate Authority is not required, but UCR is required.
• Transporting loads inside Texas and transporting loads across state lines with a vehicle 26,001-lbs or heavier, or with a power unit and trailer with combined weights of 26,001-lbs or heavier - Texas Intrastate Authority is required.

For-Hire Carriers - Texas Intrastate Authority Requirements:    For-Hire Carriers carrying or transporting items, products, commodities or loads inside the state of Texas only, as well as Carriers transporting commodities or loads inside Texas and crossing state lines - Texas Intrastate Authority requirements -

• Transporting loads inside Texas and not crossing state lines with these loads in vehicles 26,000-lbs or lighter when loaded - Texas Intrastate Authority not required.
• Transporting loads inside Texas and not crossing state lines with these loads in vehicles 26,001-lbs or heavier when loaded - Texas Intrastate Authority is required.
• Transporting loads inside Texas and crossing state lines in a pickup truck or van with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or less, or with the Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) for both the power unit and the trailer of 10,000-lbs or lower - Texas Intrastate Authority not required.
• Transporting loads inside Texas and crossing state lines in a van pulling a trailer, or a pickup truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for both the power unit and the trailer, but where the van or pickup truck has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or less - Texas Intrastate Authority not required, but MC Authority is required. UCR is not required.
• Transporting loads inside Texas and crossing state lines in vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for the power unit, or Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for both the power unit and a trailer - Texas Intrastate Authority not required, but registration for UCR is required. If you fail to register for UCR, there is a minimum $300 fine when you cross state lines
• Transporting loads inside Texas and crossing state lines with a vehicle 26,001-lbs or heavier when loaded, or with a power unit and trailer together weighing 26,001-lbs or heavier when loaded - Texas Intrastate Authority, MC Authority and UCR registration are all required. If you fail to register for UCR, there is a minimum $300 fine when you cross state lines

Tow Trucks - Texas Intrastate Authority requirements: 

• Tow trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,000-lbs or under when operating within the state of Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Tow trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001-lbs and heavier operating within the state of Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Tow trucks towing a vehicle with combined weights of 26,000-lbs or less when crossing state lines - Texas Intrastate Authority and MC Authority required
• Tow trucks towing a vehicle with combined weights of 26,001-lbs or greater when crossing state lines - Texas Intrastate Authority and MC Authority required

Passenger Vehicles and Motor Coaches remaining in Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority requirements:

• Passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of up to 15 including the driver - Texas Intrastate Authority not required
• Passenger vehicles with a seating capacity between 16 and 26 including the driver - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 27 or more including the driver - Texas Intrastate Authority required

Passenger Vehicles and Motor Coaches traveling in Texas and crossing state lines - Texas Intrastate Authority - and Federal MC Authority requirements to cross state lines:

• Passenger vehicles with a seating capacity up to 8 including the driver - MC Authority required. Texas Intrastate Authority not required
• Passenger vehicles with a seating capacity between 9 and 15 including the driver - MC Authority required. Texas Intrastate Authority not required
• Passenger vehicles with a seating capacity between 16 and 26 including the driver - MC Authority required. Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 27 or more including the driver - MC Authority required. Texas Intrastate Authority required

Insurance Requirements for Texas Intrastate Authority:      Private Carriers

Non Hazardous / Texas Intrastate Authority / Private Carriers

• Remaining in Texas / 10,000-lbs or lighter - Texas Intrastate Authority not required
• Remaining in Texas / 10,001-lbs - 26,000-lbs - Texas Intrastate Authority not required
• Remaining in Texas / 26,001-lbs or heavier - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Hauling products inside Texas and crossing state lines / 10,000-lbs or lighter - Texas Intrastate Authority not required
• Hauling products inside Texas and crossing state lines / 10,001 - 26,000-lbs - Texas Intrastate Authority not required
• Hauling loads inside Texas and crossing state lines / 26,001lbs and heavier - Texas Intrastate Authority required

• Remaining in Texas / 10,000-lbs or lighter - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Remaining in Texas / 10,001-lbs - 26,000-lbs - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Remaining in Texas / 26,001-lbs and heavier - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Hauling products inside Texas and crossing state lines / 10,000-lbs or lighter - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Hauling products inside Texas and crossing state lines / 10,001-lbs - 26,000-lbs - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Hauling loads inside Texas and crossing state lines / 26,001-lbs and heavier - Texas Intrastate Authority required

Insurance Requirements for Texas Intrastate Authority:      For-Hire Carriers

Non-Hazardous / Texas Intrastate Authority / For-Hire Carriers

• Remaining in Texas / 10,000-lbs or lighter - Texas Intrastate Authority not required
• Remaining in Texas / 10,001-lbs - 26,000-lbs - Texas Intrastate Authority not required
• Remaining in Texas / 26,001-lbs or heavier - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Hauling products inside Texas and crossing state lines / 10,000-lbs or lighter Texas Intrastate Authority not required
• Hauling products inside Texas and crossing state lines / 10,001-lbs - 26,000-lbs - Texas Intrastate Authority not required
• Hauling loads inside Texas and crossing state lines / 26,001lbs and heavier - Texas Intrastate Authority required

• Remaining in Texas / 10,000-lbs or lighter - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Remaining in Texas / 10,001-lbs - 26,000-lbs - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Remaining in Texas / 26,001-lbs or heavier - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Hauling products inside Texas and crossing state lines / 10,000-lbs or lighter - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Hauling products inside Texas and crossing state lines / 10,001-26,000 lbs - Texas Intrastate Authority required
• Hauling loads inside Texas and crossing state lines / 26,001-lbs and heavier - Texas Intrastate Authority required

Fuel Permits for Texas Intrastate Authority, and for crossing state lines:

• Texas fuel tax permit for operating a vehicle within the state of Texas
• Texas IFTA fuel tax permit for operating a vehicle within the state of Texas and crossing state lines

Exceptions to Texas Intrastate Authority Requirements: 

• When you are not required to register for Texas Intrastate Authority

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Requirements for Texas Intrastate Authority:   Private and For-Hire vehicles

• Private Carriers hauling their own items, products or commodities within the state of Texas with vehicles up to and including 26,000-lbs: Texas Intrastate Authority and a USDOT number are not required.  As a Private Carrier, if you have a van, pickup truck, straight truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,000-lbs or less; or a van and trailer or truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 26,000-lbs or under for both the power unit and the trailer, you are not required to register for either Texas Intrastate Authority or for a USDOT number if the vehicle(s) remain within the state of Texas. The exception:  Hazardous Materials being hauled at any weight requiring placarding - you will need to apply for Texas Intrastate Authority. If a vehicle crosses state lines with a GVWR of 10,001-lbs or more, or both a power unit and trailer cross state lines with GCWR of 10,001-lbs or more, a USDOT number will be required. If the power unit crossing state lines has a GVWR of 10,001-lbs or more, you will need to register for UCR, or the Unified Carrier Registration. If the power vehicle crossing state lines has a GVWR of 10,000-lbs or less, UCR registration will not be required.
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• Private Carriers hauling their own items, products or commodities within the state of Texas and not crossing state lines with vehicles 26,001-lbs or heavier: Texas Intrastate Authority is required. As a Private Carrier, if you have a straight truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or more, or a straight truck with a trailer, or a semi-tractor and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 26,001-lbs or more for both the power unit and the trailer, you will need Texas Intrastate Authority. 

• Private Carriers hauling items, products or commodities within the state of Texas and also crossing state lines in a van or pickup truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or less, or in a van or pickup truck pulling a trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 10,000-lbs or less for both the power unit and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is not required, and a USDOT number is also not required.  The exception: If you are hauling Hazardous Materials (HM) requiring placarding, you will need a USDOT number and register for Texas Intrastate Authority.

• Private Carriers hauling their own products or commodities within the state of Texas and also crossing state lines with a van pulling a trailer, or pickup truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for both the power unit and the trailer, but where the van or the pickup truck has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or less, Texas Intrastate Authority is not required. The exception: Hazardous Materials being hauled requiring placarding - you will need to apply for Texas Intrastate Authority. As the vehicle(s) will be crossing state lines, a USDOT number will be needed, but not UCR - Unified Carrier Registration.

• Private Carriers transporting their own items, products or commodities within the state of Texas and also across state lines with a van, pickup truck or truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs, or with a van pulling a trailer, or pickup truck, or truck pulling a trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for both the power unit and the trailer, and where the power unit has a GVWR of 10,001-lbs or more, Texas Intrastate Authority is not required. The exception: Hazardous Materials being hauled requiring placarding - you will need to apply for Texas Intrastate Authority. A USDOT number will be required as well as UCR - Unified Carrier Registration to cross state lines.

• Private Carriers transporting their own products, commodities or loads within the state of Texas as well as crossing state lines in a truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher, or a truck and trailer or semi-tractor and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher for both the power unit and the trailer. Texas Intrastate Authority is required as well as a USDOT number and UCR - Unified Carrier Registration. An Apportioned or IRP license plate as well as IFTA fuel tax registration will be needed to cross state lines. The state will require accurate mileage and fuel tax records to be kept. Contact us for quarterly IFTA fuel tax reporting services, the registration for Texas Intrastate Authority, a USDOT number and Unified Carrier Registration

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• For-Hire Carriers transporting loads within the state of Texas in vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher, or in a truck and trailer or semi-tractor and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher for both the power unit and the trailer. Texas Intrastate Authority is required, but not a USDOT number. A minimum of $500,000 in Personal Injury and Property Damage liability insurance will be required for the registration process. If Hazardous Materials are to be hauled requiring placarding, the application for Texas Intrastate Authority will be needed with liability insurance between $1 million and $5 million, depending on the products being transported.

• For-Hire Carriers transporting items, products or loads within the state of Texas as well as across state lines with a van or pickup truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or under, or with a van or pickup truck pulling a trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 10,000-lbs or under for both the power unit and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is not required. If Hazardous Materials (HM) requiring placarding are being transported within the state of Texas, registration for Texas Intrastate Authority will be required. If transporting Hazardous Materials across state lines requiring placarding, a USDOT number and MC Authority will be required, but not UCR- Unified Carrier Registration as the vehicle(s) have a GVWR or GCWR of 10,000-lbs or under.

• For-Hire Carrier transporting items, products or loads within the state of Texas as well as across state lines with a van pulling a trailer, or pickup truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for both the power unit and the trailer, but where the van or pickup truck each have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or under, Texas Intrastate Authority is not required. The exception:  If you are transporting Hazardous Materials (HM) requiring placarding, Texas Intrastate Authority is required. When crossing state lines, you will need a USDOT number and MC Authority, but UCR - Unified Carrier Registration will not be required as the power unit has a GVWR of 10,000-lbs or less.

• For-Hire Carriers transporting items, products or loads within the state of Texas as well as crossing state lines with a van, pickup truck or truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs, or with a van, pickup truck or truck pulling a trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for both the power unit and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is not required.  The exception:  If you are transporting Hazardous Materials (HM) requiring placarding, Texas Intrastate Authority will be required. When crossing state lines, a USDOT number, MC Authority and UCR - Unified Carrier Registration will be required, unless the products are exempt from MC Authority requirements, in which case MC Authority will not be required. 

• For-Hire Carriers transporting commodities or loads within the state of Texas and also crossing state lines in a truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher, or a truck and trailer, or semi-tractor and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher for both the power unit and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is required. A minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance will be needed when crossing state lines.  If you are going to transport Hazardous Materials requiring placarding, Texas Intrastate Authority with liability insurance between $1 million and $5 million is required, depending on products being hauled.  A USDOT number, MC Authority and UCR - Unified Carrier Registration is also required.  When crosing state lines, an IRP license plate / Apportioned license plate and IFTA fuel tax registration and stickers are also required.  Contact us for Texas Intrastate Authority, MC Authority, a USDOT number, UCR - Unified Carrier Registration, Quarterly IFTA fuel tax reporting and the registration for a New Mexico card. 

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Insurance Requirements for Texas Intrastate Authority:     Private Carriers

• Non-Hazardous - Remaining in Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority:  If you are going to haul products within the state of Texas without crossing state lines in a van or pickup truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or lighter, or with a van pulling a trailer, or a picktruck and a trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 10,000-lbs or lighter for both the van and trailer or the pickup truck and trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is not required, and proof of liability insurance is not required.

• Non Hazardous - Remaining in Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority:  If you are going to haul products within the state of Texas without crossing state lines in a van or a pickup truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs, or with a van pulling a trailer, or pickup truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for both the van and the trailer, or pickup truck and trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is not required, and proof of liability insurance is not required.

• Non Hazardous  - Remaining in Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority:  If you are going to haul products within the state of Texas without crossing state lines in a truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or more, or with a truck pulling a trailer, or a semi-tractor and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 26,001-lbs or more for both the power unit and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is required. In the application process for the Texas Intrastate Authorioty, a minimum of $500,000 is required for Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance.

• Non-Hazardous commodities or loads being transported within the state of Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority - and also crossing state lines, empty or loaded:  If you are going to haul items or products within the state of Texas and also cross state lines empty or loaded in a van or a pickup truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or under, or a van pulling a trailer, or a pickup truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 10,000-lbs or under, you will not be required to register for Texas Intrastate Authority, a USDOT number, or for the Unified Carrier Registration - UCR. Proof of liability insurance is not required.

• Non Hazardous products or loads being transported within the state of Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority - and also across state lines, empty or loaded:  If you are going to haul products or loads within the state of Texas and also cross state lines empty or loaded in a van, pickup truck or truck with a Gross Vehicle weight Rating (GVWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs, or in a van pulling a trailer, or a pickup truck and trailer, or a truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs, you will not be required to register for Texas Intrastate Authority. Proof of liability insurance is not required. You will be required to register for a USDOT number and for UCR - Unified Carrier Registration.

• Non Hazardous products or loads being transported within the state of Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority - and also across state lines, empty or loaded:  If you are going to haul items, commodities, products or loads within the state of Texas and also cross state lines empty or loaded in a truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or heavier, or with a truck and trailer, or a semi-tractor and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 26,001-lbs or heavier for both the power unit and the trailer, you will need Texas Intrastate Authority requiring a minimum of $500,000 in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance. When you cross state lines as a Private Carrier, you will not need to show proof of liability insurance as you are required to while in Texas with Texas Intrastate Authority (For-Hire Carriers are required to carry a minimum of $750,000 when crossing state lines with the application for MC Authority). Crossing state lines requires an IRP / Apportioned license plate, IFTA fuel tax registration and filing for UCR - Unified Carrier registration. 

• Hazardous Materials - Remaining in Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority: If you are going to carry Hazardous Materials (HM) requiring placarding within the state of Texas without crossing state lines in a van or a pickup truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or less, or in a van and trailer, or a pickup truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 10,000-lbs or less for both the van and trailer, or the pickup truck and trailer, you are required to register for Texas Intrastate Authority. You will need between $1 million and $5 million in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance, depending on the product being transported, at the time Texas Intrastate Authority is applied for.

• Hazardous Materials - Remaining in Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority:  If you are going to carry or transport Hazardous Materials requiring placarding within the state of Texas without crossing state lines in a van, pickup truck, or truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs, or with a van and trailer, or pickup truck and trailer, or straight truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for both the power unit and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is required. You will be required to carry between $1 million and $5 million in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance, depending on the type of product being carried, at the time Texas Intrastate Authority is applied for.

• Hazardous Materials - Remaining in Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority:  If you are going to carry or transport Hazardous Materials requiring placarding within the state of Texas without crossing state lines in a truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or heavier, or in a truck and trailer, or a semi-tractor and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 26,001-lbs or heavier for both the power unit and trailer, you will be required to register for Texas Intrastate Authority and carry between $1 million and $5 Million in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance, depending on the type of materials being transported, at the time Texas Intrastate Authority is being applied for.

• Hazardous Materials being carried or transported within the state of Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority - and transported across state lines:  If you are going to transport Hazardous Materials within the state of Texas, and also carry Hazardous Materials across state lines in a van or pickup truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or less, or in a van pulling a trailer, or pickup truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 10,000-lbs or less for both the van or pickup truck and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is required.  Between $1 million and $5 million in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance will need to be carried, depending on the products being transported, in the application for Texas Intrastate Authority. 

• Hazardous Materials being carried or transported within the state of Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority - and transported across state lines:  If you are going to transport Hazardous Materials within the state of Texas, and also carry Hazardous Materials across state lines in a van, pickup truck or straight truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs, or in a van pulling a trailer, or pickup truck and trailer, or straight truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for both the power unit and trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is required. You will need to carry between $1 million and $5 million in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance, depending on the products being transported, in the application for Texas Intrastate Authority.

• Hazardous Materials being carried or transported within the state of Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority - and transported across state lines:  If you are going to transport Hazardous Materials within the state of Texas, and aslo carry Hazardous Materials across state lines in a truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher, or in a truck and trailer, or semi-tractor and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher for both the power unit and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is required. You will need to carry between $1 million and $5 million in Personal Injury and Property Damage liability insurance, depending on the materials being transported, in the application for Texas Intrastate Authority.

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Insurance Requirements for Texas Intrastate authority.     For-Hire Carriers

• Non Hazardous - Remaining in Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority:  If you are going to haul products within the state of Texas without crossing state lines in a van or pickup truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or less, or with a van pulling a trailer, or pickup truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 10,000-lbs or less for both the van or truck and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is not required, and proof of liability insurance is not required.

• Non Hazardous - Texas Intrastate Authority - Remaining in Texas:  If you are going to haul products or loads within the state of Texas without crossing state lines in a truck, a pickup truck or a straight truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs, or in a van pulling a trailer, or a pickup truck and trailer, or a straight truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10'001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for both the power unit and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is not required, and proof of liability insurance is not required.

• Non Hazardous - Remaining in Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority:  If you are going to haul loads within the state of Texas without crossing state lines in a truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher, or in a truck and trailer, or semi-tractor and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher for both the power unit and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is required. You will need a minimum of $500,000 in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance.

• Non Hazardous commodities or loads being transported within the state of Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority - and also across state lines, empty or loaded:  If you are going to haul items or products within the state of Texas and also cross state lines empty or loaded in a van or a pickup truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or lighter, or in a van pulling a trailer, or a pickup truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 10,000-lbs or under for both the van and trailer or the pickup truck and trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is not required. You will need MC Authority to cross state lines and proof of liability insurance, with a minimum of $300,000 in Personal Injury/Property Damage liability insurance. Also, a USDOT number is required for MC Authority, but the filing of UCR - Unified Carrier Registration is not required for crossing state lines as the power unit is 10,000-lbs or lighter.

• Non Hazardous products or loads being transported within the state of Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority - and also across state lines, empty or loaded:  If you are going to haul products or loads within the state of Texas and also cross state lines loaded or empty in a van, pickup truck or straight truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs, or in a van pulling a trailer, pickup truck and trailer or a truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs for both the power unit and trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is not required. You will need MC Authority (unless hauling exempt commodities) together with a minimum of $750,000 in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance and a USDOT number. If the power unit has a GVWR of 10,000-lbs or less, UCR - Unified Carrier Registration is not required. If the power unit has a GVWR of 10,001-lbs or higher, you will need to file for UCR.  Again, Texas Intrastate Authority will not be required.

• Non Hazardous products or loads being transported within the state of Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority - and also across state lines:  If you are going to haul items, commodities, products or loads within the state of Texas with a straight truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher, or with a straight truck and trailer or semi-tractor and trailer with Gross Combined weight Ratings (GCWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher for both the truck and trailer, or the semi-tractor and trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority will be required. You will need MC Authority (unless hauling exempt commodities) and a USDOT number. A minimum of $750,000 in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance is required. You will need an IRP / Apportioned license plate and register for IFTA fuel tax and Unified Carrier Registration - UCR.  Again, Texas Intrastate Authority is required.

• Hazardous Materials - Remaining in Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority:  If you are going to carry Hazardous Materials (HM) requiring placarding within the state of Texas in a van or pickup truck with a Gross Vehicle weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or less, or in a van and trailer, or pickup truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 10,000-lbs or lower for both the van or pickup truck and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is required. You will need between $1 million and $5 million in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance to haul Hazardous Materials with Texas Intrastate Authority.

• Hazardous Materials - Texas Intrastate Authority - Remaining in Texas:   If you are going to carry or transport Hazardous Materials requiring placarding within the state of Texas without crossing state lines in a van, pickup truck, or truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs, or with a van and trailer, or pickup truck and trailer, or truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,0001-lbs for both the power unit and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is required. You will be required to carry between $1 million and $5 million in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance, depending on the type of product being carried in the application for Texas Intrastate Authority.

• Hazardous Materials - Remaining in Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority:  If you are going to carry or transport Hazardous Materials requiring placarding within the state of Texas without crossing state lines in a truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or heavier, or with a truck and a trailer, or semi-tractor and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher for both the truck or semi-tractor and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is required.  Between $1 million and $5 million in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance will be required in the application for Texas Intrastate Authority.

• Hazardous Materials being carried or transported within the state of Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority - and transported across state lines:  If you are going to transport Hazardous Materials requiring placarding within the state of Texas, and also transport Hazardous Materials across state lines in a van or pickup truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or less, or with a van pulling a trailer, or a pickup truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 10,000-lbs or less for both the van or pickup truck and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority will be required. You will be required to carry between $1 million and $5 million in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance, depending on the type of product being transported in the application for Texas Intrastate Authority. MC Authority for Hazardous Materials will also be required with the same liability insurance requirement as for Texas Intrastate Authority.

• Hazardous Materials being carried or transported within the state of Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority - and transported across state lines:  If you are going to transport Hazardous Materials requiring placarding within the state of Texas, and also transport Hazardous Materials across state lines in a van, pickup truck or straight truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 10,001-lbs and 26,000-lbs, or with a van pulling a trailer, a pickup truck and trailer, or straight truck and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) between 10,001lbs and 26,000-lbs with both the power unit and the trailer, Texas Intrastate Authority is required. You will need to carry between $1 million and $5 million in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance, depending on the product being transported or hauled, in the application for Texas Intrastate Authority.  MC Authority for Hazardous Materials will also be required with the same liability insurance requirement as for Texas Intrastate Authority.

• Hazardous Materials being carried or transported within the state of Texas - Texas Intrastate Authority - and transported across state lines:  If you are going to transport Hazardous Materials requiring placarding within the state of Texas, and aslo transport Hazardous Materials across state lines in a truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or heavier, or with a truck and trailer, or a semi-tractor and trailer with Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) of 26,001-lbs or heavier for both the truck and trailer, or for the semi-tractor and trailer, Texas Intrastate Authortiy is required. You will need to carry between $1 million and $5 Million in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance, depending on the type of product being carried or transported in the application for Texas Intrastate Authority. MC Authority for Hazardous Materials will also be required to cross state lines with the same liability insurance requirements as for Texas Intrastate Authority.

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Tow Trucks operating within the state of Texas with Texas Intrastate Authority - and also crossing state lines:  

• Tow trucks operating within the state of Texas only with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,000-lbs or less are required to be registered for Texas Intrastate Authority, regardless of weight, and carry a minimum of $300,000 in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance.  If any non-consent towing is involved, a minimum of $50,000 in cargo insurance is also required.

• Tow trucks operating within the state of Texas with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or more are required to be registered for Texas Intrastate Authority with a minimum of $500,000 in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance. If non-consent towing is involved, a minimum of $50,000 in cargo insurance is also required.

• Tow trucks operating within the state of Texas and also crossing state lines with the combined weight of the tow truck plus vehicle being towed at 26,000-lbs or less will need Texas Intrastate Authority, a USDOT number and register for MC Authority. If the tow truck has a gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000-lbs or less, UCR - Unified Carrier Registration is not required. If the GVWR is 10,001-lbs or greater, UCR will be required to cross state lines. A minimum of $750,000 in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance will be required to cover both MC Authority and Texas Intrastate Authority.

• Tow trucks operating within the state of Texas and also crossing state lines with combined weights of both the tow truck and the vehicle being towed at 26,001-lbs or greater will require Texas Intrastate Authority for operations within Texas. When crossing state lines,  a USDOT number will b e required as well as MC Authority and the filing of UCR - Unified Carrier Registration. A minimum of $750,000 in Personla Injury & Property Damage liability insurance will be required to cover both the MC Authority application and for Texas Intrastate Authority. If non-consent towing is involved, a minimum of $50,000 in cargo insurance will also be required. When crossing state lines, the tow truck will need to be plated with an IRP / Apportioned license plate, registered for IFTA fuel tax and UCR - Unified Carrier Registration.

Passenger Vehicles and Motor Coaches requiring Texas Intrastate Authority: 

• Passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of up to 15 including the driver and operating within the state of Texas are not required to be registered for Texas Intrastate Authority.

• Passenger Vehicles with a seating capacity between 16 and 26 including the driver and operating within the state of Texas are required to have a USDOT number and Texas Intrastate Authority. A minimum of $500,000 in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance is required in the application for Texas Intrastate Authority.

• Passenger Vehicles and Motor Coaches with a seating capacity of 27 or more, including the driver and operating within the state of Texas are required to have a USDOT number and Texas Intrastate Authority. A minimum of $5 million in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance is required in the application for Texas Intrastate Authority.

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Passenger Vehicles and Motor Coaches requiring Texas Intrastate Authority - and MC Authority to cross state lines:

• Passenger Vehicles with a seating capacity up to 8 including the driver and operating within the state of Texas and crossing state lines are not required to be registered for Texas Intrastate Authority. A USDOT number is not required, but registration for Federal MC Authority is required with a minimum of $1.5 in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance. If the vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001-lbs or higher, Unified Carrier Registration - UCR will need to be done.  Again, Texas Intrastate Authority is not required; a USDOT number is not required; MC Authority is required; if the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 10,001-lbs or greater, Unified Carrier Registration - UCR is required.

• Passenger Vehicles with a seating capacity between 9 and 15 including the driver and operating within the state of Texas are not required to be registered for Texas Intrastate Authority. A USDOT number and the application for MC Authority are required with a minimum of $1.5 million in Personal Injury and Property Damage liability insurance on file. If the vehicle has a Gross vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher, an IRP / Apportioned licence plate and IFTA fuel tax registration will be required, as well as UCR - Unified Carrier Registration. Again, Texas Intrastate Authority is not required; USDOT number is required; MC Authority is required; Unified Carrier Registration/UCR is required with a GVWR of 10,001-lbs or higher.

• Pasenger Vehicles with a seating capacity between 16 and 26 including the driver and operating within the state of Texas are required to be registered for Texas Intrastate Authority. A USDOT number and the application for MC Authority are required with a minimum of $1.5 million in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance on file. If the vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher, an IRP / Apportioned license plate and IFTA fuel tax registration will be required as well as UCR - Unified Carrier Registration. If the vehicle has a GVWR of 26,001-lbs or higher, an IRP / Apportioned license plate and IFTA fuel tax registration are required as well as UCR - Unified Carrier Registration. Again, Texas Intrastate Authority is required; a USDOT number is required; MC Authority is required.

• Passenger Vehicles and Motor Coaches with a seating capacity of 27 or more including the driver and operating within the state of Texas and crossing state lines are required to have a USDOT number and Texas Intrastate Authority. MC Authority is required with a minimum of $5 million in Personal Injury & Property Damage liability insurance on file. If the vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher, an IRP / Apportioned license plate and IFTA fuel tax registration will be required, as well as UCR - Unified Carrier Registration. Again, Texas Intrastate Authority, a USDOT number, MC Authority and UCR are required.  If the vehicle has a GVWR of 26,001-lbs or higher, IRP and IFTA are also required.

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Fuel Permits for operating within the state of Texas and for crossing state lines:

• When operating soley within the state of Texas - fuel tax registration and fuel permits are not required.

• When operating within the state of Texas and crossing state lines, IFTA fuel tax registration and the issuance of IFTA fuel stickers are required if the vehicle crossing state lines has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001-lbs or higher, or if the Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR) are 26,001-lbs or higher for both the power unit and the trailer.

Exceptions to the Requirements for Texas Intrastate Authority:

• Farm vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 48,000-lbs or under
• Cotton vehicles registered under the Texas Transportation Code (TRC) 502.277
• Vehicles registered with the Texas Railroad Commission under the Texas Natural Resources Code 113.131 or 116.072
• Vehicles used to transport liquor under the Private Carrier Permit issued under the Alcoholic Beverage Code Chapter 42
• Vehicles used to transport passengers and operated by an entity whose primary function is not to transport passengers, such as a vehicle operated by a Hotel, Day-Care Center, Nursing Home, etc.
• Vehicles operated by a Government entity

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