USDOT Number Display Requirements — 49 CFR 390.21
49 CFR 390.21 · Canada
§The Law
49 CFR 390.21 — 49 CFR 390.21
“The USDOT number should contrast sharply and be legible from 50 feet in daylight characters on both sides of the power unit in a contrasting colour.”
View official regulation text✓Plain English
For covered US-bound carriers, the USDOT number goes on both sides, must contrast sharply with the background, and must be legible from 50 feet during daylight.
Ready to Order?
Order source-checked cross-border compliance markings — from $29.99. Ships 1-2 business days.
Specific Requirements
Legible from 50 feet in daylight
Both sides of power unit
Contrasting colour to vehicle background
USDOT prefix included: "USDOT 1234567"
Order Proofed Markings
Professional-grade compliance markings. Ships in 1-2 business days. Outdoor vinyl options.
USDOT Number Decals
Commercial Truck Door Lettering
DOT Conspicuity Tape
📚Sources & Authority
Every claim on this page is backed by official government legislation and verified industry sources. Last verified: March 2026.
🏛 Official Government Sources
FMCSA — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
US Department of Transportation · March 2026
FMCSA regulates commercial vehicles entering the US. Canadian carriers need USDOT numbers, MC authority, and compliant vehicle markings for cross-border operations.
USDOT Number Requirements — 49 CFR Part 390
US Electronic Code of Federal Regulations · March 2026
49 CFR Part 390 defines USDOT number display requirements: minimum letters legible from 50 feet, contrasting colour, on both sides of the power unit.
CBSA — Canada Border Services Agency Commercial
CBSA · March 2026
CBSA commercial regulations for cross-border trucking. Covers pre-arrival manifests, customs bonds, and documentation requirements.
All sources are official government publications or recognized industry authorities. Links verified March 2026. If you find a broken link, let us know.
Order source-checked markings
Order Your Cross-Border Compliance Compliance Marking
Fast turnaround production. Outdoor vinyl material. Ships Canada-wide.
Shop USDOT DecalsOr call (289) 228-7021Regulation Quick Facts
- Regulation
- 49 CFR 390.21
- Jurisdiction
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- Category
- Cross-Border Compliance
Source library
Confirm the current rule before relying on a marking
Our guides are a starting point for locating government sources connected to 49 CFR 390.21 markings. Requirements can depend on jurisdiction, vehicle or site details, and the date you act.
- Open the linked official source and check its current version.
- Confirm the rule applies to your exact vehicle, vessel, property, or operation.
- Verify wording, dimensions, placement, and effective dates before ordering.
Compliance Certificate
Every order includes a printable Certificate of Material Compliance — ready for MTO, Transport Canada, or fire marshal inspection.
View sample certificate →