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.
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Specific Requirements
Legible from 50 feet in daylight
Both sides of power unit
Contrasting colour to vehicle background
USDOT prefix included: "USDOT 1234567"
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📚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.
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Shop USDOT DecalsOr call (289) 228-7021Regulation Quick Facts
- Regulation
- 49 CFR 390.21
- Jurisdiction
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- Category
- Cross-Border Compliance
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