Pickup truck DOT lettering: when a pickup needs a USDOT number and what goes on the door

Why pickups get caught

The federal threshold is a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 lbs, or a gross combination rating of 10,001 lbs when you're towing. An F-250 is rated around 10,000 lbs by itself; hitch a 7,000 lb equipment trailer and the combination is 17,000. That's a commercial motor vehicle, and it needs a USDOT number if it crosses state lines or, in California, even if it doesn't.

What to put on the doors

Your legal or trade name as registered with FMCSA, then USDOT and your number, on both front doors. In California, add your CA number. If you're a licensed contractor, your CSLB number too. Two inch numbers read from 50 feet; on a pickup door 1.5 inches fits better and still passes, so we default pickups to Small.

Magnets or vinyl

If the truck is also your personal vehicle, magnets are federally allowed as a removable device. Most owners go with vinyl anyway because magnets walk off in the car wash and look temporary to an inspector. Cut vinyl comes off cleanly with a heat gun when you sell the truck. If the truck is leased or you need the door clean on weekends, our printed 30 mil door magnets carry the same lines.