According to FMCSA regulations, what is the maximum number of passengers, including the driver, a vehicle must be designed to transport for it to be classified as a CMV?

For a vehicle to be classified as a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, it must be designed to transport 15 or more passengers, including the driver. This classification is important for determining the requirements for licensing, insurance, and safety regulations applicable to the vehicle.

The focus on passenger capacity is critical in distinguishing between standard non-commercial transportation and activities that fall under commercial operation, which have stricter safety standards due to the larger number of individuals being transported.

Vehicles designed to carry fewer than 15 passengers, including the driver, are generally not classified as CMV, thereby exempting them from certain regulatory obligations. Understanding this classification helps ensure that operators comply with the necessary regulations to enhance safety for both the driver and passengers.