Commercial Vehicle Defined

A commercial vehicle is essentially any car, truck, van, or bus used to move goods or people for a business. Think of it as a tool on wheels for making money. These vehicles are vital to our economy, helping deliver everything from groceries to building materials.

What Exactly is a Commercial Vehicle? It’s More Than Just a Big Truck.

So, what makes a vehicle “commercial”? It’s mainly about how you use it. If you use a vehicle to transport things or people for your business, it’s likely a commercial vehicle. The rules for this vary a bit.

Here’s a breakdown of what usually counts as a commercial vehicle:

• Any vehicle used for transporting goods or passengers for profit.
• In the US, this often includes trucks, vans, and buses. Even some cars, like taxis or rideshare vehicles used for income, can be seen as commercial.
• Federally, a vehicle is commercial if it’s used in a business and meets certain points:
  • It has a weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more.
  • It’s built to carry more than 8 passengers when you are being paid.
  • It carries certain hazardous materials.

The big difference between a commercial and a regular car is the purpose. Commercial vehicles are for business. Regular cars are for personal trips. This means commercial vehicles often need special insurance and follow stricter safety rules, like inspections.

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