Interstate vs Intrastate: Spotting the Difference
Interstate vs Intrastate. Both names look almost identical, but they mean the opposite. Knowing the difference will save you a whole lot of headaches. If you don’t apply for the right one, then you have to go through the entire process all over again which can set you back for both time and money.
Interstate Commerce
A vehicle that transports passengers or cargo across state lines, or a vehicle with the intent to cross state lines.
Intrastate Commerce:
Transportation, Trade, or Traffic that operate within the boundaries of a single state.
If your business has the intention of moving across state lines then you must remember to adhere and comply with all federal safety regulations. Not just that, but you must also comply with operating authority rules. It is important to notify the particular states which you will be performing operations. The vehicle must be registered with the IRP as well as IFTA and UCR. You must also take notice of the qualifications of each prospecting state.
A home state will help collect the necessary fees in order to distribute them amongst the states you are registered to drive through. This is a huge benefit for interstate registers.
Interstate vs Intrastate
If you operate within the confines of intrastate commerce, it is mandatory that you must comply with all state and local regulations. Federal regulations only apply to the following:
- A CDL for drivers operating commercial motor vehicles.
- Drug and alcohol testing for all CDL license owners
- Minimum levels of financial responsibility for the intrastate transportation of specific quantities of hazardous materials and substances.
