After July 3, 2002 displaying an ICC number on a commercial motor vehicle won't be enough, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) says.

The agency's revised rules now require "for-hire" motor carriers operating in interstate commerce to display the following information: "the legal name or a single trade name of the motor carrier (as listed on Form MCS-150); and the motor carrier ID number issued by FMCSA, to be preceded by the letters "USDOT."

In addition, the number must be displayed on both sides of the power unit. FMCSA also says the letters must contrast sharply in color with the background on which they are placed; they should be readily legible during daylight hours from a distance of 50 feet while the vehicle is stationary; and they should be kept and maintained in a manner that retains legibility.