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Do I need IFTA?

A quick check for hotshot drivers and anyone near the 26,000 lb line. Answer five questions about your truck and trailer and get a straight answer, with what to do next.

Is the truck used only for personal, recreational trips?

1.Is the truck used only for personal, recreational trips?

For example pulling your own camper or boat. Hauling anything for pay or for a business is a no.

Do you ever drive it outside your home state or province?

2.Do you ever drive it outside your home state or province?

Any trip across a state line counts, loaded or empty.

Does the truck itself have three or more axles?

3.Does the truck itself have three or more axles?

Count the truck only, not the trailer. A dually pickup still has two axles.

Is the truck alone over 26,000 lbs?

4.Is the truck alone over 26,000 lbs?

Use whichever is higher: what it actually weighs loaded, or the weight it is registered for.

Is the truck plus trailer plus load ever over 26,000 lbs?

5.Is the truck plus trailer plus load ever over 26,000 lbs?

Again the higher of actual weight and registered weight, at your heaviest.

Answer all five to see your result.

The rule in plain words

A vehicle used for business needs IFTA when it runs in more than one state or province and any one of these is true:

  • The truck has two axles and weighs, or is registered for, more than 26,000 lbs.
  • The truck has three or more axles, at any weight.
  • The truck and trailer together weigh, or are registered for, more than 26,000 lbs.

That is why a non-CDL hotshot setup kept at 26,000 lbs or less doesn't need IFTA, and why the same pickup with a heavier trailer does. Recreational vehicles used only for personal trips are not covered.

Common questions

Is the 26,000 lb limit GVWR or actual weight?
The IFTA agreement says gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight, so either what the vehicle actually weighs or what it is registered for can put you over. It does not use the manufacturer's rating (GVWR). CDL rules are different and do use ratings, which is why the two get mixed up. States apply the rule, so confirm with your base state.
Does the trailer's weight count?
Yes. A truck that is under 26,000 lbs by itself becomes an IFTA vehicle when the truck and trailer together are over 26,000 lbs.
Do trailer axles count toward the three axles?
No. Only the axles on the truck (the power unit) count. A dually pickup has two axles, whatever trailer it pulls.
Do I need IFTA if I only run in one state?
No. IFTA is for vehicles that travel in two or more member states or provinces. Your state may still have its own fuel or mileage tax for in-state trucks, so check with it.
Can I use trip permits instead of an IFTA license?
Yes. The agreement lets you buy a temporary fuel trip permit for each state you enter instead of holding a license. That suits a few out-of-state trips a year. Price and how long a permit lasts are set by each state.
Do I need apportioned (IRP) plates too?
IRP uses the same three tests as IFTA: over 26,000 lbs, three or more axles, or a combination over 26,000 lbs. If you need IFTA you will usually need apportioned plates as well.
I don't need IFTA. What do I still need?
Once your truck or combination is 10,001 lbs or more and you cross state lines for business, federal rules apply: a USDOT number, a DOT medical card and an annual vehicle inspection. Hauling for hire also needs operating authority and UCR registration.

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