Interstate
Commercial vehicle operations that cross state lines or involve the movement of goods or passengers in interstate commerce, including shipments that originate in or are destined for another state.
Interstate CDL drivers must comply with all FMCSA regulations, including Part 391 (driver qualifications), Part 382 (drug/alcohol testing), and Part 395 (hours of service).
Defining interstate commerce for CMV purposes
Interstate commerce has a broader definition in federal transportation law than simply crossing state lines. It includes trips that are part of a continuous movement of goods destined for another state — even if the final leg is entirely within one state. A driver making local deliveries from a distribution center that received goods from out of state may be engaged in interstate commerce for FMCSA regulatory purposes. Carriers uncertain about their commerce type should review FMCSA guidance or consult a compliance professional.
Federal compliance requirements for interstate drivers
CDL drivers in interstate commerce must comply with: 49 CFR Part 391 (driver qualifications and DQ file); Part 382 (drug and alcohol testing and Clearinghouse); Part 395 (hours of service and ELD); and all applicable CMV safety standards. Their employers must register with FMCSA (USDOT number), file the biennial MCS-150 update, and meet applicable insurance requirements. Most intrastate carriers are not subject to these requirements unless their state has adopted comparable rules.
Last updated: June 4, 2026
When this definition matters
This term usually matters when a driver, owner-operator, or small carrier is deciding whether a federal rule applies, preparing a compliance file, or checking a state CDL step. Use this definition as a starting point, then confirm the controlling requirement in the official source listed below before making a licensing, hiring, dispatch, or recordkeeping decision.
The related terms above are included because they often appear in the same compliance workflow. Reviewing them together can prevent common mix-ups, such as treating a state licensing step as a federal carrier obligation or confusing a driver record with a separate employer record.