Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering USDOT Number Decals
When it comes to USDOT compliance, every detail matters. Ordering decals might seem simple, but common mistakes can lead to costly fines—or worse, being sidelined. Whether you're new to the industry or refreshing your fleet, make sure you steer clear of these five common pitfalls.
1. Choosing the Wrong Size
USDOT regulations require that your numbers be at least 2 inches tall and clearly visible from 50 feet away. Ordering decals that are too small puts your operation at risk of non-compliance. Always double-check that your numbers meet FMCSA visibility standards.
✅ Pro Tip: Our decals come pre-sized to meet federal requirements—no guesswork needed.
2. Using Hard-to-Read Fonts
Decorative or script fonts might look good in a design program, but they can cause serious problems on the road. The FMCSA expects USDOT numbers to be printed in a legible, plain typeface.
✅ Stick with bold, easy to read fonts. All of our fonts are USDOT approved.
3. Placing Decals Incorrectly
According to FMCSA rules, USDOT numbers must be displayed on both sides of the vehicle, on a permanently attached surface, in a contrasting color. Misplacement or poor contrast can lead to penalties, even if your numbers are technically present.
✅ Magnetic signs are a great solution for fleets that switch vehicles or operate under multiple authorities, and are USDOT approved.
4. Skimping on Material Quality
Low-quality vinyl or magnets may not hold up to the weather, especially with daily wear and tear. Faded or peeling numbers are no better than having none at all.
✅ All our decals and magnetic signs are made with professional-grade materials built for durability on the road.
5. Leaving Out Required Information
If you operate under multiple authorities or in specific industries, you may be required to include additional info like:
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Company Name (must match USDOT Registration)
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Not having US DOT before the number and on the same line
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GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
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CA or KYU Numbers
Leaving these off could get you flagged during inspections.
✅ We offer multi-line decal layouts to keep all your required info in one place, clearly and cleanly.
Avoid the Guesswork—Order with Confidence
At DOTNumberStore.com, we make it easy to stay compliant. Our decals and magnetic signs are built to FMCSA specs, and our customization tool ensures you get it right the first time.