Intrastate Doesn’t Mean Exempt 🚛 What Texas Carriers Must Still Follow

Many intrastate carriers believe that staying within Texas means they’re exempt from DOT compliance.

That’s not true.

Even if you never cross state lines, you are still responsible for maintaining compliance in key areas — and violations can still impact your insurance, roadside inspections, and business operations.

Here’s what intrastate carriers must still have in place:

✔️ Driver Qualification Files (applications, MVRs, medical cards, annual reviews)

✔️ Drug & Alcohol testing program enrollment and compliance

✔️ Vehicle inspections, maintenance records, and annual inspections

✔️ Time records / hours worked (even when ELDs are not required)

✔️ Proper licensing and medical certification

✔️ Accident documentation and corrective actions

I regularly see carriers surprised during audits or roadside inspections because they assumed “intrastate” meant “no rules.”

Compliance isn’t optional — it’s protection for your business.

If you’re unsure where your operation stands, it’s worth reviewing now before a violation forces the conversation.

#DOTCompliance hashtag#IntrastateCarriers hashtag#TruckingSafety hashtag#FleetCompliance hashtag#TexasTrucking hashtag#YourDOTComplianceGalhashtag#IntrastateCarriers hashtag#TruckingSafety hashtag#FleetCompliance hashtag#TexasTrucking hashtag#YourDOTComplianceGal