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§ New-entrant audit — Connecticut

The new-entrant safety audit in Connecticut

The FMCSA new-entrant safety audit works the same way in Connecticut as everywhere else: it is a federal program. Every new Connecticut interstate motor carrier is monitored for 18 months and undergoes a safety audit of the six factors (General, Driver, Operational, Vehicle, Hazardous Materials, and Accident), generally after at least 3 months of operation. What is specific to Connecticut is intrastate registration, handled by the state.

When does the new-entrant audit happen for a Connecticut carrier?

After a new entrant satisfies its pre-operational requirements, it is subject to new-entrant safety monitoring for 18 months, and a safety audit is conducted once it has operated long enough to have sufficient records — generally at least 3 months (49 CFR 385.307).

What does the audit check?

The same six factors evaluated in every state: General (Parts 387, 390), Driver (Parts 382, 383, 391), Operational (Parts 392, 395), Vehicle (Parts 393, 396), Hazardous Materials (Parts 171, 177, 180, 397), and Accident (recordable rate per million miles). This grouping is defined in 49 CFR Appendix A to Part 385.

What is specific to Connecticut?

Connecticut intrastate matters are handled by the Connecticut DMV — Get or update a DOT number. These are separate from the federal new-entrant audit.

  • Intrastate reg required: Yes — a Connecticut intrastate USDOT number is required for any intrastate CMV with GVWR/GCWR of 18,001+ lbs, transporting hazmat in placardable quantities, or designed/used to transport more than 8 passengers (incl. driver) for compensation or more than 15 (incl. driver) not for compensation. The USDOT number followed by 'CT' must be displayed on both sides of the power unit.
  • UCR: Required only for carriers operating in interstate or international commerce. Carriers operating exclusively in intrastate commerce (not crossing state/national borders) are not subject to UCR.
  • State fee: No separate CT state fee to obtain the intrastate USDOT number itself (applied for via FMCSA MCS-150). UCR annual fee (if interstate): $59 for 0–2 vehicles, $176 for 3–5, $351 for 6–20, $1,224 for 21–100, $5,835 for 101–1,000, $56,977 for 1,001+; brokers/leasing companies $69 flat.
  • Notes: Intrastate DOT number must be updated every 24 months, or immediately if there are any changes. Proof of insurance must be sent to the DMV Insurance Compliance Unit once every year (dmv.commercialaudit@ct.gov). No state 'new-entrant safety audit' step is described on the CT DMV pages beyond the federal FMCSA new-entrant program tied to the USDOT number; commercial vehicles must also be separately registered/titled with CT DMV.

Common questions

What does a new motor carrier need to register and operate in Connecticut?
A new Connecticut-based motor carrier must obtain a Connecticut intrastate USDOT number (via FMCSA form MCS-150) if it operates a vehicle rated 18,001+ lbs GVWR/GCWR, carries placardable hazardous materials, or transports more than 8 passengers for compensation (or more than 15 not for compensation); the vehicle must display the USDOT number followed by "CT" on both sides, update the number every 24 months, and file proof of insurance annually — while UCR registration is required only if the ...

Prep your own new-entrant audit

The CarrierReady Audit-Prep Kit gives you fillable templates mapped to all six factors — driver qualification files, a written maintenance program, a drug-and-alcohol testing policy, an accident register, and a document-by-document checklist.

See the kit

Primary sources

CarrierReady is an independent audit-preparation tool — not legal advice, and not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the FMCSA or any government agency; always verify against the official regulations at ecfr.gov.