---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 U.S.C. § 14504a"
title: "49"
title_heading: "Transportation"
number: "14504a"
heading: "Unified Carrier Registration System plan and agreement"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/49/14504a"
units:
  - "Subtitle IV — Interstate Transportation"
  - "Part B — Motor Carriers, Water Carriers, Brokers, and Freight Forwarders"
  - "Chapter 145 — Federal-State Relations"
---

# §14504a. Unified Carrier Registration System plan and agreement

- (a) **Definitions.—** In this section and [section 14506](/usc/49/14506.md) (except as provided in [paragraph (5)](#a-5)), the following definitions apply:
  - (1) **Commercial motor vehicle.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** Except as provided in [subparagraph (B)](#a-1-B), the term “commercial [motor vehicle](/usc/49/13102.md?p=16)”—
      - (i) for calendar years 2008 and 2009, has the meaning given the term in [section 31101](/usc/49/31101.md); and
      - (ii) for years beginning after December 31, 2009, means a self-propelled vehicle described in section 31101.
    - (B) **Exception.—** With respect to determining the size of a [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) or [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15)’s fleet in calculating the fee to be paid by a [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) or [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15) pursuant to [subsection (f)(1)](#f-1), the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) or [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15) shall have the option to include, in addition to commercial [motor vehicles](/usc/49/13102.md?p=16) as defined in [subparagraph (A)](#a-1-A), any self-propelled vehicle used on the [highway](/usc/49/13102.md?p=9) in commerce to transport passengers or property for compensation regardless of the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle or the number of passengers transported by such vehicle.
  - (2) **Base-state.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** Subject to [subparagraph (B)](#a-2-B), the term “base-[State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8)” means, with respect to a unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration agreement, a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8)—
      - (i) that is in compliance with the requirements of [subsection (e)](#e); and
      - (ii) in which the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), [broker](/usc/49/13102.md?p=2), [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8), or leasing company to which the agreement applies maintains its principal place of business.
    - (B) **Designation of base-state.—** A [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), [broker](/usc/49/13102.md?p=2), [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8), or leasing company may designate another [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) in which it maintains an office or operating facility to be its base-[State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) in the event that—
      - (i) the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) in which the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), [broker](/usc/49/13102.md?p=2), [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8), or leasing company maintains its principal place of business is not in compliance with the requirements of [subsection (e)](#e); or
      - (ii) the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), [broker](/usc/49/13102.md?p=2), [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8), or leasing company does not have a principal place of business in the [United States](/usc/49/10102.md?p=10).
  - (3) **Intrastate fee.—** The term “intrastate fee” means any fee, tax, or other type of assessment, including per vehicle fees and gross receipts taxes, imposed on a [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) or [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15) for the renewal of the intrastate authority or insurance filings of such [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) with a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8).
  - (4) **Leasing company.—** The term “leasing company” means a lessor that is engaged in the business of leasing or renting for compensation [motor vehicles](/usc/49/13102.md?p=16) without drivers to a [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), or [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8).
  - (5) **Motor carrier.—**
    - (A) **This section.—** In this section:
      - (i) **In general.—** The term “[motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14)” includes all [carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) that are otherwise exempt from this part—
        - (I) under subchapter I of [chapter 135](/usc/49/chstIV/ptB/ch135.md); or
        - (II) through exemption actions by the former Interstate Commerce Commission under this title.
      - (ii) **Exclusions.—** In this section, the term “[motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14)” does not include—
        - (I) any [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) subject to [section 13504](/usc/49/13504.md); or
        - (II) any other [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) that the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) of directors of the unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration plan determines to be appropriate pursuant to [subsection (d)(4)(C)](#d-4-C).
    - (B) **Section 14506.—** In [section 14506](/usc/49/14506.md), the term “[motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14)” includes all [carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) that are otherwise exempt from this part—
      - (i) under subchapter I of [chapter 135](/usc/49/chstIV/ptB/ch135.md); or
      - (ii) through exemption actions by the former Interstate Commerce Commission under this title.
  - (6) **Participating state.—** The term “participating [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8)” means a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) that has complied with the requirements of [subsection (e)](#e).
  - (7) **SSRS.—** The term “SSRS” means the single [state](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) registration system in effect on the date of enactment of this section.
  - (8) **Unified carrier registration agreement.—** The terms “unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration agreement” and “UCR agreement” mean the interstate agreement developed under the unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration plan governing the collection and distribution of registration and financial responsibility information provided and fees paid by [motor carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), [brokers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=2), [freight forwarders](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8), and leasing companies pursuant to this section.
  - (9) **Unified carrier registration plan.—** The terms “unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration plan” and “UCR plan” mean the organization of [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8), Federal, and industry representatives responsible for developing, implementing, and administering the unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration agreement.
  - (10) **Vehicle registration.—** The term “vehicle registration” means the registration of any commercial [motor vehicle](/usc/49/13102.md?p=16) under the International Registration Plan (as defined in [section 31701](/usc/49/31701.md)) or any other registration law or regulation of a jurisdiction.
- (b) **Applicability of Provisions to Freight Forwarders.—** A [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8) that operates commercial [motor vehicles](/usc/49/13102.md?p=16) and is not required to register as a [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) pursuant to [section 13903(b)](/usc/49/13903.md?p=b)[^1] shall be subject to the provisions of this section as if the [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8) is a [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14).
- (c) **Unreasonable Burden.—** For purposes of this section, it shall be considered an unreasonable burden upon interstate commerce for any [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) or any political subdivision of a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8), or any political authority of two or more [States](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8)—
  - (1) to enact, impose, or enforce any requirement or standards with respect to, or levy any fee or charge on, any [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) or [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15) providing [transportation](/usc/49/10102.md?p=9) or service subject to jurisdiction under subchapter I of [chapter 135](/usc/49/chstIV/ptB/ch135.md) (in this section referred to as an “interstate [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14)” and an “interstate [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15)”, respectively) in connection with—
    - (A) the registration with the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) of the interstate operations of the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) or [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15);
    - (B) the filing with the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) of information relating to the financial responsibility of a [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) or [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15) pursuant to sections [31138](/usc/49/31138.md) or [31139](/usc/49/31139.md);
    - (C) the filing with the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) of the name of the local agent for service of process of the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) or [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15) pursuant to section [503](/usc/49/503.md) or [13304](/usc/49/13304.md); or
    - (D) the annual renewal of the intrastate authority, or the insurance filings, of the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) or [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), or other intrastate filing requirement necessary to operate within the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) if the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) or [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15) is—
      - (i) registered under [section 13902](/usc/49/13902.md) or [section 13905(b)](/usc/49/13905.md?p=b); and
      - (ii) in compliance with the laws and regulations of the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) authorizing the [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) to operate in the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) in accordance with [section 14501(c)(2)(A)](/usc/49/14501.md?p=c-2-A); except with respect to—
        - (I) intrastate service provided by [motor carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) of passengers that is not subject to the preemption provisions of [section 14501(a)](/usc/49/14501.md?p=a);
        - (II) [motor carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) of property, [motor private carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), [brokers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=2), or [freight forwarders](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8), or their services or operations, that are described in subparagraphs [(B)](/usc/49/14501.md?p=c-2-B) and [(C)](/usc/49/14501.md?p=c-2-C) of section 14501(c)(2); and
        - (III) the intrastate [transportation](/usc/49/10102.md?p=9) of waste or recyclable materials by any [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3); or
  - (2) to require any interstate [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) or [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15) that also performs intrastate operations to pay any fee or tax which[^2] a [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) engaged exclusively in intrastate operations is exempt.
- (d) **Unified Carrier Registration Plan.—**
  - (1) **Board of directors.—**
    - (A) **Governance of plan; establishment.—** The unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration plan shall have a [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) of directors consisting of representatives of the Department of [Transportation](/usc/49/10102.md?p=9), participating [States](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8), and the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) industry. The [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) shall establish the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1).
    - (B) **Composition.—** The [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) shall consist of 15 directors appointed by the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) as follows:
      - (i) **Federal motor carrier safety administration.—** One director from each of the Federal [Motor Carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) Safety Administration’s 4 service areas (as those areas were defined by the Federal [Motor Carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) Safety Administration on January 1, 2005) from among the chief administrative officers of the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) agencies responsible for overseeing the administration of the UCR agreement.
      - (ii) **State agencies.—** Five directors from the professional staffs of [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) agencies responsible for overseeing the administration of the UCR agreement in their respective [States](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8). Nominees for these 5 directorships shall be submitted to the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) by the national association of professional employees of the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) agencies responsible for overseeing the administration of the UCR agreement in their respective [States](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8).
      - (iii) **Motor carrier industry.—** Five directors from the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) industry. At least 1 of the appointees under this clause shall be a representative of a national trade association representing the general [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) of property industry. At least 1 of the appointees under this clause shall represent a [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) that falls within the smallest fleet fee bracket.
      - (iv) **Department of transportation.—** The Deputy Administrator of the Federal [Motor Carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) Safety Administration, or such other presidential appointee from the Department, as the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) may appoint.
    - (C) **Chairperson and vice-chairperson.—** The [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) shall designate 1 director as chairperson and 1 director as vice-chairperson of the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1). The chairperson and vice-chairperson shall serve in such capacity for the term of their appointment as directors.
    - (D) **Terms.—**
      - (i) **Initial terms.—** In appointing the initial [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1), the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) shall designate 5 of the appointed directors for initial terms of 3 years, 5 of the appointed directors for initial terms of 2 years, and 5 of the appointed directors for initial terms of 1 year.
      - (ii) **Thereafter.—** After the initial term, all directors shall be appointed for terms of 3 years; except that the term of the Deputy Administrator or other individual designated by the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) under [subparagraph (B)(iv)](#d-1-B-iv) shall be at the discretion of the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20).
      - (iii) **Succession.—** A director may be appointed to succeed himself or herself.
      - (iv) **End of service.—** A director may continue to serve on the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) until his or her successor is appointed.
  - (2) **Rules and regulations governing the ucr agreement.—** The [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) of directors shall issue rules and regulations to govern the UCR agreement. The rules and regulations shall—
    - (A) prescribe uniform forms and formats, for—
      - (i) the annual submission of the information required by a base-[State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) of a [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), leasing company, [broker](/usc/49/13102.md?p=2), or [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8);
      - (ii) the transmission of information by a participating [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) to the Unified [Carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) Registration System;
      - (iii) the payment of excess fees by a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) to the designated depository and the distribution of fees by the depository to those [States](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) so entitled; and
      - (iv) the providing of notice by a [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), [broker](/usc/49/13102.md?p=2), [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8), or leasing company to the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) of the intent of such entity to change its base-[State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8), and the procedures for a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) to object to such a change under [subparagraph (C)](#d-2-C);
    - (B) provide for the administration of the unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration agreement, including procedures for amending the agreement and obtaining clarification of any provision of the Agreement;
    - (C) provide procedures for dispute resolution under the agreement that provide due process for all involved parties; and
    - (D) designate a depository.
  - (3) **Compensation and expenses.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** Except for the representative of the Department appointed under [paragraph (1)(B)(iv)](#d-1-B-iv), no director shall receive any compensation or other benefits from the Federal Government for serving on the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) or be considered a Federal employee as a result of such service.
    - (B) **Expenses.—** All directors shall be reimbursed for expenses they incur attending meetings of the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1). In addition, the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) may approve the reimbursement of expenses incurred by members of any subcommittee or task force appointed under [paragraph (5)](#d-5) for carrying out the duties of the subcommittee or task force. The reimbursement of expenses to directors and subcommittee and task force members shall be under subchapter II of [chapter 57](/usc/5/chptIII/sptD/ch57.md) of title 5, United States Code, governing reimbursement of expenses for travel by Federal employees.
  - (4) **Meetings.—**
    - (A) **In general.—** The [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) shall meet at least once per year. Additional meetings may be called, as needed, by the chairperson of the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1), a majority of the directors, or the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20).
    - (B) **Quorum.—** A majority of directors shall constitute a quorum.
    - (C) **Voting.—** Approval of any matter before the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) shall require the approval of a majority of all directors present at the meeting, except that a decision to approve the exclusion of [carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) from the definition of the term “[motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14)” under [subsection (a)(5)](#a-5) shall require an affirmative vote of ¾ of all such directors..[^2]
    - (D) **Open meetings.—** Meetings of the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) and any subcommittees or task forces appointed under [paragraph (5)](#d-5) shall be subject to the provisions of [section 552b of title 5](/usc/5/552b.md).
  - (5) **Subcommittees.—**
    - (A) **Industry advisory subcommittee.—** The chairperson shall appoint an industry advisory subcommittee. The industry advisory subcommittee shall consider any matter before the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) and make recommendations to the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1).
    - (B) **Other subcommittees.—** The chairperson shall appoint an audit subcommittee, a dispute resolution subcommittee, and any additional subcommittees and task forces that the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) determines to be necessary.
    - (C) **Membership.—** The chairperson of each subcommittee shall be a director. The other members of subcommittees and task forces may be directors or nondirectors.
    - (D) **Representation on subcommittees.—** Except for the industry advisory subcommittee (the membership of which shall consist solely of representatives of entities subject to the fee requirements of [subsection (f)](#f)), each subcommittee and task force shall include representatives of the participating [States](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) and the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) industry.
  - (6) **Delegation of authority.—** The [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) may contract with any [person](/usc/49/13102.md?p=18) or any agency of a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) to perform administrative functions required under the unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration agreement, but may not delegate its decision or policy-making responsibilities.
  - (7) **Determination of fees.—**
    - (A) **Recommendation by board.—** The [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) shall recommend to the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) the initial annual fees to be assessed [carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3), leasing companies, [brokers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=2), and [freight forwarders](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8) under the unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration agreement. In making its recommendation to the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) for the level of fees to be assessed in any agreement year, and in setting the fee level, the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) and the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) shall consider—
      - (i) the administrative costs associated with the unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration plan and the agreement;
      - (ii) whether the revenues generated in the previous year and any surplus or shortage from that or prior years enable the participating [States](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) to achieve the revenue levels set by the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1); and
      - (iii) the provisions governing fees under [subsection (f)(1)](#f-1).
    - (B) **Setting fees.—** The [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) shall set the initial annual fees for the next agreement year and any subsequent adjustment of those fees—
      - (i) within 90 days after receiving the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1)’s recommendation under [subparagraph (A)](#d-7-A); and
      - (ii) after notice and opportunity for public comment.
  - (8) **Liability protections for directors.—** No individual appointed to serve on the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) shall be liable to any other director or to any other party for harm, either economic or non-economic, caused by an act or omission of the individual arising from the individual’s service on the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) if—
    - (A) the individual was acting within the scope of his or her responsibilities as a director; and
    - (B) the harm was not caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a conscious, flagrant indifference to the right or safety of the party harmed by the individual.
  - (9) **Inapplicability of chapter 10 of title 5.—** [Chapter 10](/usc/5/chptI/ch10.md) of title 5 shall not apply to the unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration plan, the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1), or its committees.
  - (10) **Certain fees not affected.—** This section does not limit the amount of money a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) may charge for vehicle registration or the amount of any fuel use tax a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) may impose pursuant to the International Fuel Tax Agreement (as defined in [section 31701](/usc/49/31701.md)).
- (e) **State Participation.—**
  - (1) **State plan.—** No [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) shall be eligible to participate in the unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration plan or to receive any revenues derived under the UCR agreement, unless the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) submits to the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20), not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the Unified [Carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) Registration Act of 2005, a plan—
    - (A) identifying the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) agency that has or will have the legal authority, resources, and qualified personnel necessary to administer the agreement in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) of directors; and
    - (B) demonstrating that an amount at least equal to the revenue derived by the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) from the unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration agreement shall be used for [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) safety programs, enforcement, or the administration of the UCR plan and UCR agreement.
  - (2) **Amended plans.—** A [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) that submits a plan under this subsection may change the agency designated in the plan by filing an amended plan with the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) and the chairperson of the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) of directors.
  - (3) **Withdrawal of plan.—** If a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) withdraws, or notifies the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) that it is withdrawing, the plan it submitted under this subsection, the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) may no longer participate in the unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration agreement or receive any portion of the revenues derived under the agreement. The [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) shall notify the chairperson upon receiving notice from a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) that it is withdrawing its plan or withdrawing from the agreement, or both.
  - (4) **Termination of eligibility.—** If a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) fails to submit a plan to the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) in accordance with [paragraph (1)](#e-1) or withdraws its plan under [paragraph (3)](#e-3), the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) may not submit or resubmit a plan or participate in the agreement.
  - (5) **Provision of plan to chairperson.—** The [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) shall provide a copy of each plan submitted under this subsection to the chairperson of the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) of directors not later than 10 days after date of submission of the plan.
- (f) **Contents of Unified Carrier Registration Agreement.—** The unified [carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) registration agreement shall provide the following:
  - (1) **Fees.—**
    - (A) Fees charged—
      - (i) to a [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), or [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8) under the UCR agreement shall be based on the number of commercial [motor vehicles](/usc/49/13102.md?p=16) owned or operated by the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), or [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8); and
      - (ii) to a [broker](/usc/49/13102.md?p=2) or leasing company under the UCR agreement shall be equal to the smallest fee charged to a [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), and [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8) under this paragraph.
    - (B) The fees shall be determined by the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) based upon the recommendation of the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) under [subsection (d)(7)](#d-7).
    - (C) The [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) shall develop for purposes of charging fees no more than 6 and no less than 4 brackets of [carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) (including [motor private carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15)) based on the size of fleet.
    - (D) The fee scale shall be progressive in the amount of the fee.
    - (E) The [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) may ask the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) to adjust the fees within a reasonable range on an annual basis if the revenues derived from the fees—
      - (i) are insufficient to provide the revenues to which the [States](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) are entitled under this section; or
      - (ii) exceed those revenues.
  - (2) **Determination of ownership or operation.—** For purposes of this subsection, a commercial [motor vehicle](/usc/49/13102.md?p=16) is owned or operated by a [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), or [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8) if the vehicle is registered under Federal law or [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) law, or both, in the name of the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), or [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8) or is controlled by the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), or [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8) under a long term lease during a vehicle registration year.
  - (3) **Calculation of number of commercial motor vehicles owned or operated.—** The number of commercial [motor vehicles](/usc/49/13102.md?p=16) owned or operated by a [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), or [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8) for purposes of [paragraph (1)](#f-1) shall be based either on the number of commercial [motor vehicles](/usc/49/13102.md?p=16) the [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), or [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8) has indicated it operates on its most recently filed MCS–150 or the total number of such vehicles it owned or operated for the 12-month period ending on June 30 of the year immediately prior to the registration year of the Unified [Carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) Registration System. A [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) may include in the calculation of its fleet size for purposes of [paragraph (1)](#f-1) any commercial [motor vehicle](/usc/49/13102.md?p=16). [Motor carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) and [motor private carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15) in the calculation of their fleet size for purposes of [paragraph (1)](#f-1) may elect not to include commercial [motor vehicles](/usc/49/13102.md?p=16) used exclusively in the intrastate [transportation](/usc/49/10102.md?p=9) of property, waste, or recyclable material.
  - (4) **Payment of fees.—** [Motor carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), leasing companies, [brokers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=2), and [freight forwarders](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8) shall pay all fees required under this section to their base-[State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) pursuant to the UCR Agreement.
- (g) **Payment of Fees.—** Revenues derived under the UCR Agreement shall be allocated to participating [States](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) as follows:
  - (1) A [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) that participated in the SSRS in the last registration year under the SSRS ending before the date of enactment of the Unified [Carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) Registration Act of 2005 and complies with [subsection (e)](#e) is entitled to receive under this section a portion of the revenues generated under the UCR agreement equivalent to the revenues it received under the SSRS in such last registration year, as long as the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) continues to comply with [subsection (e)](#e).
  - (2) A [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) that collected intrastate registration fees from interstate [motor carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), interstate [motor private carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), or interstate exempt [carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) and complies with [subsection (e)](#e) is entitled to receive under this section an additional portion of the revenues generated under the UCR agreement equivalent to the revenues it received from such [carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) in the last calendar year ending before the date of enactment of the Unified [Carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=3) Registration Act of 2005, as long as the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) continues to comply with [subsection (e)](#e).
  - (3) [States](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) that comply with [subsection (e)](#e) but did not participate in SSRS during such last registration year shall be entitled under this section to an annual allotment not to exceed $500,000 from the revenues generated under the UCR agreement, as long as the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) continues to comply with the provisions of [subsection (e)](#e).
  - (4) The amount of revenues generated under the UCR agreement to which a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) is entitled under this section shall be calculated by the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) and approved by the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20).
- (h) **Distribution of UCR Agreement Revenues.—**
  - (1) **Eligibility.—** Each [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) that is in compliance with [subsection (e)](#e) shall be entitled under this section to a portion of the revenues derived from the UCR Agreement in accordance with [subsection (g)](#g).
  - (2) **Entitlement to revenues.—** A [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) that is in compliance with [subsection (e)](#e) may retain an amount of the gross revenues it collects from [motor carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), [brokers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=2), [freight forwarders](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8) and leasing companies under the UCR agreement equivalent to the portion of revenues to which the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) is entitled under [subsection (g)](#g). All revenues a participating [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) collects in excess of the amount to which the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) is so entitled shall be forwarded to the depository designated by the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) under [subsection (d)(2)(D)](#d-2-D).
  - (3) **Distribution of funds from depository.—** The excess funds deposited in the depository shall be distributed by the [board](/usc/49/10102.md?p=1) of directors as follows:
    - (A) On a pro rata basis to each participating [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) that did not collect revenues under the UCR agreement equivalent to the amount such [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) is entitled under [subsection (g)](#g), except that the sum of the gross revenues collected under the UCR agreement by a participating [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) and the amount distributed to it from the depository shall not exceed the amount to which the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) is entitled under [subsection (g)](#g).
    - (B) After all distributions under [subparagraph (A)](#h-3-A) have been made, to pay the administrative costs of the UCR plan and the UCR agreement.
  - (4) **Retention of certain excess funds.—** Any excess funds held by the depository after distributions and payments under paragraphs [(3)(A)](#h-3-A) and [(3)(B)](#h-3-B) shall be retained in the depository, and the fees charged under the UCR agreement to [motor carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), leasing companies, [freight forwarders](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8), and [brokers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=2) for the next fee year shall be reduced by the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20) accordingly.
- (i) **Enforcement.—**
  - (1) **Civil actions.—** Upon request by the [Secretary](/usc/49/13102.md?p=20), the Attorney General may bring a civil action in the [United States](/usc/49/10102.md?p=10) district court described in [paragraph (2)](#i-2) to enforce an order issued to require compliance with this section and with the terms of the UCR agreement.
  - (2) **Venue.—** An action under this section may be brought only in a [United States](/usc/49/10102.md?p=10) district court in the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) in which compliance with the order is required.
  - (3) **Relief.—** Subject to [section 1341 of title 28](/usc/28/1341.md), the court, on a proper showing shall issue a temporary restraining order or a preliminary or permanent injunction requiring that the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) or any [person](/usc/49/13102.md?p=18) comply with this section.
  - (4) **Enforcement by states.—** Nothing in this section—
    - (A) prohibits a participating [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) from issuing citations and imposing reasonable fines and penalties pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations of the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) on any [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8), [broker](/usc/49/13102.md?p=2), or leasing company for failure to—
      - (i) submit information documents as required under [subsection (d)(2)](#d-2); or
      - (ii) pay the fees required under [subsection (f)](#f); or
    - (B) authorizes a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) to require a [motor carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14), [motor private carrier](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15), or [freight forwarder](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8) to display as evidence of compliance any form of identification in excess of those permitted under [section 14506](/usc/49/14506.md) on or in a commercial [motor vehicle](/usc/49/13102.md?p=16).
- (j) **Application to Intrastate Carriers.—** Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8) may elect to apply the provisions of the UCR agreement to [motor carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=14) and [motor private carriers](/usc/49/13102.md?p=15) and [freight forwarders](/usc/49/13102.md?p=8) subject to its jurisdiction that operate solely in intrastate commerce within the borders of the [State](/usc/49/10102.md?p=8).

## Footnotes

[^1]: See References in Text note below.
[^2]: So in original.

## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 109–59, title IV, § 4305(b), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1764; amended Pub. L. 110–244, title III, § 301(m)–(p), June 6, 2008, 122 Stat. 1617; Pub. L. 110–432, div. A, title VII, § 701(d), Oct. 16, 2008, 122 Stat. 4906; Pub. L. 112–141, div. C, title II, § 32933(b), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 830; Pub. L. 117–286, § 4(a)(305), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4339.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (a)(7), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 109–59, which was approved Aug. 10, 2005.

Section 13903(b), referred to in subsec. (b), was redesignated section 13903(d) by Pub. L. 112–141, div. C, title II, § 32916(a)(2), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 820.

The date of enactment of the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005, referred to in subsecs. (e)(1) and (g)(1), (2), is the date of enactment of subtitle C of title IV of Pub. L. 109–59, which was approved Aug. 10, 2005.

### Amendments

2022—Subsec. (d)(9). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted “chapter 10 of title 5” for “federal advisory committee act” in heading and “Chapter 10 of title 5” for “The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)” in text.

2012—Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 112–141, § 32933(b)(1), substituted “section” for “sections”.

Subsec. (c)(1)(D)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 112–141, § 32933(b)(2), substituted “; and” for period at end.

2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–432, § 701(d)(1)(A), inserted “(except as provided in paragraph (5))” after “14506” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 110–432, § 701(d)(1)(B), added subpar. (A) and struck out former subpar. (A). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term ‘commercial motor vehicle’ has the meaning such term has under section 31101.”

Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 110–244, § 301(m), substituted “determining the size of a motor carrier or motor private carrier’s fleet in calculating the fee to be paid by a motor carrier or motor private carrier pursuant to subsection (f)(1), the motor carrier or motor private carrier” for “a motor carrier required to make any filing or pay any fee to a State with respect to the motor carrier’s authority or insurance related to operation within such State, the motor carrier”.

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 110–432, § 701(d)(1)(C), added par. (5) and struck out former par. (5). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The term ‘motor carrier’ includes all carriers that are otherwise exempt from this part under subchapter I of chapter 135 or exemption actions by the former Interstate Commerce Commission under this title.”

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 110–244, § 301(p)(1), substituted “a” for “the a”.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 110–244, § 301(n), substituted “exclusively in intrastate operations” for “exclusively in interstate operations”.

Subsec. (d)(4)(C). Pub. L. 110–432, § 701(d)(2), inserted before period “, except that a decision to approve the exclusion of carriers from the definition of the term ‘motor carrier’ under subsection (a)(5) shall require an affirmative vote of ¾ of all such directors.”

Subsec. (f)(1)(A)(i). Pub. L. 110–244, § 301(p)(2), struck out “in connection with the filing of proof of financial responsibility” before “under the UCR agreement”.

Subsec. (f)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 110–244, § 301(o), (p)(3), substituted “under the UCR agreement” for “in connection with such a filing” and struck out “or” before “under this paragraph.”

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–141 effective Oct. 1, 2012, see section 3(a) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note under section 101 of Title 23, Highways.

### Deemed References to Chapters 509 and 511 of Title 51

General references to “this title” deemed to refer also to chapters 509 and 511 of Title 51, National and Commercial Space Programs, see section 4(d)(8) of Pub. L. 111–314, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.