What is the purpose of the "DOT Number" displayed on commercial vehicles?

The purpose of the "DOT Number" displayed on commercial vehicles is to identify the vehicle for safety and compliance purposes. This unique number, assigned by the Department of Transportation, serves as a means for state and federal regulators to monitor and investigate the safety performance and compliance of commercial carriers. It effectively links the vehicle to its owner, providing essential information related to safety records, inspection results, and any regulatory actions. This system helps ensure the safe operation of commercial vehicles on public roads, enhancing overall road safety for everyone.

While other options may seem relevant to vehicle operation, they do not accurately reflect the specific function of the DOT number. For instance, tracking fuel consumption pertains to vehicle economics and operational efficiency rather than compliance monitoring. Indicating weight capacity relates to load management but isn’t the focus of the DOT number. Similarly, insurance information is crucial for vehicle operation but is not linked to the DOT number's primary purpose, which is safety and compliance identification.