Fleet managers have a wide range of responsibilities, including ensuring that all vehicles in their fleet are properly licensed, titled, and registered. This applies to all types of vehicles, from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks. Fleet managers must stay updated about changes in regulations and renewal requirements to maintain compliance with their fleet’s diverse range of vehicles.
Common Mistakes in License, Title & Registration
Here are eight fundamental errors that fleet managers should avoid when dealing with licensing, titling, and registering both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks:
1. Procrastination: Starting the process early is crucial, as collecting required documents and forms can be time-consuming and involve multiple parties, especially for commercial vehicles with additional regulatory requirements.
2. Underutilizing Online Resources: Fleet managers must take advantage of online services for vehicle registration, licensing, and titling, which can streamline processes for both passenger and commercial vehicles.
3. Overlooking Jurisdiction-Specific Requirements: Each state and jurisdiction have unique statutes for titling and registration, with additional complexities for commercial vehicles. Understanding these variations is essential to avoid mistakes.
4. Improper Registration: Fleet managers must carefully consider each vehicle’s appropriate registration type. For trucks, this may involve deciding whether vehicles qualify for the International Registration Plan (IRP) or need state-specific commercial registration.
5. Mishandling New Vehicle Requirements: Managers should know each vehicle type’s initial licensing requirements and necessary paperwork.
6. Lack of Consistency: Common errors include inconsistent policies, inadequate preparation for jurisdiction requirements, misunderstanding asset types and plate types, and poor vehicle and driver data management across the entire fleet.
7. Neglecting Available Assistance: Fleet managers should seek expert assistance, especially for complex commercial vehicle regulations.
8. Failing to Adapt to Changes: If processes will remain constant yearly is a significant mistake, as regulations and requirements frequently change for passenger and commercial vehicles.
Best Practices
To avoid these pitfalls, fleet managers should:
– Start the licensing and registration process early for all vehicle types
– Utilize online resources and services when available
– Research and understand jurisdiction-specific requirements for both passenger and commercial vehicles
– Ensure proper registration based on vehicle type, weight, and usage
– Pay attention to new vehicle requirements, which may differ between passenger cars and trucks
– Maintain consistent policies and processes across the entire fleet
– Seek expert assistance when needed, especially for complex commercial vehicle regulations
– Stay informed about regulatory changes affecting all vehicle types in the fleet
Additional Considerations for Mixed Fleets
When managing a fleet that includes both passenger vehicles and trucks, fleet managers should also:
– Understand Weight Classifications: Know how weight classifications affect registration requirements, especially for commercial vehicles.
– Monitor Compliance Across Vehicle Types: Ensure all vehicles meet their specific compliance requirements, from emissions testing for passenger cars to safety inspections for commercial trucks.
– Manage Diverse Renewal Schedules: Develop systems to track and manage potentially different renewal schedules for various vehicle types in the fleet.
– Address Unique Commercial Vehicle Needs: Be prepared to handle additional requirements for commercial vehicles, such as IFTA reporting and heavy vehicle use taxes.
By adhering to these guidelines and considering the unique aspects of passenger and commercial vehicles, fleet managers can more effectively navigate the complexities of licensing, titling, and registering their diverse fleets.
PARS license, title, and registration experts can help fleet managers every step of the way — from planning through completion. Call us today for a free consultation at (800) 728-2211 or (703) 743-8000.