Changing car plates might seem like a simple task involving a screwdriver, but in reality, navigating the regulations and requirements for different types of vehicle plates is the real challenge. In New Jersey, the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) has a complex system of codes and classifications, each with specific stipulations. Understanding these is the most necessary tool you’ll need when dealing with car plates in the Garden State.
This guide breaks down the various vehicle registration codes in New Jersey, mirroring the official MVC information, to equip you with the knowledge you need. Whether you’re a commercial trucker, taxi operator, farmer, or constructor, knowing the right codes and their associated rules is crucial. Consider this article your essential toolkit for understanding New Jersey car plate requirements.
Commercial Truck or Tractor (Code 11): The Workhorse Plates
For any motorized vehicle used for commercial purposes like transporting goods, wares, and merchandise, Code 11 plates are essential. These plates are marked with the word “commercial” and feature numerals prefixed by “X” or another designated letter.
Beyond the plates themselves, necessary tools include understanding the lettering requirements. New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-46) mandates a clearly visible sign or nameplate displaying:
- The name of the vehicle owner, lessee, or lessor.
- The municipality where their principal business is located.
- The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combined GVWR if over 26,001 lbs and registered or garaged in NJ.
This lettering must be at least three inches high. Exceptions exist for franchised public utilities and large fleets, which can use corporate ID numbers instead of municipality names. Obtaining a Federal DOT registration number is also a necessary step for many commercial operators, accessible online or via phone.
Taxi (Code 13): Passenger for Hire Plates
Code 13 plates are designated for taxis, vehicles transporting passengers for hire (excluding school buses, omnibuses, and limousines). These plates either explicitly state “Taxicab” or are used specifically for taxi vehicles.
A critical tool for obtaining and renewing these plates is an original letter of authorization or certificate from the local municipality where the taxi will operate. This document is mandatory and must be presented for both initial registration and online renewals.
Limousine (Code 14): Premium Charter Plates
Limousine plates (Code 14) are for vehicles designed for premium charter services, with a capacity of no more than 14 passengers (excluding the driver) or stretched configurations within specific limits. These plates display the word “Limousine” and are strictly for charter operations.
Operating a limousine requires a necessary understanding of specific conditions. Limousines cannot operate on fixed routes and should not be registered as taxis. If a vehicle is used for paid carpooling, it falls under the limousine registration. Crucially, applicants must provide a municipal license to operate and comprehensive insurance documentation, including:
- Insurance Company Name
- Policy Number and Expiration Date
- Minimum $1.5 million liability coverage
- Vehicle descriptions
- Listing the NJ MVC as the certificate holder
A Power of Attorney (POA) form, appointing the MVC Chief Administrator as attorney-in-fact for service of process, is another necessary legal tool.
Aggregate Haulers (Code 16): Material Transport Plates
Code 16 plates are for commercial vehicles hauling aggregate materials like cement, stone, and clean fill. The necessary requirements for Code 16 are identical to Code 11 (Commercial Truck or Tractor). The key distinction is the vehicle’s designated use – hauling aggregate.
School Bus (Codes 17, 18): Student Transportation Plates
School buses are categorized under Codes 17 and 18 based on seating capacity:
- Code 17: 16 or more passengers (including driver), plates display “school vehicle” and start or end with “S1”.
- Code 18: Less than 16 passengers (including driver), plates display “school vehicle” and start or end with “S2”.
For school bus plates, necessary compliance extends beyond registration. Vehicles must meet regulations from both the NJ MVC and the New Jersey Department of Education. These plates also have unique expiration schedules, with initial transactions expiring after 11 months and renewals after 12 months. Usage is restricted to transporting enrolled children and chaperones to specific educational and school-related locations.
Four-Year & Commercial Trailer (Codes 19, 21): Towing Plates
Trailers for commercial use have distinct plate codes:
- Code 19: Four-Year Commercial Trailer, for trailers registered for a four-year period.
- Code 21: Commercial Trailer, for general commercial trailers.
Both use plates prefixed with the letter “T”. Necessary compliance for commercial lettering on trailers mirrors Code 11 requirements. Notably, commercial trailer GVW is listed as 0, with the towing vehicle displaying the total weight.
Commercial Motorcycle (Code 24): Two-Wheeled Commercial Plates
Code 24 covers commercial motorcycles, motorbikes, and similar two or three-wheeled vehicles used for transporting goods. These plates display “Commercial” and have numerals prefixed by “X”. The necessary understanding here is that even two-wheeled vehicles used for commercial purposes fall under specific MVC regulations.
Farm Truck (Code 31): Agricultural Transport Plates
Farm Truck plates (Code 31) are for vehicles transporting farm products or supplies produced on the owner’s farm, not for hire. These plates display “Farmer” and begin with prefixes “XY” or “XZ”.
Necessary components for farm trucks include a visible sign or nameplate with:
- Owner/renter name
- Municipality of residence
- GVWR (if applicable, or combined GVWR if over 26,001 lbs)
- Lettering at least three inches high
Eligibility requires the applicant to be a farmer engaged in commercial farming on at least five acres and possessing a current Agricultural Certificate from a county agricultural agent, a necessary document for registration and renewal. Farm trucks cannot be used for hauling for hire, except for snow removal contracts with municipalities.
Light–Medium & Heavy Duty Tow Truck (Codes 32, 33): Towing Service Plates
Tow trucks are categorized by weight:
- Code 32: Light–Medium Weight Tow Truck (under 32,000 lbs)
- Code 33: Heavy Duty Tow Truck (over 32,000 lbs)
Necessary documentation for both includes a Certificate of Insurance with specific liability minimums ($750,000 for Code 32, $1,000,000 for Code 33), listing the NJ MVC as the certificate holder. Proof of the manufacturer’s GVWR (MSO or owner/lessee certification on Form BA-49T) is also required.
Solid Waste (Code 39): Trash Collection Plates
Code 39 plates are for vehicles engaged in solid waste disposal (trash collection), with weight ceilings based on axle configuration. These use regular commercial plates starting with “X”. A necessary prerequisite is holding a “Certificate of Convenience and Necessity” from the Board of Public Utility Commissioners. Dual registration with Code 41 (Constructor) is possible under specific conditions.
Constructor (Code 41): Construction Vehicle Plates
Constructor plates (Code 41) are for vehicles used in construction work or material transport (dirt, concrete, etc.), with gross weights between 41,000 and 70,000 pounds. These also use regular commercial plates prefixed with “X”. Necessary operational knowledge includes speed restrictions: 45 mph when under 50% load and 30 mph (within a 30-mile radius) when over 50% load. Dual registration with Code 39 (Solid Waste) is permitted.
Farm Use (Code 51): Farm Machinery Plates
Farm Use plates (Code 51) are for farm machinery or implements used on farms, not for hire, traveling short distances between farm parts. These plates display “FARM USE” and start with “F”. A farm certificate from the county agricultural agent is a necessary requirement. Restrictions include a 15-mile radius from the home farm and no operation between sunset and sunrise.
Agricultural Tractor (Code 52): Tractor Plates
Agricultural Tractor plates (Code 52) are for farm tractors and traction equipment operating on public highways. Plates display “Tractor” and start with “T”. An Agricultural Certificate is again a necessary document.
Omnibus and Passenger Vehicle Transportation (PVT) (Code 54): Passenger Transport Plates
Code 54 covers vehicles transporting passengers for hire, excluding school buses, limousines, and taxis, categorized as Omnibus 1 and Omnibus 2, and PVT vehicles.
- Omnibus 1: Traditional route, charter, and special operation buses. Plates display “Omnibus” and start with “O”. Necessary compliance involves biannual inspections and specific certifications (MC-9, MC-12).
- Omnibus 2: Company-owned passenger transport for constituents, not competing with public services. Plates start with “O2”. Annual safety and emissions inspections are necessary.
- PVT Vehicles: Ambulances, hotel buses, jitneys, etc. Plates start with “O” followed by the vehicle type’s first letter. Annual safety and emissions inspections are necessary.
Contractor Equipment In-Transit (Code 56): Temporary Transit Plates
Code 56 plates are for temporary registration of contractor equipment like road building machinery, rollers, etc., for in-transit purposes. Plates display “CONTRACTOR EQUIPMENT IN-TRANSIT”. Necessary limitations include no load carrying and restrictions on combinations of vehicles with Code 56 plates. Specific insurance requirements and application procedures apply.
Migrant Farm Worker (Code 58): Seasonal Worker Plates
Code 58 plates are for vehicles transporting persons for hire for businesses transporting property within the state during seasonal agricultural employment. A special permit, migrant farm worker certification, and application with the employer’s agricultural number are necessary tools to obtain these. Permits expire on November 30th.
In-Transit Empty (Code 59): Empty Vehicle Transport Plates
Code 59 plates are for transporting empty trucks, trailers, and mobile homes between terminals or for adding equipment or lettering. Application requires the company’s Entity Identification Number (EIN) or driver’s license number.
Farm Labor Transport (Code 99): Migrant Worker Transport Plates
Code 99 plates are for commercial vehicles transporting migrant farm workers to and from NJ farms. Plates display “Commercial”. Necessary vehicle markings include “farm labor transport” wording on both sides and rear (6-inch letters). Driver age and license requirements, insurance, annual inspections, and a notarized affidavit are also crucial.
Conclusion: Knowledge is Your Best Tool
Changing car plates in New Jersey is not just about the physical act. The most necessary tool is a thorough understanding of the MVC’s codes, requirements, and regulations. This guide, based on official information, provides that essential knowledge, helping you navigate the complexities of New Jersey vehicle registration and ensure you have the correct plates for your vehicle type and usage. By understanding these classifications, you can confidently manage your vehicle registration needs and stay compliant with New Jersey law.
