IRP
International Registration Plan
A registration reciprocity agreement among U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces for the proportional registration of commercial motor vehicles traveling across jurisdictions.
The International Registration Plan (IRP) is a registration reciprocity agreement among U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canadian provinces that provides for the proportional payment of vehicle registration fees based on the distance traveled in each jurisdiction. Under IRP, a carrier registers in a single base jurisdiction and receives a cab card that lists all the jurisdictions in which the vehicle is authorized to operate.
IRP applies to power units (trucks and tractors) used in interstate or international commerce that are used for transporting persons for hire or designed, used, or maintained for transporting property, and that have two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds, have three or more axles regardless of weight, or are used in combination when the combined weight exceeds 26,000 pounds.
Registration fees under IRP are apportioned among the jurisdictions based on the percentage of total miles driven in each jurisdiction during the preceding year. New carriers with no mileage history may use estimated distances for their first year. The IRP cab card must be carried in each vehicle at all times and presented upon request to law enforcement or at weigh stations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between IRP and IFTA?
IRP deals with the proportional registration of vehicles across jurisdictions (license plates), while IFTA deals with the proportional reporting and payment of fuel taxes. Both use a base jurisdiction model and apply to similar vehicle types, but they cover different fees.
Do I need IRP if I only operate in one state?
No. IRP is only required if your commercial motor vehicles travel in two or more IRP member jurisdictions. If you operate entirely within a single state, you only need standard state registration.
What is an IRP cab card?
An IRP cab card is a registration document that lists all the jurisdictions in which your vehicle is registered to operate under the IRP. It must be carried in the vehicle at all times and serves as proof that your vehicle is properly registered in each listed jurisdiction.
Related Terms
IFTA
International Fuel Tax Agreement
An agreement among U.S. states and Canadian provinces that simplifies fuel tax reporting for motor carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions.
USDOT Number
United States Department of Transportation Number
A unique identifier assigned by the FMCSA to commercial motor carriers operating in interstate commerce, used to track safety information and compliance.
FMCSA
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The federal agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for regulating the trucking and bus industries, with a focus on reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
CDL
Commercial Driver's License
A specialized driver's license required to operate large, heavy, or hazardous material vehicles in the United States, issued by individual states under federal standards.