Motor Carrier Search DOT Driver/Files Broker Authority DOT Authority Plates Licensing Products

What Is the Fine for Not Having an IFTA sticker?

Written by Nick Webster

Published on Dec. 11, 2023, 3:58 p.m.

container-1-main-image




IFTA Non-Compliance Fine





“What is the fine for not having an IFTA sticker?” is an important question. If you're a trucker and don't have an IFTA sticker, you better believe you'll end up paying the price. Depending on the state, not having an IFTA sticker can cost you some serious dough - fines of up to $500 or more per violation. That's why it pays to ensure your truck is correctly registered with the International Fuel Tax Agreement. Don't forget to do that before hitting the road! Or else, you could be in for a big surprise when they pull you over. Trust us, it is not worth it. Get an IFTA sticker from our website, and stay safe out there! Read here about Starting a Trucking Company Correctly.







What Are IFTA Stickers?





IFTA stickers are a way to keep roads safe and help you travel more efficiently. They provide an easy, uniform way to pay fuel taxes for vehicles that use multiple jurisdictions, such as those used by long-haul truckers and any other commercial vehicle that crosses state lines in the United States or Canada. What is the DOT SAP Program?


By affixing an IFTA sticker on your vehicle, you can avoid purchasing extra permits or licenses when traveling from one state to another. Plus, you'll have a convenient way of ensuring you comply with all applicable fuel tax laws! So, if you're planning on hitting the road for business or pleasure, make sure to get your IFTA sticker. How To Request the DOT PIN Number?




What Is IFTA?





IFTA stands for “International Fuel Tax Agreement.” It's a fuel tax agreement between states in the US and provinces and territories in Canada to help them work together to make sure motor carriers are paying their fair share of fuel taxes. You must visit the link.


By submitting quarterly IFTA returns, carriers can easily track their fuel use across multiple jurisdictions. We’re here to tell you that IFTA makes it easier than ever for motor carriers to file accurate and timely returns while keeping more money in your pocket! So don't delay - get going with IFTA now! Visit the DOT Authority Package, which contains tips to prepare for 2022 DOT Week filings in minutes. How do you get an Oregon Trip And Fuel Permit?





Who Needs IFTA Stickers?





Here are the types of trucking professionals that need to use IFTA stickers:

  • Motor carriers that operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 pounds or 11,793 kilograms.
  • Businesses that transport hazardous materials in quantities that require them to be placarded according to the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act.
  • Any motor carrier operating two or more commercial motor vehicles in two or more jurisdictions.
  • All nonresidents who are driving a commercial motor vehicle in another jurisdiction and must pay highway use taxes on fuel used in those states.
  • Any other person required by law to obtain an IFTA sticker. Must visit FMCSA Hours of Service Suspended topics.




When Do You Have To Display IFTA Stickers?





If you're a trucker using the International Fuel Tax Agreement, you will need to display an IFTA sticker on your vehicle. This helps enforcement officers quickly identify that your truck is legally registered with the IFTA system. Without this sticker, you could face fines or other penalties for not following the rules of the agreement—the importance of The FMCSA 30-Minute Break Rule.


To comply with the requirements, you must apply for a sticker every two years and renew it when necessary. The fees associated with this process vary from state to state, so make sure to check in with your local DMV before applying for an IFTA sticker. Following these simple steps will ensure that you are compliant and can avoid potential consequences. Also, take a look at the Drug and Alcohol Program policy.





What Are Temporary IFTA Permits?





If a motor carrier needs to add another vehicle to its fleet but has no extra IFTA decals, it might want to consider getting a temporary IFTA permit. This is particularly useful when a motor carrier wishes to start running the commercial motor vehicle in member IFTA jurisdictions as quickly as possible. The temporary IFTA permit is specific to that one vehicle and valid for 30 days. Replacing the interim license with decals should be done within those 30 days, before it expires. What is DOT Clearinghouse Enforcement?




What Are the Filing and Reporting Requirements of IFTA?




Here are the filing and reporting requirements of IFTA, per the FMCSA:


  • Filing of quarterly returns: All IFTA licensees must file a Quarterly Fuel Tax Return with their base jurisdiction. This return must be filed by the last day of the month following the close of each quarter. Also, visit the website link.
  • Payment of fees and taxes: IFTA licensees must pay fuel taxes due for each jurisdiction they travel in and may also be required to pay additional fees to their base jurisdiction.
  • Recordkeeping requirements: IFTA licensees must maintain records that accurately reflect all miles traveled, fuel purchased, and fuel taxes paid for a minimum period of four years from the date the report is filed. Records must include invoices, receipts, trip logs, any other pertinent documents related to taxable activity, or other relevant paperwork. What is Unified Carrier Registration?




What's an IFTA “Jurisdiction"?




So, what's an IFTA "Jurisdiction"? Well, it’s an area where a truck driver has to pay fuel taxes for the miles traveled in that area – just like you have to pay sales tax when you buy something. Learn here How to Prepare for a Compliance DOT Audit.



The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is a cooperative agreement among US states and Canadian provinces that simplifies how motor carriers report their fuel use taxes. It requires all drivers who operate in multiple jurisdictions with vehicles over 26,000 lbs gross vehicle weight rating to file one fee-free quarterly return with their base jurisdiction. So, IFTA jurisdictions are basically just the different states and provinces that require fuel tax payments from trucks operating within them. Read about Texas DOT Numbers and USDOT Numbers.





Will I Need an IFTA Permit If I Only Drive into a Separate State Once Per Month?





If you plan to drive your commercial vehicle into another state even once a month, you will likely need an International Fuel Tax Agreement permit. This is because the IFTA helps states collect taxes from motor carriers transporting goods between jurisdictions. So, if you're an interstate trucker or business owner, IFTA may apply to you - regardless of how often you cross state boundaries. What is Unified Carrier Registration?



Luckily, getting an IFTA permit isn't that difficult. All it takes is completing and submitting the correct paperwork with the applicable fees. Some states require additional licenses and permits apart from those issued by IFTA, so make sure to read up on the regulations specific to each state before venturing out in your commercial vehicle. Check out The Basics of Farm Exemptions. You will then be able to maintain complete motor carrier authority or broker. What are the Top 3 DOT paper-appointedViolations?




How Do I File an IFTA Report?




Filing an IFTA report can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With the correct information, it's straightforward. All you need is your fuel records for all jurisdictions you operated in, miles traveled in each jurisdiction, and gallons of fuel purchased in each jurisdiction. You will need driver qualification files filed out by all employees who drive for you working.



Once you have all this information compiled, log on to the International Fuel Tax Agreement website and enter the required information into the form. Make sure to double-check your entries and hit submit when finished! It's that easy! You'll then receive confirmation of your IFTA filing, proving that you comply with IFTA regulations. So, don't waste any more time worrying about how to file an IFTA report. Our third-party organization can file an IFTA report on your behalf. All you have to do is give us a call. Also, take a look at what IRP or Apportioned Registration is.





Key Points: What Is the Fine for Failing To Use an IFTA Sticker?





Here is a simple summary of information about IFTA fines. If you need more information, do not hesitate to contact our organization.

  • The fines for failing to display an IFTA sticker vary from state to state.
  • Generally, the fines range from $50-$500 per violation, along with possible additional fees and penalties.
  • Repeat offenders may face even heftier fines or other consequences such as suspension or revocation of their registration privileges.
  • In some cases, it may be necessary to appear in court if you are charged with failure to display an IFTA sticker.
  • In severe cases, legal action can be taken against the driver or company which could result in stiffer penalties including jail time or vehicle impoundment.



Related tags
Explore Filing Options

Let's Talk