N.Y. Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 509-P
Definitions

As used in this article, the term:

1.

“Commercial motor vehicle” shall mean a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles having a gross combination weight rating of more than ten thousand pounds used in commerce to transport property and it shall include a tow truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of at least eighty-six hundred pounds.

2.

“Gross vehicle weight rating” or “GVWR” shall mean the weight of a vehicle consisting of the unladen weight and the maximum carrying capacity recommended by the manufacturer of such vehicle. The GVWR of a combination of vehicles commonly referred to as the gross combination weight rating or GCWR is the GVWR of the power unit plus the GVWR of each vehicle in the combination.

3.

“Commercial driver” shall mean every person who is self-employed or employed by a commercial motor carrier and who drives a commercial motor vehicle for hire or profit.

4.

“Commercial motor carrier” shall mean any person, corporation, or entity, who directs one or more commercial motor vehicles and who operates a commercial motor vehicle wholly within or partly within and partly without this state in connection with the operation or administration of any business.

Source: Section 509-P — Definitions, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/VAT/509-P (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Nov. 1, 2025).

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Verified:
Nov. 1, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 509-P. Definitions's source at nysenate​.gov

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