The DMV issues basically two kinds of operating permits,"For Hire" and "Not for Hire" with fees based on number of power units and total mileage in a year. Unless these guys actually cross state lines, they do not come under the DOT. This also means the drivers come under California's hours of service rules which are different from DOT's.

The companies are supposed to maintain a "pull file" in which all things posted to a driver's record are sent to the employer. They must also maintain a pre-employment and random drug testing program. Biennial inspections by the CHP verify this as well as the condition of the equipment involved. If a carrier does not pass, they are required to make corrections within ninty day and undergo another inspection. Consistant inspection failures will result in their operating permit will result in revocation of that permit.

Given all that, remember the CHP is undermanned. Should you want to contact the commercial division, they are (or were?) located in Vallejo. If you see something that is obviously a violation, conraction them WILL result in an inspection. A disgruntled former employee filed a major complaint about our operations and we had to undergo a major inspection with only one minor correction required (bad tailight).