CFV-1

The NY DMV form CFV-1, "Designation as a New York State Covered Farm Vehicle," is a self-certification document that allows farm operators to claim exemptions from certain federal and state commercial driving regulations. By completing this form and keeping it within the vehicle, owners or operators of a farm or ranch—including their family members and employees—designate the vehicle as a "Covered Farm Vehicle" (CFV) under New York State and federal law. To qualify, the vehicle must be used primarily to transport agricultural commodities, livestock, machinery, or supplies, and it cannot be used for-hire (except for specific crop-share agreements) or to transport hazardous materials requiring placards.

The primary benefit of the CFV-1 designation is an exemption from the requirement to hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL) for vehicles weighing 26,000 pounds or less; for vehicles over this weight, operators still require a standard license with a Farm Endorsement (F or G) but remain exempt from full CDL requirements. Additionally, the designation provides relief from federal regulations concerning hours of service, medical certifications, drug testing, and certain inspection and maintenance standards. While vehicles under 26,000 pounds may be operated nationwide (subject to other states' recognition of the designation), those exceeding 26,000 pounds are restricted to operation within New York State and 150 air miles of the farm. The form must be presented to law enforcement upon request to prove these exemptions.