In New Jersey, the requirement for commercial license plates depends on the primary use and the physical characteristics of the vehicle. According to the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), you must have commercial plates if the vehicle is used for business purposes to transport persons or property for hire, or if it is owned by a business entity. Furthermore, any vehicle that has "commercial advertising" or signage permanently affixed to it must be registered as a commercial vehicle. From a physical standpoint, regardless of use, you generally need commercial plates if the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding a certain threshold (typically 6,000 lbs for trucks) or if it has certain modifications, such as a "flatbed" or a "utility body." Passenger vehicles like SUVs or minivans used for personal commuting do not need commercial plates. However, if you are a "sole proprietor" using your personal pickup truck for a landscaping or construction business, NJ law requires the commercial designation. It is important to note that commercial registration often carries higher insurance requirements and different parking restrictions in various NJ municipalities. If you use your vehicle for ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft), you usually remain on passenger plates but must notify your personal insurance provider of the commercial activity.