Food Truck Frenzy: Navigating Regulations
A food truck is a great way to either launch a business or expand one! This food service niche has boomed and flourished in the last decade as it’s become more of a mainstream solution to the challenges of the restaurant business.
However, running a food truck doesn’t exactly come with the freedom of the open road. There are a variety of regulations, licenses, and permits that you need in order to operate your business safely and legally. Continue reading below for a complete breakdown.
Types of Food Truck Regulations
As a food service establishment on wheels, you’ll be subject to a variety of different types of regulations, no matter where you operate.
Health & Food Safety Regulations
Commercial food safety is carefully regulated, for good reason. In order to keep a business running, you’ll need to meet all health department requirements and prove you’re doing so with regular inspections.
But food safety is important for another reason – food poisoning is a terrible marketing plan. You’ll want to go above and beyond local regulations by understanding and employing food safety best practices. The best way to do this is to train every member of your staff as either a food handler or food manager, as is appropriate to their role.
If you serve alcohol, you may need responsible alcohol server training, as well.
Fire Safety Regulations
Food trucks typically have generators, dangerous gases, or open flames, all packed into a confined area with a couple of people. Is it any wonder there’s a safety risk?
Aside from understanding and complying with local regulations, you’ll need to know general fire safety best practices, as well as the unique dangers posed by operating a commercial kitchen in a motor vehicle.
Parking Regulations
As food trucks have gained popularity, many jurisdictions have set up food truck-specific regulations for where you can set up shop – how close to an intersection, a park, or a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
Even if your area has no rules that are specific to food trucks, you’ll need to become very familiar with exactly where you’re allowed to put your shop – especially if you plan to operate in multiple areas with their own sets of rules.
Common Food Truck Licenses and Permits
There are a few common types of licenses and permits you may need to get your business started. These include:
- Valid driver’s license: Depending on the weight of your food truck, you may need a CDL.
- Business license: These are often required at a local level, but some state-level licensing systems exist.
- Food service license: Issued by the local health department after an inspection.
- Sales tax license: These are sometimes called seller’s permits.
- Fire safety permit or certificate: Required by some city or county fire departments.
- Employee health permit: Sometimes called a food handler’s permit, these involve food safety training. Some states or local jurisdictions require food manager training in place of or in addition to food handler training.
- Commissary Letter of Agreement: Some jurisdictions require food to be stored and prepped in a commercial (“commissary”) kitchen, so you need a signed agreement with a qualifying facility.
- Parking permit: You may need one specific to food trucks.
- Peddler’s license: Some jurisdictions require these for operating a business at various locations.
- Special events permit: If you intend to set up at street festivals, concerts, or other events, you’ll need a permit for each venue/instance. This includes private events like weddings.
- Foreign Qualification Certificate or Certificate of Authority: This document is needed to operate in a different state from where you formed the business.
- Other special licenses or permits: Certain licenses or permits are required for specific types of goods. Liquor licenses, seafood dealer’s permits, or ice cream vendor’s licenses are common examples.
Know Your Local Requirements
The exact list of regulations, licenses, and permits required to run a food truck will vary by state, county, and city. You’ll need to research your local requirements and consider every jurisdiction where you intend to operate. Doing your due diligence on the legal requirements for food trucks where you live will ensure that you operate your business legally, safely, and successfully.
Many state and local regulations require some type of food handler training in order to keep your food truck compliant. Head to our website to select the best option for the state you’re located in.
Are you a manager? We’ve got courses for you too! Our food manager certification courses ensure you learn everything you need to know to keep your business running smoothly.
