Pass Your Inspection: An Overview of Each DOT Truck Inspection Checklist
The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all commercial drivers to undergo routine inspections. These inspections help protect the driver, truck, trailer, cargo, and others on the road, including motorcyclists, other drivers, and pedestrians. They ensure that everything is up to par and meets all safety regulations.
When preparing for these inspections, commercial drivers typically refer to a comprehensive DOT inspection checklist. This way, they know what areas will be under a microscope and can prepare accordingly to ensure they pass with flying colors. Of course, since there are multiple levels of DOT inspections, these checklists vary. Here’s an overview of each DOT truck inspection checklist for the varying inspection levels.
How Often Are DOT Inspections Performed?
According to the Department of Transportation, all commercial vehicles, trucks and trailers included, must undergo inspections once every 12 months. These inspections are designed to ensure the vehicle is in working condition and safe to drive. Generally, they’re conducted by DOT inspectors, but they may also be performed by a state police officer if there’s reason to believe the vehicle is a safety risk.
Levels of DOT Inspections
There are eight levels of inspections, each DOT truck inspection requirement list varying from one to the next. Some of these inspections are more comprehensive, while others focus on a single item or aspect. Inspection levels include:
Level 1
A Level 1 DOT Inspection, the North American Standard Inspection, is the most thorough one of the bunch. It’s also the most common. During these inspections, DOT personnel take a look at various documents and areas of the vehicle to ensure everything is as it should be.
On the document side of things, the inspector will check:
The driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL)
The log book and hours of service
Vehicle registration
Annual DOT physical exam certificate of completion
Medical card or waiver (if applicable)
Signs of drug or alcohol use
They’ll check out the vehicle, focusing on these areas:
Seat belt
Brake systems
Coupling devices
Lighting systems, including headlamps, tail lamps, and stop lamps
Frames
Fuel systems
Cargo securements
Tires
Wheels
Rims
Hubs
Steering mechanisms
Windshield
Windshield wipers
Emergency exits
Van and open-top trailer bodies
Engine and battery compartment systems
Level 2
A Level 2 inspection is a step down from the comprehensive examination of a Level 1 inspection, although it also examines both the driver and the vehicle. This inspection is very similar to the first. However, instead of a total inspection of the vehicle, the official only examines components that they can access without having to physically get under it.
The checklist includes:
The driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Medical examiner’s certificate, if applicable
Skill performance evaluation certificate
Duty status
Hours of service
Seat belt usage
Windshield
Windshield wipers
Fluid levels
Cargo securement
Engine compartment check, including exhaust, electrical, and fuel systems and driveline/driveshaft
Truck frame and body, including the coupling devices
Steering mechanisms
Truck and trailer suspensions
Wheels
Tires
Hubs
Rims
Lighting devices
Reflective sheeting
Level 3
A Level 3 inspection focuses on the driver and their credentials. The checklist includes:
The driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Endorsements
Medical cards, if applicable
Performance evaluation certificate
RODS
HAZMAT requirements
Vehicle inspection reports
Vehicle requirements
HOS documentation
Seat belt usage
Use of alcohol and/or drugs
Level 4
A Level 4 inspection, also known as a Special Inspection, is a one-time examination of a particular item, such as a vehicle or a driver-related item. Since it doesn’t necessarily focus on a specific item, there’s no exact checklist associated with all Level 4 inspections.
Inspectors use this inspection to verify or deny a potential trend carried out during a DOT inspection.
Level 5
A Level 5 inspection is a vehicle-only inspection. It doesn’t require the driver to be present and can be conducted at any location. This type of inspection focuses on the core components of the vehicle, confirming that everything is functioning as it should. It includes:
Brakes
Fuel
Cargo
Exhaust
Steering
Lighting
Suspensions
Tires
Steering wheel
Trailer
Windshield wipers
Engine
Battery
Emergency exits
Level 6
A level 6 inspection, or the Enhanced North American Standard (NAS) Inspection for Radioactive Shipments, covers vehicles carrying radioactive cargo. The inspection is very thorough, including many of the same inclusions as the Level 1 inspection.
However, this inspection emphasizes radiological checking, including special checks for:
Level 1 inspection enhancements
Radiological requirements
Inspections for specific radiological items
NAS out-of-service regulations for Transuranic Waste and Highway Route Controlled Quantities for radioactive material
Level 7
A Level 7 DOT inspection is similar to a comprehensive Level 1 inspection for commercial motor vehicles. However, these inspections focus on vehicles that don’t meet other inspection level requirements, such as school buses, taxis, shuttles, and limousines.
Level 8
A Level 8 DOT inspection is conducted wirelessly, requiring no in-person aspects. Officials typically conduct these inspections while the vehicle is in motion using data on an electronic logging device.
A Level 8 inspection, to qualify for a roadside inspection, must include these data points:
USDOT number
License status
Operating authority
Power unit registration
Hours of service compliance
Duty status record
Medical Examiner’s Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate
Commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Endorsements
Electronic validation of the driver operating the vehicle
GPS coordinates as part of a descriptive location
Unified Carrier Registration compliance
Federal out-of-service orders
How to Prepare for a DOT Inspection
DOT inspections are a standard part of the trucking industry. At the very least, you’ll have to undergo one comprehensive inspection per year. So, here are a few things that can help you prepare for your next DOT inspection:
Collect necessary documents: Having all of the required documents, such as your CDL, medical cards, and vehicle registration, on hand and in an easily accessible location can streamline the DOT instruction process. Make sure all documents are up to date and easily accessible. This way, you can grab everything you’ll need quickly when the need arises.
Conduct regular vehicle and maintenance checks: Make a habit of routinely checking your vehicle, including its brake systems, lighting, tires, and other integral components, before you head out on a job and complete regular maintenance tasks. By doing this, you can ensure your vehicle meets applicable safety standards and avoid potential violations during the inspection.
Keep accurate records: Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date records of your vehicle maintenance and inspection history. This can help demonstrate proactive compliance with applicable regulations and address any inquiries efficiently during the inspection.
Address violations promptly: If you’re in violation of a specific safety requirement or issues arise in a previous inspection, take care of them as soon as possible. This way, you can avoid the headache of recurring problems and demonstrate your commitment to safety and compliance.
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Like any vehicle, the components of your CMV will wear out after a while. When that happens, you could be at risk of a violation in a DOT inspection. That’s where our experienced team at Point Spring Driveshaft & Co. comes in. We offer a massive inventory of OEM and aftermarket parts and complete service and repairs to help you ensure your truck passes its next DOT inspection. Contact us today to learn more.