When are DOT Inspections Conducted?

Inspections can occur at any place and on any given day, whether that be at a rest stop, on the road, or at weigh stations. Impromptu inspections are conducted by a board-certified member of the USDOT, such as state troopers and USDOT state workers. Similarly, the FMCSA and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) are organizations that create and regulate the criteria for determining misconduct during inspections.

What Happens During a DOT Inspection?

During an inspection, the inspector will examine the vehicle’s equipment and load security, as well as the driver’s legal documents and the vehicle’s paperwork. The level of inspection is dependent on the carrier’s safety history, suspicion level, type of cargo, and random selection. The six levels of inspection are as follows:

1. North American Standard

This is the most thorough level of inspection, as the examination checks both the tractor, the cargo, the driver’s safety, as well as the driver’s credentials. 

The most commonly inspected items in level one are:

Safety equipment, lights, brakes, coupling devices, tires, suspension, steering, wipers, cargo securement, Class A CDL, medical certificate, seat belt usage, and drug and alcohol testing. 

2. Walk-Around Inspection

This 30-minute routine inspection only examines the outside of the semi-truck and the driver’s credentials and paperwork. The inspector will also screen the driver for drug and alcohol use, seat belt use, and hours of service. 

3. Driver-Only

This short inspection focuses solely on the driver’s paperwork, credentials, licence, electronic logging device, record of duty status, hours of service, and driver vehicle inspection report.

4. Special Inspection

This inspection is typically uncommon and is a one-time examination for research purposes. The inspection focuses on one specific aspect of an item, such as the driver’s permit, the engine, or cargo securement. This inspection is conducted for research and data purposes, or to check a previous inspection complaint that was filed.

5. Vehicle-Only

This vehicle-oriented inspection is the same checklist as level 1, but excludes the driver’s requirements. All commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that weigh more than 10,000 pounds must be inspected annually.

6. Enhanced Inspection for Radioactive Shipments

This level of inspection is only applicable to CMVs that transport radiological shipments. This inspection includes the list for level 1, as well as radiological requirements for transuranic waste and radioactive materials. 

Common Violations Drivers Face During DOT Inspections:

Logging violations, expired cards or permits, not wearing a seatbelt, exceeding hours of service (HOS) laws, inoperable lights, fuel leaks, not enough tire tread depth, having cargo improperly stored, unsecured fire extinguishers, and a lack of proper documentation.

What Documentation Should Drivers Have with Them for DOT Inspections?

  • Medical Examiner’s certification
  • A valid CDL
  • Hours of service correctly logged
  • Insurance information
  • Proof of employment/lease
  • Drug and alcohol program documentation

Penalties for Failing a DOT Inspection

Penalties for violating compliance regulations differ based on the severity of the infringement.

For non-serious violations, CSA scores may be impacted. The carrier must also make repairs within 15 days from the date of inspection. A report must be sent to the FMCSA stating how the violations have been corrected with proof of corrective action.

For serious violations, the vehicle is placed out of service and cannot operate until all violations are corrected, documented, and filed. Your CSA score will also be negatively impacted, which will affect your insurance premiums. For companies with repeated non-compliance violations, operating authority may be revoked. 

Preparing for a DOT Inspection

The most important way to prepare for a DOT inspection is to make sure to always conduct a pre-trip and post-trip inspection to check for any potential violations. Inspectors are more likely to stop vehicles that appear visually defective, so it is recommended that the shape of your vehicle remains in good condition. 

Regular maintenance inspections for your brakes, steering, suspension, and coolant systems will help keep your vehicle in shape year-round.

Proper documentation is mandatory for inspection as well. Gather all of the driver’s credentials and paperwork, such as CDL, medical cards, and permits, and keep them safely stored in good condition. The company name and USDOT number should be visibly printed on the truck to ensure identification is easily accessible.

Additionally, it is crucial to maintain accurate logs to stay compliant with the law. 

Train your fleet to always double-check all cargo, documentation, and safety hazards before going on the road. This will ensure they are prepared for impromptu inspections.

It only takes one non-compliance issue to potentially put your fleet out of service. Safety is the number one priority for the FMCSA, and DOT inspections are the most effective way to ensure compliance.

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Sincerely,
Ethan Aberbuch
Founder and CEO of Dakota Group