DOT Truck Inspection

11 minutes

by Paul Cotter

Commercial motor vehicles are inspected annually by the Department of Transportation (DOT). To assure highway safety, as well as the drivers. The driving requirements category, among other things, will be the focus of this year's inspections. Some of the things they'll look at are:

• Seat belts CDLs
• Medical identification cards
• ELD adherence
• Duty status records

Any violation of the US DOT can result in the cancellation of a driver's license. This will remain in force until unusual circumstances arise. Any violation of the US DOT can result in the cancellation of a driver's license.

DOT Inspections: What They Are and Why They Are Important?

Driver-related violations are a major problem, according to a study released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Motor Carrier Management Information System. This emphasizes the significance of these examinations.

Driver violations totaled over a million in the past year. However, this was after 3,355,425 inspections. The following were examples of DOT standards or rules that were broken, but not limited to:

• When driving a business vehicle, failure to wear a seatbelt.
• Violations of the duty status record.
• Operating a commercial vehicle without a valid commercial driver's license.
• Having a medical certificate yet not being able to drive a property-carrying vehicle.
• The ELD instruction sheet was not provided.

The Level 1 thorough inspections have up to 37 steps that are divided into two groups. First, there are the operational criteria for the driver, and then there is the mechanical fitness of the vehicle.

Commercial

Inspectors may do the following tasks:

• Vehicle inspection (Level I)
• Inspection of the entire area (Level II)
• Driver's license, credential, and administrative background checks (Level III)
• A one-time examination of a single item (Level IV)
• Ensure that all vehicle-related items are in good working order (Level V)
• Check for shipments of radiological materials (Level VI)
• Vehicle inspections are required by law in several jurisdictions (Level VII)
• While the vehicle is in motion, a wireless or electronic examination can be performed (Level VIII)

As a result, it's worth noting that the DOT has increased its efforts to prevent drug and alcohol usage among commercial drivers. When rules are broken, there is no hesitation in enforcing harsh consequences. In addition, if the driver violates these DOT standards, he or she will be removed from all safety-sensitive activities immediately.

What to Expect During Your Road check?

Your inspection is approaching. Here is a DOT truck inspection checklist:

• The credentials of the driver are checked.
• Identification of a motor carrier.
• A valid driver's license.
• Checking records, such as duty status or inspection reports on a regular basis.
• Certification for skill performance evaluation.
• Certificate from a medical examiner.
• Report on daily vehicle inspections.

Inspectors will also examine key vehicle components that have a direct impact on vehicle safety. A complete list of the North American Standard Roadside Inspection Cheat Sheet can be found here. This list will give you an idea of what will be inspected on your car. You may also find a complete list of inspection levels and processes here.

Thank you for the video, we took from ET Transport YouTube channel to explain to you better about:
"DOT Inspections: What Every Trucker Should Know & What DOT Officers Look For"