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