AAM BLOG
Discover everything you need to know about DOT inspections in this comprehensive guide. Learn what happens during a DOT inspection, the different levels, common violations, and how to prepare effectively.
Introduction
Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and compliance of commercial motor vehicles on the road. This guide provides a detailed overview of what happens during a DOT inspection, the various levels of inspections, common violations, and practical tips for drivers to prepare for these inspections effectively.
What Happens During a DOT Inspection?
A DOT inspection is an essential process where an inspector assesses various aspects of a commercial vehicle and its driver to ensure compliance with federal regulations. This includes examining the vehicle’s equipment, load security, and necessary paperwork. Key documents such as the driver’s license, commercial driver’s license (CDL), medical certificates, logbooks or e-logs, vehicle inspection reports, vehicle registration, and any hazardous materials permits and shipping papers are reviewed. The primary goal of these inspections is to ensure both the vehicle and driver meet all safety and regulatory standards, thereby helping to prevent accidents and improve overall road safety.
Understanding Levels of DOT Inspections
There are eight main levels of DOT inspections that can be conducted on a semi-truck and its driver. Each level varies in scope and detail:
Level I: North American Standard Inspection
The Level 1 DOT inspection is the most comprehensive and thorough inspection level, involving a detailed check of both the tractor and trailer. It is also the most common during roadside inspections. For instance, during the CVSA’s International Roadcheck in 2019, 45,568 of the 67,072 inspections were classified as level 1 inspections.
During Level 1 DOT inspections, a safety officer may examine the following vehicle-related items:
- Suspension, tire, rim, hub, and wheel assemblies
- Open-top trailer and van bodies
- Windshield wipers
- Steering mechanisms
- Driveline/driveshaft
- Lightning systems
- Coupling devices
- Cargo securement
- Frames
- Braking systems
- Electrical systems
- Exhaust systems
- Fuel systems
- Emergency exits, seating, electrical cables, and systems in engine and battery compartments for buses, motorcoaches, and passenger-carrying vehicles
- Hazardous material and cargo tank specification compliance, as applicable
The inspector may also examine the following driver-related items during a Level 1 DOT inspection:
- Seatbelt usage
- Possible drug and alcohol usage
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate, if applicable
- Commercial Driver License (CDL)
- Hours of Service compliance
- RODS compliance
Level II: Walk-Around Driver and Vehicle Inspection
Level 2 DOT Inspections are very similar to the Level 1 DOT inspection. However, the major difference is that Level 2 only includes an examination of items that can be inspected without physically getting under the vehicle.
The following items may be examined during a Level 2 inspection:
Driver-related items:
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate, if applicable
- Hours of Service compliance
- Seat belt usage
- Alcohol and drugs usage
- Driver’s RODS
Vehicle-related items:
- Cargo securement
- Coupling devices
- Exhaust system
- Brake system
- Driveline/driveshaft
- Lighting devices
- Fuel systems
- Frames
- Suspension
- Tires
- Steering mechanisms
- Wheels
- Rims
- Hubs
- Van and open-top trailer bodies
- Emergency exits, seating, electrical cables, and systems in engine and battery compartments for buses, motorcoaches, and passenger-carrying vehicles
- HM/DG and specification cargo tank requirements, as applicable
Level III: Driver-Only Inspection
As the name suggests, the Level 3 driver-only inspection includes an examination of only driver-related items. Level 3 DOT inspections must include an examination of the following driver-related items:
- Driver’s license
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate
- Record of Duty Status
- Hours of Service
- Carrier identification and status
- Vehicle inspection report
- Seat belt
Level IV: Special Inspection
The Level 4 DOT inspection includes a one-time examination of a particular item. This sort of inspection is normally done to verify or refute a suspected trend.
Level V: Vehicle-Only Inspection
Level 5 DOT inspections include a complete check of the vehicle-related items listed in the Level 1 North American Standard Inspection. This examination can be conducted at any location in the absence of the driver.
The following vehicle-related items can be examined during Level 5 DOT inspection:
- Suspension, tire, rim, hub, and wheel assemblies
- Open-top trailer and van bodies
- Windshield wipers
- Steering mechanisms
- Driveline/driveshaft
- Lightning systems
- Coupling devices
- Cargo securement
- Frames
- Braking systems
- Electrical systems
- Exhaust systems
- Fuel systems
- Emergency exits, seating, electrical cables, and systems in engine and battery compartments for buses, motorcoaches, and passenger-carrying vehicles
- Hazardous material and cargo tank specification compliance, as applicable
Level VI: Enhanced NAS Inspection for Radioactive Shipments
Level 6 DOT inspections are called the North American Standard (NAS) Inspection for Transuranic Waste and Highway Route Controlled Quantities (HRCQ) of Radioactive Material. It involves checking for specific radiological shipments, which includes:
- Enhancements to the Level 1 DOT inspection
- Inspection for select radiological shipments
- Radiological requirements
- North American Standard out-of-service regulations for Transurance Waste and Highway Route Controlled Quantities for radioactive material
Vehicle, drivers, and cargo must be free of defects before they may leave for deliveries. While en route, the Level VI out-of-service criterion is applied.
A special nuclear symbol decal has been developed for vehicles meeting the Level VI inspection criteria. It’s attached to the CMV at the point of origin of the shipment and removed at the point of destination. This nuclear symbol is only valid for one trip.
Level VII: Jurisdictional Mandated Commercial Vehicle Inspection
Level 7 DOT inspections include any jurisdictional-mandated inspection program that doesn’t meet the requirements of any other inspection level.
Usually, these jurisdictionally mandated commercial vehicle inspections apply to the following:
- School buses
- Shared-ride transportation
- Intrastate/intra-provincial operations
- Hotel courtesy shuttles
Apart from CVSA-certified inspectors, roadside Level 7 DOT inspections can be conducted by jurisdiction-approved contractors or designated government employees.
Level VIII: North American Standard Electronic Inspection
Level 8 DOT inspections don’t involve direct interaction with a safety officer. It’s conducted wirelessly while the vehicle is in motion.
To qualify as a roadside Level 8 inspection, the data exchange must include all of the following data points:
- A descriptive location including GPS coordinates
- Electronic validation of the vehicle’s operator
- Driver’s license class and endorsement for the vehicle being operated
- License status
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate
- Record of Duty Status
- Hours of Service compliance
- USDOT number
- Power unit registration
- Operating authority
- Unified Carrier Registration compliance
- Federal out-of-service orders
What Happens After the DOT Inspection?
After a DOT inspection, there are three potential outcomes:
No Violations Found
A CVSA decal is placed on the vehicle, indicating it has passed the inspection. These decals are valid for three months, during which another inspection is generally not required unless a violation is observed.
Non-Serious Violations
If minor violations are found, the driver or carrier is notified. These violations count against the carrier’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores. Repairs must be made within 15 days, and a report sent to the FMCSA to confirm all issues have been resolved.
Vehicle or Driver Placed Out of Service
Serious violations that pose safety hazards result in the vehicle or driver being placed out of service. The vehicle cannot be operated until all violations are corrected and documented.
Common DOT Inspection Violations
Understanding the most common violations can help drivers and carriers better prepare for inspections. Frequent violations include:
- For Drivers: Logging violations, expired medical cards or licenses, seatbelt violations, and exceeding HOS regulations.
- For Vehicles: Inoperable lights, insufficient tire tread depth, oil or fuel leaks, lack of a current DOT annual inspection, and improperly loaded or unsecured cargo.
Preparing for DOT Inspections: A Guide for Truck Drivers
To ensure readiness for a DOT inspection, drivers should coordinate with their carriers and follow these tips:
Maintain Regular Communication
Keep your carrier updated to ensure compliance and pass DOT inspections.
Learn About Common Violations
Be aware of frequent issues and how to address them.
Keep Your Vehicle in Top Condition
Regularly check your semi-truck and equipment. Cleanliness and maintenance can make a positive impression.
Organize Your Paperwork
Ensure all documents are up-to-date and easily accessible. Have backup copies and store originals in a secure folder.
Perform Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections
Regular inspections help identify and correct potential violations before they become issues.
Conclusion
DOT inspections are crucial for ensuring the safety and roadworthiness of commercial motor vehicles. By understanding the different inspection levels and preparing accordingly, drivers and carriers can maintain compliance and avoid costly violations. Staying prepared and adhering to safety protocols will help ensure successful inspections and keep the roads safe for everyone.