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Running a fleet of commercial vehicles means following safety and maintenance standards. Commercial vehicles are required to stick to regulations set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and other groups. These regulations protect drivers, cars, and civilians from harm on the road. With the right steps, business owners and fleet managers can ensure they stay compliant and safe.
DOT inspections are checks on each vehicle based on commercial use. They follow standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Without passing the annual DOT inspection, your commercial trucks might see penalties or removal from operation. You need to be ready for DOT inspections if you want your fleet to stay safe and compliant.
You’ll probably need DOT inspections if you’re operating a large or commercial vehicle. Every commercial motor vehicle (CMV) needs a yearly inspection. CMVs that need annual DOT inspections include:
If your vehicle meets the CMV definition, you need to know the DOT truck inspection requirements. As a CMV provider, you’re required to inspect, maintain, and repair your vehicles. These inspections aren’t just a box to check off — they ensure your fleet is road-safe. A qualified inspector carries out inspections. They will look at critical components like tires, brakes, and steering for issues. If they give you the all-clear, your CMV is ready for another year on the road.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) lays out the inspection criteria. It has several inspection levels, each with slightly different requirements. Each inspector follows their DOT truck inspection checklist based on the inspection level to see if your vehicle passes.
Get ready for a DOT inspection by:
The DOT truck inspection list differs depending on the vehicle you’re working with. There are six core levels, so the one you get is really up to chance. You’ll get picked for inspection by a program if your vehicle seems to have a clear safety concern. The FMCSA sees over 3 million U.S. roadside inspection violations every year, so staying informed is critical. Understand each level to help you stay violation-free during the inspection.
The Level 1 inspection is the most comprehensive. It covers the driver and vehicle components, checking everything for compliance. Inspectors will look for signs of drug or alcohol use and ask drivers to present:
Once the driver has presented documentation, the inspector checks:
The Level 2 inspection is similar to Level 1 but less extensive. Inspectors will walk around your vehicle, checking only the areas they can see. Anything that needs physical entry is off the table. Level 2 inspections involve:
Level 3 is all about the driver. This inspection is short since it lacks the vehicle inspection portion. The inspector ensures vehicle operators comply with relevant driver regulations, so they’ll check:
Level 4 is a one-time inspection done for specific reasons. It’s usually used to uncover particular information about CMVs.
This inspection is the opposite of Level 3. Inspectors will look at the vehicle without the driver present. Level 5 inspections often happen after crashes for investigations or when trucks are parked for maintenance. The Level 5 checklist for the vehicle portion is the same as the Level 1 checklist.
Level 6 is a specialized inspection for CMVs transporting radioactive materials. Inspectors will confirm vehicle integrity to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and protect the environment. The checklist includes:
If a truck fails an inspection, the inspector will place it under an out-of-service (OOS) order. An OOS means any violations must be fixed before the truck can get on the road again. Inspectors can also put drivers on OOS if they fail the inspection. Additionally, violations might affect driver CDLs, their driving record, and the carrier’s record. In some cases, you might see fines, more frequent inspections, and increased insurance for your operation.
A DOT inspection will typically cost at least $200. However, the inspection you receive, the location, and the inspector doing the job will all influence the total cost — additionally, any inspections you do before DOT ones will increase your expenses.
However, skipping out on a DOT inspection due to costs is not an option. You’ll see fines for not securing your DOT sticker, and you might put other drivers, vehicles, and pedestrians at risk on the road. Make sure you’re staying on top of maintenance and inspections to stay safe and keep costs down.
At Thompson Truck Source, we know that keeping your truck DOT-compliant is essential. With locations across Alabama and Florida, we’re here to ensure your CMVs are road-safe. We perform DOT inspections on all makes and models of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Avoid breakdowns and violations with our help.
Beyond DOT inspections, we also offer a complete range of truck services. We can assist your vehicles if you need maintenance, field service, or repairs. With access to high-quality parts from trusted brands, we ensure expert solutions for every vehicle we see.
Backed by a 90-minute Promise for fast diagnostics, we deliver reliable, efficient services with each visit. Whether you manage a fleet or operate your own truck, Thompson Truck Source can keep your vehicles in top shape. Visit one of our locations for a comprehensive DOT inspection today!
