A DOT roadside inspection is a process where an inspector examines a CMV and its driver for any violations of the federal safety regulations. The inspection can take place at any location, such as weigh stations, rest areas, or along the road. The inspector will check the vehicle’s parts and accessories, such as brakes, tires, lights, and cargo securement, as well as the driver’s documents, such as license, medical certificate, hours of service records, and inspection reports. The inspector will also look for any signs of alcohol or drug use by the driver.
The purpose of a DOT roadside inspection is to identify and correct any safety issues before they cause a crash or injury. The inspection also helps the FMCSA collect data on the safety performance of carriers and drivers, and target the ones who pose the highest risk. The results of the inspection can affect the carrier’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score, which is a measure of the carrier’s safety performance and compliance history. A high CSA score can lead to more frequent inspections, interventions, and penalties by the FMCSA.
Who is Subject to DOT Roadside Inspections?
Any CMV that operates in interstate commerce or transports hazardous materials is subject to DOT roadside inspections. A CMV is defined as a vehicle that:
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; or
- Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
- Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
- Is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and transported in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary under 49 CFR, subtitle B, chapter I, subchapter C.
The FMCSA has the authority to inspect any CMV that meets the above criteria, regardless of the state or country of registration. The FMCSA also has agreements with state and local agencies to conduct inspections on its behalf. Therefore, a CMV can be inspected by a federal, state, or local inspector at any time.
Who Can Conduct a Roadside Inspection on a CMV?
DOT Inspectors and Certified Inspectors
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency within the DOT that regulates and enforces the safety of CMVs and their drivers. The FMCSA has the authority to inspect any CMV that operates in interstate commerce or transports hazardous materials, regardless of the state or country of registration.
Law Enforcement Agencies
However, the FMCSA does not have enough inspectors to cover all the CMVs on the road. Therefore, the FMCSA has agreements with state and local agencies to conduct inspections on its behalf. These agencies include state police, highway patrol, department of transportation, department of motor vehicles, and others.
The FMCSA also authorizes qualified law enforcement officers to perform roadside inspections on CMVs. These officers must have the power to enforce traffic laws and the jurisdiction to stop CMVs. They must also meet the training and certification requirements set by the FMCSA.
What are the Different Levels of DOT Roadside Inspections?
Level I Inspection
Description: Level I inspections are the most comprehensive and rigorous, involving an in-depth examination of all components of the vehicle, including those under the hood, and often conducted at designated testing bays, commonly referred to as “barns,” on DOT scales.
Focus: The inspection encompasses a thorough assessment of critical safety elements such as brakes, tires, lights, coupling devices, as well as checking for any potential fluid leaks and ensuring there is no excessive play in safety components. This is done to ensure compliance with stringent safety and regulatory standards.
Common Reasons: Level I inspections are conducted as a standard procedure during routine check-ups or when there are suspicions or indications of potential safety risks or regulatory non-compliance.
Level II Inspection
Description: Level II inspections, commonly known as “walk-around inspections,” focus on examining visible components of the vehicle, as well as the driver’s documentation and qualifications.
Focus: This inspection is directed towards ensuring the overall roadworthiness of the vehicle by checking elements such as headlights, windshield wipers, tires, and other visible components. Simultaneously, it also verifies the driver’s credentials, including licenses, logs, and other pertinent documentation.
Common Reasons: Level II inspections are conducted when there are suspicions of potential issues with both the vehicle’s visible components and the driver’s documentation or behaviors, warranting a more thorough examination of these specific areas.
Level III Inspection
Description: Level III inspections are typically limited in scope compared to Level I or Level II inspections, with a primary focus on verifying the driver’s compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. The inspector also checks the driver’s documents, credentials, seat belt usage, and signs of alcohol or drug use.
Focus: The inspection concentrates on examining the driver’s logbooks or electronic logging device (ELD) records, BOL-s and the rest of shipping documentation, drivers documents and credentials.
Common Reasons: Level III inspections are conducted when there are suspicions or indications of discrepancies in the driver’s Hours of Service documentation, triggering the need for a more targeted examination to verify compliance with the HOS regulations
Level IV Inspection
Description: Level IV inspections are specialized evaluations that focus on inspecting specific components crucial for particular types of transportation such as cargo tank or a brake system, usually in response to a trend or a problem identified by the FMCSA.
Specialization: Directed towards ensuring the adherence of specialized components to stringent safety and operational requirements.
Common Reasons: Compliance concerns related to specific specialized components within the transportation process lead to Level IV inspections.
OOS and Compliant Inspections
During DOT inspections, vehicles or drivers may be issued violations that are categorized as either out-of-service (OOS) or compliant or passed inspections.
Out-of-Service (OOS) Violations: These violations are issued when inspectors identify critical issues that pose an immediate threat to the safety of the vehicle or the driver. Vehicles or drivers with OOS violations are not allowed to continue operating until the identified issues are resolved. That means, driver will be required to fix that violation on that vehicle until he can go back to road again.
Compliant Inspections: A passed inspection does not necessarily mean that there are no violations or defects at all, but they are minor or non-critical. The inspector may still issue a roadside inspection report with the violations or defects noted, and the driver or the carrier may be subject to fines or penalties. However, the vehicle or the driver can continue to operate without being placed out of service.
Tips and Tricks for Passing a Roadside Inspection
- Be organized and keep good records. Have all the required documents with you, such as your license, registration, insurance, medical certificate, inspection reports, hours of service records, and permits. Make sure they are valid and up to date. Keep them in a neat and accessible folder or binder, and present them to the inspector when asked1.
- Make sure your vehicle is in good condition. Perform a thorough pre-trip inspection of your vehicle before every trip, and fix any defects or violations as soon as possible. Check the tire pressure and tread depth, the brake and exhaust systems, the lights and signals, the cargo securement, and more. Keep your vehicle clean and organized, and remove any trash or clutter.
- Inspect your own vehicle before the DOT does. If you are stopped at a weigh station or a rest area, take the opportunity to do a quick walk-around inspection of your vehicle. Look for any visible problems or issues that might attract the attention of the inspector. If you find any, try to fix them or report them to your carrier before the inspector does.
- Be polite and cooperative with the inspector. Greet the inspector with a smile and a friendly attitude. Provide the requested documents and information, and follow the instructions. Do not argue or complain, and do not admit any fault or liability. Be honest and respectful, and avoid any aggressive or defensive behavior.
- Follow the hours of service rules and take adequate rest breaks. Non-compliance with hours of service rules may lead to citations and violations during roadside inspections. Use an electronic logging device (ELD) to record your hours of service information automatically, and make sure it is working properly. Understand the hours of service rules that apply to you, and the exemptions that you qualify for. Avoid driving while fatigued, impaired, or distracted.
- Drive safely and obey the traffic laws. The best way to avoid a roadside inspection is to avoid getting pulled over in the first place. The inspector may select a vehicle based on the driver’s behavior, such as speeding, making unsafe turns, or using a cell phone. Wear your seat belt and signal your intentions. Drive courteously and defensively, and avoid any reckless or aggressive behavior.
