DOT Inspections

DOT Inspections

ABOUT DOT INSPECTIONS

What is a DOT inspection service?

A DOT inspection is an annual examination required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that it is safe for your Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) driver to use the vehicle. These evaluations must be performed by a certified inspector.

DOT truck inspections have 6 levels, each of which covers a different area of the vehicle—and its driver:

1. North American Standard – This involves verification of the driver’s work history, CDL, physical exam, substance use test, and any medical waivers. The inspector will also examine the vehicle’s restraints, lights, steering system, and fuel system. 
2. Walk Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection – This is similar to Level 1, but excludes any step that requires the inspector to get underneath the vehicle.
3. Driver-Only Inspection – This involves taking an in-depth look at the CMV driver’s credentials, work history, safety record, and health status. The inspector will also review the driver’s vehicle inspection reports.
4. Special Inspection – These types of inspections are done on an as-needed basis to either confirm or invalidate a previously identified issue. 
5. Vehicle-Only Inspection – This involves everything in Level I relating to the safety and performance of the vehicle, but does not need to be done with the driver present. 
6. Enhanced NAS Inspection – This type of inspection is only used for certain radiological shipments as set forth by the DOTs title 49, section 173.403. You must complete this inspection before each trip.

PASS YOUR NEXT INSPECTION WITH FLYING COLORS

Once your DOT inspection is complete, we make it easy for you to keep your fleet in top shape with these additional services:

DO YOU NEED A DOT INSPECTION?

If your company utilizes one or more CMVs weighing over 10,001 lbs, the DOT will require an annual inspection to ensure that your vehicle(s) is in good working order. These inspections are separate from the ones done by the motor carrier.

Annual inspections include Levels I, II, III, and V. You may also need additional inspections (Levels IV or VI), if:

• A previous inspection revealed a potential problem.
• You recently made a repair on the vehicle.
• You are transporting radiological items.

WHY IS A DOT INSPECTION IMPORTANT?

A DOT inspection helps to ensure the safety of the driver and other drivers on the road by evaluating the performance and status of both the Commercial Motor Vehicle driver and the vehicle itself. If you do not abide by Department of Transportation inspection requirements, you will not be legally permitted to continue using the Commercial Motor Vehicle.

THE BENEFITS OF A DOT INSPECTION

REDUCED COST – DOT and other important safety inspections can help you identify smaller issues with the vehicle before they escalate and/or cause more problems, reducing the potential overall cost to repair the vehicle.

SAFER WORKSPACE – Regular DOT inspections can help reduce the risk to your drivers and others on the road by preventing hazardous breakdowns, harmful emissions, and more.

BETTER COMPLIANCE – Commercial vehicles and their drivers are required by the Department of Transportation to be regularly assessed. Complying with this requirement (and making any necessary repairs or adjustments) will help keep your business in good standing and allow you to keep working without costly delays.

PREPARE FOR DOT INSPECTIONS

Whether your DOT inspection is a surprise or on-schedule, keep your drivers prepared with the following tips:

• Practice care
  Keep the vehicle clean and in good working order with preventative maintenance, regular internal inspections, and organized documentation.
• Be clear
  Make sure that the company name and/or USDOT number are printed clearly on the truck. This will help prevent unnecessary delays as officials attempt to verify your vehicles.
• Stay compliant
  Take time to understand procedures and requirements for all shipments.

Time to give your vehicle some TLC

Did your recent DOT inspection reveal a problem with one or more of your vehicles? TLC Auto & Truck Repair Service Center is available to you! We are a family-owned shop that has been in operation since 1991—ready to provide excellent service, every time.

Stop in today at 230 NY-109 in Farmingdale, NY or call us at (631) 753-2211 to speak to a technician.