Annual Vehicle Inspection
Annual inspections are required under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR) 49 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) Part 396 – Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance. These requirements apply to commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), and it is the motor carrier’s responsibility to maintain compliance with annual inspections for all CMVs under its control, as well as all other FMCSRs and any additional state requirements.
Although it can feel like a hassle the annual DOT inspection is a necessary part of maintaining your legal authority. It also helps ensure that you are safely operating as a truck driver and/or fleet owner. Staying up-to-date on inspection requirements and changes to the FMCSA or DOT regulations is essential to maintaining a thriving and optimized business.
The annual DOT Inspection is required of all CMV’s that have a GVWR of 10,001 lbs or more, as defined in the definition of a CMV in CFR 390.5 for interstate carriers with US DOT operating authority. For INTRAstate operators check with your state carrier enforcement for adoption of this federal regulation.
Every 12 months, commercial motor vehicles (CMV) weighing more than 10,000 pounds must undergo an inspection by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This inspection is to ensure that all parts are in safe and working order. Failure to pass inspection can lead to fines, audits and the suspension of your clearance to operate by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which operates under the jurisdiction of the DOT.
Commercial motor vehicle inspections may be conducted by State personnel, at State authorized commercial facilities, or by the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider itself under the auspices of a State authorized self-inspection program.
- Prepare Documentation
- proof of insurance
- accident registers,
- driver documentation (e.g., licenses, drug and alcohol test results, road tests, trainings) and more
2. Educate and Prepare Drivers and Employees
You can help prepare your company for a DOT inspection by educating your drivers. Rather than chance certain elements of the inspection slipping through the cracks, take a proactive approach and implement an internal educational program. Regular, company-wide communication of requirements means that you won’t be dependent on a single individual to maintain the necessary compliance and safety protocols that you need to pass your annual DOT inspections.
3. Maintain Vehicle and Records of Repair
As expected, a major part of passing your annual DOT inspection will be maintaining the condition of your vehicles. To prove that you’ve kept up with maintenance on your trucks, you will have to provide records of repair. Be sure to keep in regular contact with mechanics throughout the year about the status of trucks, parts, equipment and major accessories. This includes making sure that all records of repair are available to inspectors, so they can quickly ensure that any needed repairs from previous inspections have been maintained and that you’ve done your due diligence.
Below please find link to ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTATION REPORT
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/part-396form6.pdf
Watch video below to get more info on Annual Inspectation
We suggest you watch the video. Where you will be told in more detail about Annual Vehicle Inspectation. The video will help you understand how it works and why you need it.
