DOT Audit
DOT's primary goal is to increase the safety of public roadways, the Department of Transportation (DOT).
From time to time, truck drivers get a DOT check to make sure they are following all the rules. These inspections are carried out by a state police officer or a DOT inspector. There are six levels of DOT inspections that can last somewhere between 15-60 minutes.
DOT or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration all by itself doesn’t determine how many levels of inspection or what they should even contain. The FMCSA works in conjunction with a private organization called the Commercial Vehicle safety Alliance.
From time to time, truck drivers get a DOT check to make sure they are following all the rules.
1 level. This level of inspection includes a complete check of both the driver and the vehicle. Officer carries out an inspection.
2 level. The official who inspects your car will only inspect items that can be inspected without physically getting under the vehicle.
3 level. Driver and credential only inspection. Officer carries out an inspection.
4 level. The level four DOT inspection involves a one-time check of a specific item.
5 level. The level five DOT inspection involves only the vehicle inspection from the level one DOT inspection. This inspection has to be conducted without the driver being present.
6 level. The level six DOT inspection is for those that are hauling radioactive freight. This type of inspection involves an enhanced level one inspection, with a check of the radiological shipments and requirements and an enhanced out of service criteria.
1 level. This is usually done at a facility (check station) or parking area, but really be done anyplace where the enforcement official feels safe in doing it and they have plenty of room to put a truck and trailer.
2 level. This is commonly done roadside but can be done just about anywhere.
3 level. This is commonly done roadside but can be done just about anywhere.
4 level. This is commonly done roadside but can be done just about anywhere.
5 level. Most of the time a level 5 inspection is performed at a company’s facility in support of a compliance review or safety audit.
6 level. The 6th level inspection is carried out at a point of origin of the shipment and removed at the point of destination.
Every commercial motor vehicle must be inspected every 12 months by a qualified inspector.
Each inspection level lasts on average from 15 minutes up to 60 minutes:
1 level. This level of inspection usually takes between 45 – 60 minutes to complete.
2 level. The level two inspection only takes about 30 minutes to complete.
3 level. This inspection usually only takes about 15 minutes to complete
4 level. There is no average length of time this inspection usually takes because the item being checked varies.
5 level. A vehicle-only inspection can take up to about 30 minutes to complete.
6 level. This inspection takes the longest amount of time at about 60 minutes to complete.
1 level. The DOT official will inspect the driver’s documents including license, medical certificates, logs, HOS documentation, inspection reports, and Hazmat endorsements. The driver will also be checked to make sure they aren’t under the influence of any drugs, alcohol, or any other hazardous material.The official will also do a complete check of the vehicle, including the cargo being securely fastened. You should expect the following elements to be checked: seat belt, brakes, suspension, tires, windshield wipers, headlamps, turn signals, steering wheel, and fuel systems.
2 level. The only difference between level two and level one is that the official who is checking your vehicle will only inspect items that can be checked without physically getting under the vehicle. The inspector/officer will go over the paperwork and do a walk around of the vehicle to check for violations.
3 level. The inspector will look at the driver paper or electronic log (ELD) and other supporting paperwork: Driver’s License, Endorsements, Medical Card, Skill Performance Evaluation certificate, RODS, HAZMAT requirements, Vehicle Inspection Report, and HOS documentation. They are also checked for things like seat belt usage, and use of drugs and/or alcohol.
4 level. The level four DOT inspection involves a one-time check of a specific item. This inspection is done to confirm or deny a possible trend carried out in DOT inspections.
5 level. This inspection has to be conducted without the driver being present. The vehicle-only inspection includes brakes, fuel, cargo, exhaust, steering, lighting, suspensions, tires, steering wheel, trailer, windshield wipers, emergency exits, engine, and battery.
6 level. This type of inspection involves an enhanced level one inspection, with a check of the radiological shipments and requirements and an enhanced out of service criteria. The vehicle, the cargo, and the driver must be defect-free before they can leave for delivery. A special decal will be given to those that meet the level 6 inspection criteria. It is given at the point of origin of the shipment and removed at the point of destination. Each decal is valid for one trip only.
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