All commercial vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds must undergo inspection by the Department of Transportation at least once a year to ensure that all parts and accessories are in good condition, working properly and are safe to use.
So what do these inspections entail? Here is our commercial vehicle safety inspection checklist to help you prepare.
This is where the inspector will be checking the driver’s qualifications and documents for compliance with applicable regulations. Things that can be checked during the inspection include:
When checking a vehicle, the inspector will be looking at and evaluating these specific parts and accessories to make sure everything is in good condition and the vehicle can be operated safely and effectively:
Of course, the best way to ensure you pass any safety inspection is to keep your vehicle in top shape and address any potential issues before they occur. All repairs and maintenance to the vehicle should be performed by a qualified individual. However, It doesn’t take much time and experience to conduct a simple walk-around inspection before and after every trip, focusing on the following areas:
To ensure that your drivers and vehicles are passing safety inspections, it’s important to know what the inspection will cover. Using this guidance as a tool will help you prepare for upcoming safety inspections.