A DOT inspection can happen any time you're on the road. Being prepared minimizes downtime and violations. Here's what to have ready.
Required Documents
- Valid CDL
- Medical certificate (DOT physical card)
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance (current, in the cab)
- IFTA license and decals
- IRP (International Registration Plan) cab card
- ELD records / hours of service logs
- Annual inspection report (if applicable)
Pre-Trip Equipment Checks
- Brakes: Check brake adjustment, air lines, and listen for leaks
- Tires: Adequate tread depth, no visible damage, correct inflation
- Lights: All exterior lights functioning — headlights, brake lights, turn signals, marker lights
- Coupling: Fifth wheel and kingpin properly secured
- Leaks: No visible fuel, oil, or coolant leaks
- Emergency equipment: Fire extinguisher, warning triangles, spare fuses
Common Violations to Avoid
- Hours of service violations (exceeding driving limits)
- Expired or missing medical certificate
- Brake system violations (most common out-of-service violation)
- Missing or expired IFTA/IRP credentials
- Load securement issues
What Happens During an Inspection
DOT inspections range from Level 1 (full inspection of driver and vehicle) to Level 3 (driver credentials only). Officers check your documents first, then may inspect the vehicle depending on the inspection level. Staying calm, organized, and cooperative helps the process go smoothly.
After the Inspection
You'll receive a report noting any violations found. Serious violations can result in out-of-service orders, meaning you cannot continue driving until the issue is fixed. Keep copies of all inspection reports for your records — a clean inspection history helps your CSA score and insurance rates.