What are Truck Inspection Checklists?
Truck inspection checklists or heavy vehicle inspection checklists are tools used to check trucks for roadworthiness and ensure that all parts of your truck fleet are equipped to pass annual regulatory and DOT inspections.
What is a Truck Inspection?
A truck inspection, also known as DOT inspection or DOT truck inspection, is conducted by the Department of Transportation, requiring all commercial motor vehicles (CMV) weighing more than 10,000 pounds to be evaluated in order to ensure that vehicle parts and accessories are safe and in good working condition. Meeting the truck inspection requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and similar agencies maintains the excellent performance and safety of these heavy vehicles.
What is Checked Using a Truck Inspection Checklist?
The following items and areas are checked using a DOT inspection checklist during routine truck inspections:
- Brake System
- Steering System
- Windshields
- Wipers
- Fuel System
- Lighting Devices
- Coupling Devices
- Exhaust System
- Safe Loading
- Suspension
- Frame
- Tires
- Wheels and Rims
- Cargo and Equipment
- Safety
- Trailer
More details on this truck inspection checklist that you can view and download for free. Also available in PDF.
How to Use the Truck Inspection Checklist
Using a comprehensive checklist while conducting a truck inspection allows for a streamlined process where the users can always follow a standard, and help them avoid missing areas of inspection. A truck inspection checklist would ideally include these steps :
- Specify vehicle information – Input initial data such as vehicle type, vehicle identification type, license plate, model, and mileage. Attach a photo of the vehicle as well for visual reference.
- Inspect vehicle parts individually – Completely go through the listed areas of vehicle parts to be checked. Make sure that you’re not missing anything and that the inspection is done in a detailed and factual manner.
- Indicate the status of inspected vehicle parts – Emphasize the condition of the vehicle and highlight if there are parts that need repair. Choose between OK, Needs Repair, Repaired, or N/A, or customize the options according to your business needs.
- Rate overall vehicle condition – Provide a summary by adding any other points that may affect the vehicle’s safe operation. Rate its overall condition by selecting from choices such as excellent, good, average, poor, and high risk.
- Add recommendations – Before completing the inspection with a signature, enter any recommendations that can improve the vehicle condition, if any.
How to Prepare for a DOT Truck Inspection
Most commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) weighing over 10,000 pounds have to undergo an annual DOT inspection. These inspections are carried out by qualified DOT inspectors who check that all CMVs on the road are safe and in good working condition and that the business has proper recordkeeping processes in place. A DOT inspection consists of 6 levels which are:
Level 1: North American Standard (NAS) Inspection
During level 1, the inspector checks important documents such as:
- the vehicle operator’s license;
- medical certificate of their annual DOT physical exam;
- service record of the last 8 on-duty days; and
- medical card or waiver (if any).
The inspector will also check if the vehicle operator is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any other hazardous material.
Level 2: Walk-Around Driver / Vehicle Inspection
This level involves getting under the vehicle to check other parts of the vehicle that weren’t examined during the first level.
Level 3: Driver-Only Inspection
During this inspection, the inspector takes a closer examination of the vehicle operator’s credentials, such as:
- License;
- Endorsements;
- Skill Performance Evaluation certificate
- Vehicle inspection reports
Other inspection items include seatbelt usage and signs of drug and/or alcohol use.
Level 4: Special Inspection
Level 4 is a one-time inspection that examines a specific item. It is scheduled to validate or invalidate a claim about a vehicle.
Level 5: Vehicle-Only Inspection
This level of inspection inspects vehicle parts that were specified under level 1. Its difference with level 1 is that this is conducted without the presence of the driver.
Level 6: Enhanced NAS Inspection
This level is for vehicles hauling radioactive freight. The vehicle, cargo, and driver must pass the inspection before leaving for delivery. Once all criteria are met, a special decal is given as verification of passing the inspection. The decal, however, is only valid for one trip and will be removed upon reaching the delivery point.
Other Heavy Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Requirements for inspecting heavy vehicles may vary between states and countries, but the underlying principle remains the same: ensure the roadworthiness of these vehicles. Here’s a quick overview of the truck inspection requirements in select countries:
United Kingdom (UK)
Operators must perform regular roadworthiness checks according to the HGV inspection manual. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) requires daily walkaround checks by drivers and periodic safety inspections as part of vehicle maintenance.
European Union (EU)
Heavy vehicle operators must conduct periodic inspections to ensure safety and roadworthiness, with reports submitted during roadside checks. Roadside inspections are also performed on the spot to assess the vehicle’s condition and environmental compliance.
Australia
Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), vehicles over 4.5 tons must meet national safety and emissions standards. Inspectors follow the National Heavy Inspection Manual and local authority guidelines for vehicle assessments.
FAQs About Truck Inspection
During a DOT inspection, the inspector typically examines the vehicle’s brakes, tires, lights, suspension, steering, fuel system, and overall condition. Depending on the inspection level (1-6), it may be a full vehicle and driver check, a walk-around, or a specific focus such as hazardous materials or bus safety.
In a DIOT inspection, Inspectors review documents such as commercial driver’s license (CDL), medical certificate, logbooks, and vehicle inspection reports. Drivers should also keep their service record logs and other fleet management records readily accessible.
The person responsible for truck inspections may depend on the type of inspection to be conducted. For example, daily heavy vehicle inspections fall under the care of drivers and safety officers. Meanwhile, roadside checks require the expertise of qualified inspectors from the governing bodies in the country, region, or locality.
Trucks, lorries, trailers, and other heavy vehicles must be inspected regularly to keep them in tip-top condition for driving. The time frame can change based on the type of inspection and regulations in your area.
For example, the DVSA in the UK recommends daily routine checks and comprehensive inspections every 4-13 weeks, depending on the age and type of vehicle. Meanwhile, the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires vehicle checks at the end of each drive and inspections on a yearly basis.
Yes, many jurisdictions have specific regulatory requirements for truck and heavy vehicle inspections. The nitty-gritty details may vary for each area, but these laws generally include specifications about periodic inspections, adherence to specific procedures, and maintenance of inspection records.
Jona Tarlengco