Truck Inspection Checklist

Meeting the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) truck inspection requirements maintains the excellent performance of vehicles and contributes to the prevention of road accidents and other costly problems resulting from failure to catch issues that could have been addressed during regular truck inspections.

In this article

• What are Truck Inspection Checklists?
• What is Checked Using a Truck Inspection Checklist?
• How to Use the Truck Inspection Checklist
• Getting Ready for the DOT Truck Inspection
• Powerful Truck Inspection Tool
• Truck Inspection Checklists

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. We have collated these free truck inspection checklist templates that you can download and use for your business. These checklists cover general heavy vehicle inspections, daily truck inspection checklists, driver training templates, driver drug and alcohol consent forms, and accident report forms.

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

Truck inspection checklists not only help businesses prepare for the annual DOT inspection but also encourages regular heavy vehicles check-up to ensure driver, customer, and public safety. Taking advantage of a comprehensive checklist while conducting multiple inspections allows industries to streamline their process, standardize their approach, and help them avoid missing areas of inspection. Modify and use flexible checklists to reflect any regulatory changes from governing bodies, organizations, or industries.

Steps to Using the Truck Inspection Checklist

Follow the steps outlined to effectively use a truck inspection checklist:

1. 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 precise identification.
2. 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.
3. 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. This would also help in proactively addressing vehicle issues before use.
4. 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.
5. Add recommendations – Before completing the inspection with a signature, enter any recommendations that can improve the vehicle condition, if any.

Getting Ready for the 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 all CMVs on the road are safe and in good working condition and that the business has proper record keeping processes in place. A DOT inspection consists of 6 levels which are:

Level 1: North American Standard 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). Inspector will also check if the vehicle operator is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any other hazardous material. Lastly, the following elements of the vehicle will be checked: seatbelt, exhaust system, brakes, turn signals, tail lamps, headlamps, wheels and rims, windshield wipers, steering wheel, and fuel system.

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, record of duty status (RODS), and HAZMAT certification. Other inspection items include seatbelt usage, and signs of drugs 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 which were specified under level 1. It’s 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 criterias 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.