A DOT roadside inspection can make or break your day — and your CSA score. Whether you're running through a weigh station or flagged on the highway, knowing exactly what inspectors look for gives you the confidence to roll through without violations.
The 6 Levels of DOT Inspections
Level I — Full Inspection (North American Standard)
The most comprehensive inspection. The inspector examines both the driver and the vehicle.
Driver items checked: - Commercial driver's license (CDL) with proper endorsements - Medical examiner's certificate (DOT physical card) - Hours of service records (ELD data) - Seatbelt usage - Alcohol and drug use (visible impairment) - Vehicle inspection report (DVIR)
Vehicle items checked: - Brakes (adjustment, air system, parking brake) - Tires (tread depth minimum 4/32" steer, 2/32" drive) - Lights and reflectors (all must function) - Steering components - Suspension - Frame and body - Coupling devices (fifth wheel, kingpin, glad hands) - Exhaust system - Fuel system - Windshield and wipers - Cargo securement
Level II — Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection
Same as Level I but without going under the vehicle. Covers everything visible from a walk-around plus all driver items.
Level III — Driver-Only Inspection
Focuses only on the driver: credentials, HOS compliance, seatbelt, medical card. No vehicle inspection.
Level IV — Special Inspection
One-time examination of a specific item (e.g., after a complaint about a particular truck's brakes).
Level V — Vehicle-Only Inspection
Vehicle inspection without the driver present. Often done at terminals or repair facilities.
Level VI — Enhanced NAS for Radioactive Shipments
Specialized inspection for vehicles carrying radioactive materials.
Top 10 Most Common Violations
Based on FMCSA data, these violations account for the majority of out-of-service orders:
- Hours of service — driving over limits, missing logs
- Brake adjustment — out-of-adjustment or inoperative brakes
- Tire violations — bald tires, flat tires, improper inflation
- Lighting — non-functioning headlights, tail lights, turn signals
- No valid medical certificate — expired DOT physical
- Cargo securement — insufficient tie-downs, unsecured loads
- False log entries — ELD tampering or paper log discrepancies
- Registration/authority — expired registration, no operating authority
- Windshield/wipers — cracked windshield in driver's view, broken wipers
- Leaking fluids — oil, coolant, or fuel leaks
Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist
Before every trip, walk around your truck and check:
Engine Compartment
- [ ] Oil level and condition
- [ ] Coolant level
- [ ] Power steering fluid
- [ ] Belt condition (no cracks, proper tension)
- [ ] Air compressor
- [ ] Visible leaks
Exterior — Front
- [ ] Headlights (high and low beam)
- [ ] Turn signals
- [ ] Windshield (no cracks in wiper sweep area)
- [ ] Wipers and washer fluid
- [ ] Mirrors (both sides, properly adjusted)
Exterior — Sides
- [ ] Tires (tread depth, inflation, no damage)
- [ ] Lug nuts (tight, no missing)
- [ ] Mud flaps
- [ ] Side marker lights
- [ ] Fuel tank (cap secure, no leaks)
- [ ] Battery box (secured)
- [ ] Exhaust (no leaks, properly mounted)
Exterior — Rear
- [ ] Tail lights
- [ ] Brake lights
- [ ] Turn signals
- [ ] Reflective tape/triangles
- [ ] License plate light
- [ ] Doors/latches secure
Trailer
- [ ] Fifth wheel (locked, no gap)
- [ ] Glad hands (connected, no leaks)
- [ ] Landing gear (fully raised, crank handle stored)
- [ ] Trailer brakes (apply and release test)
- [ ] Cargo securement (proper tie-downs, load balanced)
In-Cab
- [ ] All gauges functioning
- [ ] Air pressure builds to governor cut-off
- [ ] Brake test (air loss rate under 3 PSI/minute)
- [ ] Parking brake holds on grade
- [ ] Horn works
- [ ] Seatbelt functions
- [ ] Fire extinguisher (charged, accessible)
- [ ] Emergency triangles (3 required)
- [ ] ELD connected and functioning
- [ ] Registration and insurance documents current
How to Handle a Roadside Inspection
- Pull over safely — find a level surface with room for the inspector
- Be professional — greet the inspector, have documents ready
- Don't argue — note disagreements but remain respectful
- Know your rights — you can request to see the inspector's credentials
- Review the report — sign it (doesn't mean you agree), keep your copy
- Fix violations promptly — document repairs for your DataQs challenge if needed
Track Inspections with TruckerPro
TruckerPro's Safety module lets you: - Record all DOT/CVIP inspections and results - Track violation trends by driver and vehicle - Monitor CSA scores across all BASIC categories - Set up automated alerts for expiring medical cards and registrations - Generate compliance reports for audits
Prevention is always cheaper than violations. A solid pre-trip routine and the right compliance tools keep your trucks on the road and your CSA score clean.