Can I Do My Own Annual DOT Inspection?

Are you preparing for your annual trailer inspection and wondering, "Can I do my own annual DOT inspection?" At FMCA Filings, you can fill out your USDOT number application, prepare for your inspection, and find answers to all your questions about the trucking industry. Keep reading to discover everything you should know about the annual DOT inspection.

What Is the DOT Inspection?

Required annually by the Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Department of Transportation inspection examines commercial vehicles, including trailers, to confirm they correspond with the organization's safety regulations. It covers every area of the trailer from the lights to the engine. 

The inspection is a necessary practice to keep truckers and other drivers safe and avoid potentially dangerous vehicle malfunctions. If the DOT finds you have a vehicle out of compliance, you can face fines, penalties, and even vehicle suspension or driver disqualification.

DOT Trailer Requirements

Who must have their vehicle inspected under the DOT requirements? The rules include a wide variety of trailers including flatbeds, utility trailers, and cargo trailers. The inspection aims to identify defective components and also establishes the trailer has an appropriate weight and size for the type of vehicle towing it. The minimum periodic inspection standards require you to complete the process at least once every 12 months.

The DOT Inspection Process

You can technically perform the inspection process yourself, provided you keep the associated driver vehicle inspection reports for at least 14 months and maintain the necessary qualifications, including showing a proficient understanding of Part 393 and Appendix G and obtaining and maintaining break inspector qualification.

Considering the time and effort involved in obtaining qualifications and the higher risk of incurring consequences if you perform a substandard inspection, many drivers feel the peace of mind of having a third party perform the process is worth any minor inconvenience.

What Happens During Inspection?

During the inspection, the authority will perform the following tasks and more:

• Check your driver’s license, registration, and insurance
• Confirm the working condition of your vehicle’s safety equipment, including lights, tires, and brakes
• Verify your hours of service
• Confirm the vehicle's cargo

The inspector may also perform a road test.

Tips for Preparing for the DOT Inspection

If you're asking, "Can I do my own annual DOT inspection?" the answer is yes. However, you'll find that compared to the time commitment and stress involved in obtaining your qualifications, maintaining and preparing your vehicle for the inspection is a more efficient use of your time.

The following checklist is not an official inspection tool, but you can adequately use it to prepare your vehicle. You can find a more complete list on the FMCA Filings website. In addition to individual components of your vehicle, verify you've done the following:

• Organized all your paperwork and ensured the accuracy of all documents, including driver's license, insurance, and registration
• Inspected your trailer for any obvious damage
• You've properly loaded and secured the trailer
• Know the answer to questions about your trailer and its cargo 

Brakes

The inspector will check the following issues with your brakes:

• Leaks, cracks, or damage in the entire system
• Severe wearing on the pads and shoes
• Wear on the drums
• Leaks or damage in the lines and hoses
• Fluid levels
• Adjustment quality

Tires

Ensure your tires comply with all the following criteria:

• Appropriate tread depth
• No cracks or damage in the sidewalls
• Correct pressure
• Adequate alignment
• Secure lug nuts
• Healthy wheel bearings

Lights

To confirm your truck can safely operate at night and adequately communicate your intentions to other drivers, the inspector will check the following:

• Every light, including the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and clearance lights
• Their proper function
• Correct location
• Accurate color

Steering and Suspension

Ensuring you can safely operate your vehicle means identifying any damage or wear in your steering or suspension system. The inspector will examine the following:

• Excessive movement or looseness in the steering wheel
• Steering linkage or tie rod damage
• Damage or wear in your shocks and springs
• Overall trailer alignment

Electrical

The inspector will check the following components of your electrical system:

• Condition of the wiring harness
• The charge and quality of your battery
• The tightness and security of your vehicle's electrical connections

Fuel

You can expect the inspector to check for the following issues with your fuel system:

• Leaks or damage throughout the fuel system 
• Cap and valve condition
• Damage or excessive noise in the exhaust

Prepare for Your Inspection With FMCA Filings

Now you know the answer to, "Can I do my own annual DOT inspection?" Whether you're preparing your trailer for inspection or want to improve your CSA score, you can find all the tools you need in one place. FMCA Filings offers an easy-to-use portal and a blog full of information.

Contact us by filling out our online form or speak directly to an agent using our live chat feature.