Does a Farm Truck Need a DOT Inspection?

In many cases, a commercial driver must take their vehicle in for a yearly DOT inspection. It’s a way for the Department of Transportation to ensure each commercial vehicle meets federal and state regulations for safe operation. But does a farm truck need a DOT inspection, too? 

Farm trucks that meet certain criteria may be exempt from needing a DOT inspection. In this post, we cover the definition of a farm truck to help you determine if your truck might fall under this exemption. Why not direct your questions about commercial vehicles to Federal Motor Carrier Authority Online Filings, which can share a comprehensive FMCSA compliance checklist with you?

What is a DOT Inspection?

Commercial vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds must get an annual DOT inspection to make sure they can safely travel on public roads. Truck drivers can take their vehicles to a certified inspection shop. Otherwise, a state trooper may pull over your truck for a spontaneous inspection, especially if they spot a potential violation.

The Purpose of a DOT Inspection

The drivers of commercial vehicles must obtain a yearly DOT inspection to prove the vehicle is safe for over-the-road transport. The intent is to protect the driver and their cargo, but an inspection will also protect other drivers. 

An unsafe commercial vehicle could end up causing catastrophic injuries to other people on the road if they get into an accident. So, a DOT inspection checks the commercial truck’s brakes, tires, and other parts for damage. It also checks for improper cargo storage, which causes accidents.

What Qualifies as a Farm Truck?

Does your farm truck need a DOT inspection? What do the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration consider farm trucks?

To qualify for farm exemption, a truck must transport farm supplies, machinery, or other agricultural materials within a 150-mile radius of the farm. Details vary from state to state, so double-check that your daily operations fall within your state’s local regulations.

Covered Farm Vehicles

Farm trucks fall under the Covered Farm Vehicle (CFV) exemption. The FMCSA takes into account the gross weight of the vehicle and how far away from the farm you travel. 

A farm truck that meets the following criteria does NOT need a DOT inspection:

• The truck transports farmers or farm employees, including family members.
• The truck does not transport hazardous materials that need a permit.
• The truck transports goods, livestock, and other related equipment to and from the farm.
• The truck is not offering for-hire transport that is unrelated to farm work.

The covered farm vehicle exemption allows farm workers to operate without fulfilling CDL requirements or strictly adhering to the Hours of Service regulations. Even with the exemption, the driver or truck owner should still take measures to ensure every truck is safe to drive on public roadways.

Maintaining Your Farm Truck

You know the answer to the question, “Does a farm truck need a DOT inspection?” Do you know what the motor carrier administration considers as operating your truck safely, though? 

Just because a truck is exempt from a DOT inspection doesn’t mean you won’t get a ticket if your truck triggers a minor violation and the authorities pull it over. To prevent fines and other penalties, maintain your truck or farm-plated vehicle in the following ways:

• Check headlights, tail lights, and turn signals. Replace any burned-out bulbs as soon as you discover them.
• Investigate leaks, including oil, transmission fluid, and even gasoline. Any leak could create dangerous road conditions and become a safety hazard for your buildings, farm animals, or even crops.
• Don’t let your truck registration lapse. Operating with expired plates could mean you end up with a hefty fine
• Always secure your cargo safely. A weight imbalance could end up causing an accident as you drive from one place to another.

Pay Attention To Changes in Regulations

Even if your farm truck is exempt from a DOT inspection, it’s vital to pay attention to both federal and local regulations. You are responsible for making adjustments if regulations change. If the authorities pull your truck over and it violates a regulation, a lack of knowledge will not prevent you from having to pay the fine.

Avoid Fines By Staying Current With All Inspections

Does a farm truck need a DOT inspection? If it meets certain regulations, you can operate your farm truck without a yearly DOT vehicle inspection. However, you should still take measures to ensure your farm truck remains roadworthy.

If you have any questions about whether your farm truck needs a DOT inspection, reach out to Federal Motor Carrier Authority Online Filings. You can chat with a live agent during business hours or fill out the online form, and a representative will get in touch.