How Do I Check My DOT Violations?

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), along with other federal and non-profit road safety organizations, helps keep roadways safe. To do so, they enforce regulations for transportation companies to follow, reviewing driver fitness and vehicular maintenance. Even one DOT violation can have consequences for the business.

How do I check my DOT violations to prevent company issues? In addition to our FMCSA compliance checklist, Federal Motor Carrier Authority Online Filings helps clients identify and manage DOT concerns.

Vehicles That Receive DOT Ratings

Every driver with passengers or equipment doesn’t need to worry about a random Level 1 DOT inspection. Due to their size or weight, only certain vehicles should prepare for these procedures at any time:

• Those with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds or more
• Those used to transport hazardous materials, with types and quantities specified by DOT
• Those that can transport more than 15 passengers, driver included
• Those that can transport more than eight passengers, plus the driver, for compensation

School buses, freight trucks, and most public transport constitute examples of vehicles under special DOT rules and ratings.

DOT Ratings and CSA Scores

DOT uses ratings that it and FMCSA use to evaluate how safe your drivers or company is on U.S. roadways. Anyone in the public can access and review these ratings using a DOT number, company name, or MC/MX number. Meanwhile, Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) scores typically stay with FMCSA and other related authorities and only reflect the carrier, not individual drivers.

DOT ratings and CSA scores have similar functions and list grades for safe driving and roadway conduct. The latter scores range from 0 to 100, with 0 being the best due to a lack of FMCSA-related roadway violations. DOT ratings come with three results after a compliance review (CR):

• Satisfactory: The driver or carrier uses functional safety management controls, meeting FMCSA safety fitness standards.
• Conditional: The driver or carrier doesn’t use functional safety management controls, which may result in conditions that don’t meet safety fitness standards. Investors, customers, and insurers may see the trucking company as a risk to their interests.
• Unsatisfactory: The driver or carrier doesn’t use functional safety management controls, which has resulted in conditions that don’t meet safety fitness standards. The company has 45 to 60 days to implement changes and put the carrier or driver within Satisfactory rating standards. Otherwise, the carrier or driver cannot legally continue services.

Aim for a low CSA score to indicate proper management by the trucking company. Similarly, drivers and companies that follow the rules shouldn’t have unsatisfactory DOT ratings.

What Can Prompt a Poor Rating?

How do I check my DOT violations online or in-person to view my rating? You can find many reports online, like through our DOT Portal. You may only need the company’s name, DOT number, or an MC/MX number.

To check your CSA score, you will need a DOT number and PIN to use the Safety Management System (SMS). If you don’t have a PIN, contact us to help you submit a PIN request.

To better understand the results, FMCSA and DOT aim to identify and punish behaviors that can lead to or indicate the following:

• Improper vehicular use
• At-cause vehicular accidents
• Unqualified or fatigued drivers use
• Commercial driver’s license violations
• Use of unsafe vehicles on highways
• Unlawful transportation of hazardous materials
• Deficient driver or carrier financial responsibility levels
• Unsatisfactory record keeping for accident registers and reports
• Insufficient vehicular inspection, repair, or maintenance practices
• Violations of driving, parking, and hazardous materials compliance regulations

Most Common DOT Violations

Regulations can adjust with time, roadway circumstances, and technological advances. However, some rules won’t change anytime soon, and many drivers and companies make mistakes on the same parts. Watch out for these top three errors and ensure your team avoids them.

Poor Vehicular Maintenance

A substantial amount of DOT violations in 2023 were for poor vehicular maintenance. Some issues included unacceptable tire conditions, failed rear lights, and degraded exhaust systems. Remember to pre-check your vehicle before sending it out.

Hours-of-Service Violations

Driving while sleepy or tired has similar effects, and sometimes worse, to driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Therefore, drivers should always follow federal Hours-of-Service regulations and keep accurate records of their working time. Also, promote an atmosphere that puts safety first.

Unfit Drivers

DOT inspectors ensure the driver has all the necessary certifications and licenses. Some companies hire underqualified drivers for complex transportation needs, endangering others. Make sure your drivers can work well and have the paperwork to prove it.

Fines for DOT violations easily reach the thousands in U.S. currency based on current DOT rules. How do I check my DOT violations to dispute or correct them? Contact Federal Motor Carrier Authority Online Filings through our live chat or online form for real human help today.