How Much Does a DOT Truck Inspection Cost?

Are you confident about complying with the FMCSA and DOT regulations for commercial vehicles? It’s critical to keeping your fleet on the road. 

Working with FMCA Filings’ FMCSA compliance checklist can help ensure that you adhere to the DOT’s permit and registration requirements. Your trucks also need annual DOT inspections to ensure they are safe and roadworthy, though.

How much does a DOT truck inspection cost? DOT inspection pricing varies, but it often costs less and takes less time than expected. Here’s more from FMCA Filings.

The Cost of DOT Safety Inspections

FMCSA rules state that motor carriers are responsible for their vehicle inspections. Since most companies lack qualified in-house inspectors, they outsource this job to independent contractors or garages. The price for DOT vehicle inspections can vary depending on factors ranging from the inspector’s experience to the location, but it will be upward of $200 to inspect a truck and trailer.

Becoming a qualified inspector requires completing the training course and at least one year of documented on-the-job training or experience. If the truck owner or operator earns the required designation from the DOT, they can order DOT inspection kits and perform inspections, but the expense and time commitment surrounding the certification doesn’t always balance the truck inspection expenses. It’s often more convenient to go to a garage for an inspection. 

Who Needs Truck Safety Inspections?

The FMCSA stipulates that the following vehicles undergo a safety inspection at least once every 12 months:

• Commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more
• Commercial vehicles that move hazardous materials 
• Buses
• Vehicles that carry 16 or more passengers 

Although the requirement is for an annual inspection, some companies perform more frequent inspections to ensure their fleet is safe. This is also a great way to eradicate issues that could lead to a violation during a roadside inspection.

Commercial trucking operations must maintain inspection records for at least 14 months, regardless of inspection frequency. 

What To Expect With a DOT Truck Inspection 

How much does a DOT truck inspection cost, and what does the inspection entail? Firstly, inspectors evaluate the truck and trailer without the driver or owner present. The process usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes.

Typically, an inspection will include a comprehensive review of all the major parts and systems on the vehicle, including:

• Brakes
• Tires
• Suspension
• Engine
• Battery
• Fuel and exhaust system
• Steering
• Lights
• Emergency exits and equipment 

The inspector may also opt to inspect other elements of the truck, such as the windshield wipers and loading mechanisms. They are looking for signs of deterioration or other issues that could put the vehicle at risk for safety issues. 

If the Truck Passes the DOT Inspection

If the truck passes the completed inspection, your inspector will provide a detailed report and a sticker. The sticker will include specific information about the vehicle, including:

• The DOT number
• The date of the inspection
• The VIN

Affix this sticker to the truck door to signal to DOT inspectors and law enforcement that you are in compliance.

If the Truck Does Not Pass the DOT Inspection

If a truck doesn’t pass inspection, the owner must address the violations to secure an inspection sticker. 

If the inspection reveals problems that result in a violation during a roadside check, you might need to issue repairs or get some paperwork. In extreme cases, the inspector may deem the vehicle unfit for service (this is rare).

The Consequences of Skipping a DOT Inspection 

Avoiding safety inspections creates the risk of costly safety violations that reduce your CSA score, not to mention accidents that could cause injury or even death. However, non-compliance can also garner substantial expenses, so any DOT truck inspection cost pales in comparison to the fines you’ll pay for skipping the service.

Monitoring inspections and asking drivers to submit documentation confirming compliance can protect your bottom line. The average commercial truck inspection fee is a few hundred dollars or less, whereas those for not getting the sticker range from $1,000 to $10,000. 

Let FMCA Filing Help You Remain in Compliance With the DOT’s Regulations

Inspections are just one of the many details your trucking company must attend to in order to follow the rules and avoid problems. How much does a DOT truck inspection cost? What can you expect when checking for DOT violations?

One way to answer these questions and feel good about your compliance is to ensure that your company has all the necessary permits and paperwork through FMCA Filing’s online portal. The platform helps you track what you have in place and what you need to complete so you’re always on top of the details. Connect with one of our Live Chat agents or read our blog to review the ins and outs of commercial transportation.