What Will Happen If Only Minor Violations Are Found in Your DOT Inspection?

Undergoing a DOT inspection can cause stress in even the most meticulous driver or supervisor. Anyone could overlook a seemingly insignificant detail and earn a citation. What will happen if only minor violations are found during an inspection?

Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings specializes in helping trucking services pass audits with an FMCSA compliance checklist and streamlined DOT portal services. We’ll guide you through the inspection process, violation levels, and potential penalties below.   

What Happens During a DOT Inspection?

DOT officers and state troopers conduct most audits and inspections. They may occur on the carrier’s property, at a driver’s chosen truck stop, or on the side of the road. A qualified official can pull you over during your route for a roadside inspection at any time. 

The involved parties, especially the driver, must conduct themselves professionally. As a driver, you must produce any paperwork the officer requests. They might check:

• Your documents, logs, and other paperwork
• Your vehicle’s condition
• Mechanical or record-keeping aberrations

The inspection process depends on which level the officer chooses to conduct. 

DOT Inspection Levels

The officer or trooper inspecting your truck will choose one of the six levels of DOT inspections. These levels include:

• Level I: The North American Standard Inspection involves a thorough overview of your driver documentation and a vehicle exam. 
• Level II: The officer checks your documentation and visible vehicle components. 
• Level III: This inspection focuses solely on your documentation, including your certificates, credentials, and records. 
• Level IV: A DOT officer conducting research may carefully examine one aspect of your vehicle or driver’s records. 
• Level V: The officer will ask you to vacate the inspection area while they focus their attention on a vehicle inspection. 
• Level VI: This inspection level only applies to vehicles transporting hazardous materials like biohazardous waste or radioactive items. 

Most inspections last as few as 15 minutes. However, in-depth examinations can last up to an hour.

Violation Levels

You’ll receive one of three outcomes pending the inspection results. The officer may recommend corrective actions based on the severity of the violations. 

When No Violations Are Found

If the officer discovers no infractions, they will award you a CVSA decal. This decal shows other potential inspectors that you passed a recent exam. They won’t pull you over for another inspection for up to three months. 

What Will Happen If Only Minor Violations Are Found?

The officer may uncover a small infraction, such as a missing vehicle maintenance report or a minor repair. They’ll allow you to operate your vehicle. However, they may deduct points from your carrier’s CSA score. They will also expect a resolution within 15 days of their report. 

Your carrier must complete and send a report regarding their adjustments to the FMCSA within that time frame. An officer may perform another roadside inspection within the following months.   

What About Significant Violations?

If the officer finds multiple infractions or severe violations, they place you under an Out-Of-Service order. DOT officers reserve OOS for problems that may endanger other drivers. You may not operate the vehicle until your carrier handles all recorded violations and reports the resolutions to the FMCSA. 

Common Violations You Can Easily Avoid

Many drivers earn avoidable minor violations during roadside inspections. You can avoid these bothersome infractions with some extra caution and preparation. List these compliance infringements on a second document and double-check it before embarking on a shipping route. 

Vehicles

DOT officers frequently award the following vehicle violations:

• Fire extinguisher issues: Many drivers forget to replace used extinguishers or secure new ones. 
• Fluid leaks: The average driver might ignore fluid leaks in their vehicle. As a trucker, you must address them immediately. 
• Tire tread: Regularly rotate and replace your tires to maintain safe tread levels. 
• Brake and turning lights: Ensure your lights work before you hit the road. 
• Annual inspection results: Keep your most recent inspection file close at hand. 

Divers

Protect your reputation and carrier from lost CSA points with the following tips:

• Expired licenses and certificates: Medical cards, identification numbers, and driver’s licenses have expiration dates. Update them before they expire. 
• Driving beyond allotted hours of service: You might feel tempted to put in one or two extra miles. However, this action can cost you and your carrier. 
• Unreliable record management: Truckers must meticulously maintain records of service hours, shipping routes, and other data. 
• Failure to wear a seatbelt: Seatbelt laws are easy to follow. Never put your truck in drive without wearing yours. 

Access All Your DOT Information in One Portal With FMCA Filings

What will happen if only minor violations are found during an inspection? FMCA Filings can explain. Whether you undergo a level I DOT inspection or a level VI, you can quickly access information from our portal. Chat with our representatives online to learn more.