Annual DOT Inspection | Idealease, Inc.

The annual DOT Inspection is required of all CMVs that have a GVWR of 10,001 lbs or more, as defined in the definition of a CMV in CFR 390.5 for interstate carriers with US DOT operating authority. (For INTRAstate operators check with your state carrier enforcement for the adoption of this federal regulation)

CFR 396.17 requires that all CMVs that meet the above definition be inspected annually, according to Appendix A of the FMCSA regulations. Click on the following link to access Appendix A

A motor carrier shall not use a commercial motor vehicle unless each component identified in Appendix G has passed an inspection at least once during the preceding 12 months and documentation of such inspection is on the vehicle. The documentation may be the inspection report prepared in accordance with CFR 396.21 or other forms of documentation, based on the inspection report (e.g., sticker or

decal), which contains the following information:

• Date of inspection

• Name of Motor Carrier

• Address of the motor carrier or other entity where the inspection report is maintained

• Information uniquely identifying the vehicle inspected if not clearly marked on the

• motor vehicle

• Certification that the vehicle has passed an Inspection in accordance with CFR 396.17

Motor Carrier record keeping requirements for periodic inspections are found in CFR 396.21.

The qualified inspector performing the inspection shall prepare a report which:

• Identifies the individual performing the inspection

• Identifies the motor carrier operating the vehicle

• Date of the inspection

• Vehicle inspected

• Vehicle components inspected

• Describes the results of the inspection

• Includes the identification of those components not meeting the minimum standards set forth in Appendix G

• Certifies the accuracy and completeness of the inspection as complying with all the requirements of CFR 396.17

The original or copy of the inspection report shall be retained by the motor carrier or other entity that is

responsible for the inspection for a period of fourteen months from the date of the inspection report. The

original or a copy of the inspection report shall be retained where the vehicle is either housed or maintained.

The original or a copy of the inspection report shall be available for inspection upon demand of an authorized

Federal, State, or local officials.

Who is a qualified Inspector?

The FMCSA defines an inspector in CFR 396.17 as a person who understands the inspection criteria set forth in 49 CFR Part 393 and Appendix A of this subchapter and can identify defective components. That person is knowledgeable of and has mastered the methods, procedures, tools, and equipment used when performing an inspection. Also, capable of performing an inspection by reason of experience and training. Please click on the following link for an example of a certification for an annual inspector, which contains the certification requirements.

Exemptions to the Annual Inspection

Vehicles passing roadside or periodic inspections performed under the auspices of any State government, equivalent jurisdiction, FMCSA, meeting the minimum standards contained in Appendix A of this subchapter, will be considered to have met the requirements of an annual inspection for a period of 12 months. Commencing from the last day of the month in which the inspection was performed. The following states and provinces have mandatory inspection programs that meet this exemption:

United States: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require that all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce must pass an inspection at least annually. One way to satisfy this requirement is through the periodic inspection programs administered by certain states. To qualify, the state inspection program must comply with federal standards.

The following is a complete list of states with inspection programs that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has determined are comparable to, or as effective as, the federal periodic inspection requirements.

• Alabama (LPG Board), California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin

Note that two states that used to appear on this list have since been removed. Arkansas no longer has a periodic inspection program for buses, and Oklahoma has repealed its inspection requirements.

In addition to the states listed above, the FMCSA also accepts the inspection programs of the Yukon Territory and the 10 Canadian Provinces:

• Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island

• Quebec, Saskatchewan

The FMCSA also considers Mexico’s NOM (Norma Official Mexicana or Official Mexican Standard) 68 program, as comparable to, or as effective as, the federal periodic inspection requirements.

All other states either have no periodic inspection programs for commercial vehicles or their programs have not been determined by the FMCSA to be comparable to the federal requirements.