The 6 Levels of DOT Inspections: How to Get One, How to Prepare & Checklists

Last Updated September 30, 2024

If you’re running your own trucking business, you need to know the ins and outs of DOT inspections. These inspections help keep the roads safe by ensuring that commercial vehicles are in good operating condition. As a result, roadside inspections can occur at any time.

There are 6 DOT inspection levels, with varying DOT inspection requirements involved. Understanding what these inspections entail (and being prepared for them) will ensure that you can keep your business running smoothly. With that said, let’s discuss:

• What a DOT inspection is
• Why DOT inspections are important
• How to get a DOT inspection
• How to prepare for a DOT inspection
• Checklists for each level of DOT inspections
• DOT inspection FAQs

What Is a DOT Inspection?

A DOT inspection is an inspection conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on commercial motor vehicles weighing 10,001 pounds or more. Safety checkups are usually conducted by state-level Departments of Transportation. State troopers typically have the authority to perform inspections, while the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees all inspections nationally.

DOT inspections evaluate both the vehicle and driver to ensure full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. DOT inspection levels vary in terms of how thorough they are, but drivers should always be prepared.

Importance of DOT Inspections

DOT inspections are an important preventative measure that ensures commercial vehicles are in safe operating condition and that drivers are complying with relevant regulations. The goal is to ensure the safety of everyone on the road by reducing the risk of accidents linked to commercial vehicles.

For those who run their own trucking business, DOT inspections can be valuable by encouraging fleet managers to conduct pre-trip checklists and vehicle assessments to address repair and maintenance needs. The inspections themselves can also help you identify and address potential issues with your fleet or drivers before they become more serious.

How to Get a DOT Inspection

DOT inspections are generally not scheduled. They are usually designed to be a surprise inspection to some extent, performed by state troopers or DOT officers at weigh stations, truck stops, or even along the road. This allows truck inspectors to get an accurate picture of whether the truck and driver are in compliance.

If you need to schedule a DOT inspection for a new truck or to re-inspect your vehicle after it is placed out of service, you will need to contact the relevant DOT office in your state.

DOT inspections have three possible outcomes. The first is “no violations found,” in which the vehicle receives a CVSA sticker that is valid for three months and indicates it passed its inspection. Second, “violations found, but not serious” means that repair issues were found that need to be addressed within 15 days, but they aren’t serious enough for the vehicle or driver to be declared out of service. Finally, “serious violations” will put the truck or driver out of service, meaning they can’t operate again until corrections have been made and documented.

Tips for Preparing for a DOT Inspection

Because a DOT inspection can happen at any time, vehicles and drivers should always be prepared. Pre-trip checks should focus on key safety issues like tire tread depth and engine condition. A proactive preventative maintenance schedule based on mileage or operating hours will also help you stay ahead of potential repair issues that might otherwise result in a violation.

Drivers should keep their truck clean and keep all relevant documents and files in a central, easy-to-access location. Drivers should maintain accurate service hour logs and make sure they have all personal documents on hand, such as their driver’s license and medical examiner certificate.

Level 1 DOT Inspection

The Level 1 DOT inspection (or “North American Standard Inspection”) is the most common and comprehensive DOT inspection. This 37-step inspection evaluates the vehicle and its paperwork, as well as the driver. DOT inspectors will get under the vehicle as part of this inspection.

DOT Level 1 Checklist

A DOT Level 1 inspection includes:

• Driver documentation, including commercial driver’s license, logs, and medical/skill performance evaluation certificates
• Drivers evaluated for drug and alcohol use, seat belt compliance
• Braking system
• Electrical system
• Steering system
• Fuel system
• Exhaust system
• Suspension
• Tire assembly
• Lights
• Cargo security

Level 2 DOT Inspection

A Level 2 DOT inspection is similar to a Level 1 inspection, but it’s less comprehensive, as the DOT inspector does not inspect components that require them to get under the vehicle. However, they still check driver documents and other vehicle systems. Level 2 inspections are often called “Walk-around Driver/Vehicle Inspections.”

DOT Level 2 Checklist

DOT Level 2 inspections include:

• Driver documentation, including commercial driver’s license, logs, and medical/skill performance evaluation certificates
• Drivers evaluated for drug and alcohol use, seat belt compliance
• Tires and wheels
• Coupling devices
• Headlamps, turn signals, and other lights
• Cargo security
• Windshield wipers
• Engine compartment

Level 3 DOT Inspection

A Level 3 DOT inspection is a driver-only inspection. During these inspections, inspectors only check the driver’s credentials. As such, these inspections tend to be rather short, only taking about 15 minutes.

DOT Level 3 Checklist

During a Level 3 DOT inspection, inspectors will look at the following driver credentials:

• Commercial driver’s license
• Medical examiner certificate
• Carrier identification
• Skill performance evaluation certificate
• Service logs
• Record of Duty Status (RODS)
• HAZMAT requirements (if applicable)
• Check for drug or alcohol use
• Check for seat belt compliance
• Review driver vehicle inspection reports

Level 4 DOT Inspection

Level 4 DOT inspections are special inspections that focus on a single component or feature of a commercial vehicle. These inspections are generally performed to verify a previous claim made about a vehicle or when the DOT wants to conduct additional research on an inspection trend (such as tracking improvement for common violations).

DOT Level 4 Checklist

A Level 4 DOT inspection focuses exclusively on the status of the specific feature or item to be inspected, so the checklist varies by what part is being inspected.

Level 5 DOT Inspection

Level 5 DOT inspections are vehicle-only inspections. These inspections look at all vehicle safety elements included in a Level 1 inspection, but the driver is not present. These inspections are less common, as they are typically performed after an incident, such as when a driver has been arrested or hospitalized, or at a carrier’s location as part of a compliance review.

DOT Level 5 Checklist

The DOT Level 5 inspection includes all vehicle-related elements that are included in a Level 1 inspection, including parts that require the DOT inspector to get under the vehicle. Therefore, the checklist again varies by which part is being inspected. It does not include a driver evaluation.

Level 6 DOT Inspection

Level 6 DOT inspections are also known as the “Enhanced NAS Inspection for Radioactive Shipments.” This inspection level is only applicable to trucks that haul radioactive cargo that is subject to highway route-controlled quantities and is conducted before the truck departs for its destination. Upon passing this inspection, the vehicle is given a nuclear symbol to display on the vehicle, which is only valid for that trip. The Level 6 inspection includes all elements of a Level 1 inspection, with additional assessments of the radiological shipments.

DOT Level 6 Checklist

The DOT Level 6 inspection includes:

All driver and vehicle requirements of a Level 1 inspection
Assessment of radiological shipments and requirements
Enhanced out-of-service criteria

In-Summary: DOT Inspection Levels

A DOT inspection can happen at any time, with Levels 1-3 being the most common. By understanding DOT inspection checklists for the different levels of DOT inspections, engaging in proactive maintenance and repairs, and keeping all documents up to date, drivers and fleet managers can maintain compliance and ensure that these inspections can go smoothly.

DOT Inspection FAQs

How long is a DOT inspection good for?

Commercial vehicles are required to receive a DOT inspection every 12 months. After passing a DOT inspection, you should receive a CVSA decal that is valid for up to three months. Unless your vehicle has a noticeable problem, you usually won’t be pulled over for an inspection during that time.

How much does a DOT inspection cost?

Roadside DOT inspections are performed at no cost to the driver or fleet. However, if you need to schedule an in-shop DOT inspection (such as for a new truck or to re-inspect an out-of-service vehicle), costs can range from $80 to $200 depending on the vehicle, inspection level, and your location.

Where do I get a DOT inspection?

Roadside DOT inspections may occur at weigh stations, truck stops, or along the roadside. For scheduled inspections, contact your state DOT for additional information.

What does a DOT officer do?

A DOT officer is responsible for inspecting the truck’s condition and the driver’s documentation to ensure full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Can I do my own DOT inspection?

Technically, yes, if you obtain the necessary qualifications from the FMCSA. However, it is generally more time-efficient for trucking business owners to maintain and prep their vehicle for inspection so it passes a third-party DOT inspection.

What is DOT inspection week?

DOT inspection week refers to the CVSA International Roadcheck event, an annual 72-hour period in which DOT officials in the United States (as well as similar officials in Canada and Mexico) place a heavy emphasis on performing commercial vehicle inspections. Nationwide, an average of 15 inspections per minute are conducted during this period.

When is the 72-hour DOT inspection?

The next CVSA International Roadcheck is scheduled to take place from May 13-15, 2025.

What records do trucking businesses need to keep?

Trucking businesses must keep carrier identification and status forms, medical certificates, hours of service logs, record of duty status (RODS), commercial driver’s license or road test certifications, safety performance evaluation forms, motor vehicle driving records, and annual motor vehicle driving record reviews.

How long do trucking companies have to keep records?

Annual inspection reports must be kept for 14 months. Reports related to other inspections and tests, hours of service, repairs, and accidents should be kept for at least six months.