DOT Inspection Checklist: What Every Driver Needs to Know (2026)

A DOT roadside inspection can make or break your day — and your CSA score. Whether you're running through a weigh station or flagged on the highway, knowing exactly what inspectors look for gives you the confidence to roll through without violations.

The 6 Levels of DOT Inspections

Level I — Full Inspection (North American Standard)

The most comprehensive inspection. The inspector examines both the driver and the vehicle.

Driver items checked: - Commercial driver's license (CDL) with proper endorsements - Medical examiner's certificate (DOT physical card) - Hours of service records (ELD data) - Seatbelt usage - Alcohol and drug use (visible impairment) - Vehicle inspection report (DVIR)

Vehicle items checked: - Brakes (adjustment, air system, parking brake) - Tires (tread depth minimum 4/32" steer, 2/32" drive) - Lights and reflectors (all must function) - Steering components - Suspension - Frame and body - Coupling devices (fifth wheel, kingpin, glad hands) - Exhaust system - Fuel system - Windshield and wipers - Cargo securement

Level II — Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection

Same as Level I but without going under the vehicle. Covers everything visible from a walk-around plus all driver items.

Level III — Driver-Only Inspection

Focuses only on the driver: credentials, HOS compliance, seatbelt, medical card. No vehicle inspection.

Level IV — Special Inspection

One-time examination of a specific item (e.g., after a complaint about a particular truck's brakes).

Level V — Vehicle-Only Inspection

Vehicle inspection without the driver present. Often done at terminals or repair facilities.

Level VI — Enhanced NAS for Radioactive Shipments

Specialized inspection for vehicles carrying radioactive materials.

Top 10 Most Common Violations

Based on FMCSA data, these violations account for the majority of out-of-service orders:

1. Hours of service — driving over limits, missing logs
2. Brake adjustment — out-of-adjustment or inoperative brakes
3. Tire violations — bald tires, flat tires, improper inflation
4. Lighting — non-functioning headlights, tail lights, turn signals
5. No valid medical certificate — expired DOT physical
6. Cargo securement — insufficient tie-downs, unsecured loads
7. False log entries — ELD tampering or paper log discrepancies
8. Registration/authority — expired registration, no operating authority
9. Windshield/wipers — cracked windshield in driver's view, broken wipers
10. Leaking fluids — oil, coolant, or fuel leaks

Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Before every trip, walk around your truck and check:

Engine Compartment

• [ ] Oil level and condition
• [ ] Coolant level
• [ ] Power steering fluid
• [ ] Belt condition (no cracks, proper tension)
• [ ] Air compressor
• [ ] Visible leaks

Exterior — Front

• [ ] Headlights (high and low beam)
• [ ] Turn signals
• [ ] Windshield (no cracks in wiper sweep area)
• [ ] Wipers and washer fluid
• [ ] Mirrors (both sides, properly adjusted)

Exterior — Sides

• [ ] Tires (tread depth, inflation, no damage)
• [ ] Lug nuts (tight, no missing)
• [ ] Mud flaps
• [ ] Side marker lights
• [ ] Fuel tank (cap secure, no leaks)
• [ ] Battery box (secured)
• [ ] Exhaust (no leaks, properly mounted)

Exterior — Rear

• [ ] Tail lights
• [ ] Brake lights
• [ ] Turn signals
• [ ] Reflective tape/triangles
• [ ] License plate light
• [ ] Doors/latches secure

Trailer

• [ ] Fifth wheel (locked, no gap)
• [ ] Glad hands (connected, no leaks)
• [ ] Landing gear (fully raised, crank handle stored)
• [ ] Trailer brakes (apply and release test)
• [ ] Cargo securement (proper tie-downs, load balanced)

In-Cab

• [ ] All gauges functioning
• [ ] Air pressure builds to governor cut-off
• [ ] Brake test (air loss rate under 3 PSI/minute)
• [ ] Parking brake holds on grade
• [ ] Horn works
• [ ] Seatbelt functions
• [ ] Fire extinguisher (charged, accessible)
• [ ] Emergency triangles (3 required)
• [ ] ELD connected and functioning
• [ ] Registration and insurance documents current

How to Handle a Roadside Inspection

1. Pull over safely — find a level surface with room for the inspector
2. Be professional — greet the inspector, have documents ready
3. Don't argue — note disagreements but remain respectful
4. Know your rights — you can request to see the inspector's credentials
5. Review the report — sign it (doesn't mean you agree), keep your copy
6. Fix violations promptly — document repairs for your DataQs challenge if needed

Track Inspections with TruckerPro

TruckerPro's Safety module lets you: - Record all DOT/CVIP inspections and results - Track violation trends by driver and vehicle - Monitor CSA scores across all BASIC categories - Set up automated alerts for expiring medical cards and registrations - Generate compliance reports for audits

Prevention is always cheaper than violations. A solid pre-trip routine and the right compliance tools keep your trucks on the road and your CSA score clean.

Related Reading

• Hours of Service Rules: Canada vs US
• ELD Mandate Canada Guide
• HOS Calculator