The Department of Transportation (DOT) conducts annual inspections of commercial motor vehicles. As well as the drivers to ensure highway safety.  This year’s inspections will focus on the driver requirements category, among other factors.  Some things they will look at include:

1. CDLs
2. Seat belts
3. Medical cards
4. ELD compliance
5. Records of duty status

“With the US Federal Mandate for ELD compliance, this yea’rs roadcheck is an opportunity for US DOT to revisit all aspects of roadside DOT inspection driver requirements,”

says the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) President, Sgt. John Samis.

US DOT violation of any kind can result in the revocation of driver privileges. This will be in place until special conditions are met. US DOT violation of any kind can result in the revocation of driver privileges.

Below are some of the high points of the 2020 International Roadcheck Driver Requirements.

Understanding the Importance of DOT Inspections

In a report issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Motor Carrier Management Information System, driver-related violations are a significant concern. Which highlights the importance of these inspections.

In 2019, 944,794 driver violations were detected. But this was after conducting 3,355,425 inspections. Violations of DOT standards or DOT regulations included, but were not limited to, the following:

• Failure to use seatbelts while operating a commercial vehicle.
• Violations of record of duty status.
• Operating a commercial vehicle without a valid CDL.
• Operating a property-carrying vehicle without a medical certificate.
• Failure to provide ELD instruction sheet.

The Level 1, comprehensive inspections includes as many as 37 steps that fall under two main categories. Firstly, driver operating requirements and secondly, vehicle mechanical fitness.  

Inspectors may conduct the following:  

1. Vehicle-related check (Level I)
2. Walk-around inspection (Level II)
3. Driver/credential/administrative check (Level III)
4. A one-time inspection of a specific item (Level IV)
5. Complete check of vehicle-related items (Level V)  
6. Check for radiological shipments (Level VI)
7. Jurisdictionally mandated vehicle inspection (Level VII)
8. Wireless or electronic inspection while vehicle is in motion (Level VIII)

Therefore, it is important to note that the DOT has ramped up their efforts to reduce drug and alcohol use among commercial drivers. If rule violations are detected, there is no hesitation to enforce severe penalties. Also, if a violation of these DOT regulations occurs, the driver will be immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties.

What You Should Expect During a Roacheck

Your inspection is coming up. Below is a checklist of some of the documents you are required to present during a DOT inspection:

1. Verification of driver credentials.
2. Motor carrier identification.
3. Valid license.
4. Records check including duty status or periodic inspection reports.
5. Skill performance evaluation certification.
6. Medical examiner’s certificate.
7. Daily vehicle inspection report.

Inspectors will also check critical vehicle components that directly affect vehicle safety.  You can also find a complete list of the North American Standard Roadside Inspection Cheat Sheet here. This list will give you an idea of the vehicle-related items that will be inspected.  Also, a complete list of inspection levels and procedures can be found here.

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