I have read post about people getting a level 1 or level 3 inspection.

How many DOT level inspections are there and what do they do on the different inspection levels?

__________________
"The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits". - Albert Einstein

INSPECTION LEVEL: Refers to the inspection methodology employed in the examination of a given vehicle and driver. Five inspection levels: Full, Walk-Around, Driver-Only, Special, and Terminal.

Level 1

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Why do they normally pull you over if you are travelling down the road? What are they looking for, to want to pull you over? Or what gives them a reason to do this?
Tail light out? Headlight out?
• Observe the driver’s overall condition for illness, fatigue or other signs of impairment.
• Check for illegal presence of alcohol, drugs, weapons or other contraband.
4. Interview Driver
• Ask for the following from the driver: starting location, final destination, load description, time traveled, most
recent stop, fueling location(s).
• Talk to the driver about the trip.
5. Collect the Driver’s Documents
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate (if applicable).
• Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate (if applicable).
• Driver’s license, CDL, record of duty status.
• Shipping papers.
• Periodic inspection certificates, CVIP.
• Supporting documents: bills of lading, receipts, other documents used to verify record of duty status.
6. Check for the Presence of Hazardous Materials/Transportation of Dangerous Goods
• Check shipping papers, placards, any leaks or spills, unsecured cargo, markings and labels.
7. Identify the Carrier
• Identify carrier using the following: vehicle identification, vehicle registration, insurance, driver interview.
8. Examine Driver’s License
• Expiration date
• Class
• Endorsements
• Restrictions
• Status
Page 2
37 - Point Level I Truck Safety Inspection Checklist
U.S. Department of Transportation
9. Check Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate
• Check certificate date (valid for 24 months).
• Check corrective lens requirement.
• Check hearing aid requirement.
• Check physical limitations.
10. Check Record of Duty Status
• Hours of Service verification.
• 100 Air-Mile radius or 160 KM radius exemption.
• Accuracy of record.
11. Review Driver’s Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (If Applicable)
• Ensure the inspection report describes the identity of the vehicle and the presence of deficiencies/defects.
• Check for driver signature on previous inspection reports.
12. Review Periodic Inspection Report
• Ensure vehicle has passed the required inspection and has the required documents and decals.
13. Prepare Driver for Vehicle Inspection
• Explain the vehicle inspection procedure.
• Advise the driver in the use of hand signals.
• Check chock blocks.
• Prepared the vehicle, vehicle transmission in neutral. Engine off, key must be in the “on” position and release all
brakes.
• Instruct diver to remain at the controls.
14. Inspect Front of Tractor
• Check headlamps and turn signals (do not use four way flashers to check turn signals) for improper color,
operation, mounting and visibility.
• Check windshield wipers for improper operation (two wipers are required unless one can clean the driver’s field
of vision).
15. Inspect Left Front Side of Tractor
• Check left front wheel, rim, hub and tire.
16. Inspect Left Saddle Tank Area
• Check left fuel tank area.
• Check exhaust system.
17. Inspect Trailer Front
• Check air and electrical lines.
18. Check Left Rear Tractor Area
• Check wheels, rims, hubs and tires.
• Check lower fifth wheel.
• Check upper fifth wheel.
• Check sliding fifth wheel.
• Check lamps.
Caution: Never place yourself in between tires of tandem axles.
Page 3
37 - Point Level I Truck Safety Inspection Checklist
U.S. Department of Transportation
19. Inspect Left Side of Trailer
• Check frame and body.
• Check condition of hoses.
• Check van and open-top trailer bodies.
• Check cargo securement.
20. Left Rear Trailer Wheels
• Check wheels, rims, hubs and tires.
• Check sliding tandem.
21. Rear of Trailer
• Check tail, stop, turn signals and lamps on projecting loads.
• Check cargo securement.
22. Inspect Double and Triple Trailers
• Check safety devices: full trailers/converter dollies.
• Check the safety devices (chains/wire rope) for sufficient number, missing components, improper repairs and
devices that are incapable of secure attachments. Inspect pintle hook, eye and drawbar for cracks, excessive
movement and improper repairs.
23. Inspect Right Rear Trailer Wheels
• Check as in step 20.
24. Inspect Right Side of Trailer
• Check as in step 19.
25. Inspect Right Rear Tractor Area
• Check as in step 18.
26. Inspect Right Saddle Tank Area
• Check as in step 16.
27. Inspect Right Front Side of Tractor
• Check as in step 15.
28. Inspect Steering Axle
• Check steering system (both sides).
• Check front suspension (both sides).
• Check front axle.
• Check frame and frame assembly.
• Check front brakes (both sides).
• Check and mark push rods (both sides).
Note: Inform the driver that you are going under the vehicle. Enter the under carriage in view of the driver. (At
front of power unit, rear of power unit and in front of trailer axle(s).
Page 4
37 - Point Level I Truck Safety Inspection Checklist
U.S. Department of Transportation
29. Inspect Axles 2 and/or 3 (Under Carriage of CMV)
• Suspension (both sides).
• Brake components (both sides).
• Mark all pushrods “S” cam brakes (both sides).
• Exit under carriage in view of driver.
30. Inspect Axles 4 and/or 5
• Same as step 29.
31. Check Brake Adjustment
• Ensure air pressure is 90-100 p.s.i.
• Have driver fully apply brakes and hold.
• Measure and record all push rod travel.
• Identify size and type of brake chambers.
• Ensure brake lining to drum contact.
32. Test Air Loss Rate
• Apply brakes while the engine is idling, the governor has cut in and pressure is 80-90 p.s.i.
33. Test Low Air Pressure Warning Device
• Observe dash gauges while ignition is “on” and the driver is pumping the foot valve to approximately 55 p.s.i.
34. Inspect Tractor Protection System (This procedure tests both the tractor protection valve and the emergency
brakes.)
• Have driver release brakes and disconnect both brake lines.
• Full brake application.
35. Check Steering Wheel Lash
• Measure steering wheel lash while wheels are straight and the engine is running.
36. Check Fifth Wheel Movement
• Prepare the driver and vehicle.
• Check for excessive movement.
Caution: If conducted improperly, this method of checking for fifth-wheel movement can result in serious damage to
the vehicle. Use caution and instruct the driver carefully.
37. Complete the Inspection
• Complete documentation.
• Conclude with driver.
• Follow correct and current OOS procedures (if applicable).
• Issue CVSA decal (if applicable).
• Observe the driver’s overall condition for illness, fatigue or other signs of impairment.
• Check for illegal presence of alcohol, drugs, weapons or other contraband.
4. Interview Driver
• Ask for the following from the driver: starting location, final destination, load description, time traveled, most
recent stop, fueling location(s).
• Talk to the driver about the trip.
5. Collect the Driver’s Documents
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate (if applicable).
• Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate (if applicable).
• Driver’s license, CDL, record of duty status.
• Shipping papers.
• Periodic inspection certificates, CVIP.
• Supporting documents: bills of lading, receipts, other documents used to verify record of duty status.
6. Check for the Presence of Hazardous Materials/Transportation of Dangerous Goods
• Check shipping papers, placards, any leaks or spills, unsecured cargo, markings and labels.
7. Identify the Carrier
• Identify carrier using the following: vehicle identification, vehicle registration, insurance, driver interview.
8. Examine Driver’s License
• Expiration date
• Class
• Endorsements
• Restrictions
• Status
Page 2
37 - Point Level I Truck Safety Inspection Checklist
U.S. Department of Transportation
9. Check Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate
• Check certificate date (valid for 24 months).
• Check corrective lens requirement.
• Check hearing aid requirement.
• Check physical limitations.
10. Check Record of Duty Status
• Hours of Service verification.
• 100 Air-Mile radius or 160 KM radius exemption.
• Accuracy of record.
11. Review Driver’s Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (If Applicable)
• Ensure the inspection report describes the identity of the vehicle and the presence of deficiencies/defects.
• Check for driver signature on previous inspection reports.
12. Review Periodic Inspection Report
• Ensure vehicle has passed the required inspection and has the required documents and decals.
13. Prepare Driver for Vehicle Inspection
• Explain the vehicle inspection procedure.
• Advise the driver in the use of hand signals.
• Check chock blocks.
• Prepared the vehicle, vehicle transmission in neutral. Engine off, key must be in the “on” position and release all
brakes.
• Instruct diver to remain at the controls.
14. Inspect Front of Tractor
• Check headlamps and turn signals (do not use four way flashers to check turn signals) for improper color,
operation, mounting and visibility.
• Check windshield wipers for improper operation (two wipers are required unless one can clean the driver’s field
of vision).
15. Inspect Left Front Side of Tractor
• Check left front wheel, rim, hub and tire.
16. Inspect Left Saddle Tank Area
• Check left fuel tank area.
• Check exhaust system.
17. Inspect Trailer Front
• Check air and electrical lines.
18. Check Left Rear Tractor Area
• Check wheels, rims, hubs and tires.
• Check lower fifth wheel.
• Check upper fifth wheel.
• Check sliding fifth wheel.
• Check lamps.
Caution: Never place yourself in between tires of tandem axles.
Page 3
37 - Point Level I Truck Safety Inspection Checklist
U.S. Department of Transportation
19. Inspect Left Side of Trailer
• Check frame and body.
• Check condition of hoses.
• Check van and open-top trailer bodies.
• Check cargo securement.
20. Left Rear Trailer Wheels
• Check wheels, rims, hubs and tires.
• Check sliding tandem.
21. Rear of Trailer
• Check tail, stop, turn signals and lamps on projecting loads.
• Check cargo securement.
22. Inspect Double and Triple Trailers
• Check safety devices: full trailers/converter dollies.
• Check the safety devices (chains/wire rope) for sufficient number, missing components, improper repairs and
devices that are incapable of secure attachments. Inspect pintle hook, eye and drawbar for cracks, excessive
movement and improper repairs.
23. Inspect Right Rear Trailer Wheels
• Check as in step 20.
24. Inspect Right Side of Trailer
• Check as in step 19.
25. Inspect Right Rear Tractor Area
• Check as in step 18.
26. Inspect Right Saddle Tank Area
• Check as in step 16.
27. Inspect Right Front Side of Tractor
• Check as in step 15.
28. Inspect Steering Axle
• Check steering system (both sides).
• Check front suspension (both sides).
• Check front axle.
• Check frame and frame assembly.
• Check front brakes (both sides).
• Check and mark push rods (both sides).
Note: Inform the driver that you are going under the vehicle. Enter the under carriage in view of the driver. (At
front of power unit, rear of power unit and in front of trailer axle(s).
Page 4
37 - Point Level I Truck Safety Inspection Checklist
U.S. Department of Transportation
29. Inspect Axles 2 and/or 3 (Under Carriage of CMV)
• Suspension (both sides).
• Brake components (both sides).
• Mark all pushrods “S” cam brakes (both sides).
• Exit under carriage in view of driver.
30. Inspect Axles 4 and/or 5
• Same as step 29.
31. Check Brake Adjustment
• Ensure air pressure is 90-100 p.s.i.
• Have driver fully apply brakes and hold.
• Measure and record all push rod travel.
• Identify size and type of brake chambers.
• Ensure brake lining to drum contact.
32. Test Air Loss Rate
• Apply brakes while the engine is idling, the governor has cut in and pressure is 80-90 p.s.i.
33. Test Low Air Pressure Warning Device
• Observe dash gauges while ignition is “on” and the driver is pumping the foot valve to approximately 55 p.s.i.
34. Inspect Tractor Protection System (This procedure tests both the tractor protection valve and the emergency
brakes.)
• Have driver release brakes and disconnect both brake lines.
• Full brake application.
35. Check Steering Wheel Lash
• Measure steering wheel lash while wheels are straight and the engine is running.
36. Check Fifth Wheel Movement
• Prepare the driver and vehicle.
• Check for excessive movement.
Caution: If conducted improperly, this method of checking for fifth-wheel movement can result in serious damage to
the vehicle. Use caution and instruct the driver carefully.
37. Complete the Inspection
• Complete documentation.
• Conclude with driver.
• Follow correct and current OOS procedures (if applicable).
• Issue CVSA decal (if applicable).

Now that is super crazy! Sheeze! Sounds like harassment and extremely time consuming! How do you log this stop???

Yes. Just how would you log that stop? Would that cut into your 10 hours? Would it be counted as a break? Downtime? Detention? Its quite a list.

__________________
"The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits". - Albert Einstein

You log it on line 4. DOT will give you a printed report with violations (or none)
time inspection started and ended, you match these times on your log; but
don't make a big deal out of it by saying to the DOT "I guess I better log this
now". Sometimes they will make you update in front of them, others not.
It's a good idea to do so before pulling out, cuz they do have your unit # etc.

Geeze... That's a lot! You'd better hope that they're in a good mood that day huh?

__________________
Dan H.
Sociology Student
Studying the Work Lives of Truck Drivers

Have a story to tell about your work life?
Send me a Private Message!

Thanks for the info. No need to make a big deal out of it as they are surely the people you dont want to PO.

__________________
"The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits". - Albert Einstein

Who is authorized to conduct these inspections? Police, DOT officials, both?

__________________
Dan H.
Sociology Student
Studying the Work Lives of Truck Drivers

Have a story to tell about your work life?
Send me a Private Message!

Make sure you do log the inspection
Make sure you turn the original in to the company "if you have log violations only with most companies"
If you are placed out of service do NOT leave early! If you do the company is supposed to terminate your employment. If the officer catches you: You WILL be in a WORLD of TROUBLE!

__________________
"Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then."