396.17 - Annual Periodic Inspection

Its an OR thing, either you have the actual report or you have the decal or sticker -

 

don't have to have the sticker but a copy of the annual inspection must be carried in the truck a DOT inspection by a cop will do too,
You can do your own inspections forms are on the net,,,you do not have to have a dealer or repair shop do them as loag as you do the inspection and have the paperwork in the truck and in your carrier files

 

Again it is an OR thing - either you have the documentation or the sticker. I have a customer who has only stickers, I've been pulled over and had level ones done in their trucks and never has the issue come up because of the sticker on the side of the truck that clearly confirmed the expiration date and who did the inspection.

 

If you do your pwn inspection make sure you are legally qualified.

§ 396.19: Inspector qualifications.

(a) Motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers must ensure that individuals performing annual inspections under § 396.17(d) or (e) are qualified as follows:

(1) Understand the inspection criteria set forth in part 393 and appendix G of this subchapter and can identify defective components;

(2) Are knowledgeable of and have mastered the methods, procedures, tools and equipment used when performing an inspection; and

(3) Are capable of performing an inspection by reason of experience, training, or both as follows:

(i) Successfully completed a Federal-or State-sponsored training program or have a certificate from a State or Canadian Province that qualifies the individuals to perform commercial motor vehicle safety inspections, or

(ii) Have a combination of training or experience totaling at least 1 year. Such training or experience may consist of:

(A) Participation in a commercial motor vehicle manufacturer-sponsored training program or similar commercial training program designed to train students in commercial motor vehicle operation and maintenance;

(B) Experience as a mechanic or inspector in a motor carrier or intermodal equipment maintenance program;

(C) Experience as a mechanic or inspector in commercial motor vehicle maintenance at a commercial garage, fleet leasing company, or similar facility; or

(D) Experience as a commercial motor vehicle inspector for a State, Provincial or Federal government.

(b) Motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers must retain evidence of that individual's qualifications under this section. They must retain this evidence for the period during which that individual is performing annual motor vehicle inspections for the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider, and for one year thereafter. However, motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers do not have to maintain documentation of inspector qualifications for those inspections performed either as part of a State periodic inspection program or at the roadside as part of a random roadside inspection program.

Citation:#[73 FR 76825, Dec. 17, 2008]