dot inspection

When an inspection is involved, I think they are allowed access to ANY area of your vehicle, even the sleeper bunk (safety harness check).
The inspector probably unhooked the hood holddowns as a courtesy to save you a couple of steps.

 

I wouldn`t want to tick the DOT off by not opening the hood or whatever else they ask.Remember-they have the badge so most likely will win even if they are wrong.

 

Yes, they can open the hood. It is the only way that one can properly inspect steer axle brakes, as well as the steering linkage.

 

If you get pulled over for a roadside in AZ. You can bet your ### they're going to look under the hood. And not just at your brake chambers.

Things they look for...

Bad belts
Oil Leaks
ANY fluid leak.
Air leaks
Fluid levels...on opaque reservoirs
And a host of other quickly spotted items.

They're not going to go over you with a magnifying glass. But they will give it a quick glance.

 

Give em some back talk or attitude, and I'll bet the magnifying glass gets whipped out along with the ticket book!

 

They carry an Endoscope...for the real bad ### truckers

 

Do I have to guess which end?

 

lol....

 

Yeah, but do they use fifth wheel grease??