Out of service

Now I've been told a mechanic can over-rule a DOT inspector if he deems what the inspector has found to be unsafe is in fact ok. So how would that work if the truck driver was actually a licensed mechanic? Could he tell the DOT officer where to stick it?

 

Who licences Mechanics? Where can I go to get a "mechanic's licence?"

The fact is the mechanic is just another witness to the condition of the truck. If a repair is made or not the mechanic signs off on the state inspection and/or DVIR to attest to the condition of the truck.

 

Not sure how it works in the States but I got mechanic license through Alberta Apprenticeship & Industry Training. In BC it would be the Industry Training Authority (ITA).

 

I can agree with the conflict of interest part. What I meant by over ruling the DOT officer is if the officer is beyond a shadow of a doubt, completely wrong (which never happens, right?) about something he believes is unsafe, the mechanic should be able to say it is safe for service and the truck should be able to be returned to service without issue.

 

The ASE is a private certification group. It provides no licenses and has no weight with any government agency. Kind of a non-profit consumer protection group. It has little interest in the heavy transportation industry and actually is not that respected in the automotive world. I am not saying they are disrespected, but an ASE certification and a couple of bucks will get you a cup of coffee.

There are licensed state auto inspectors, both private and government, in some states. There is a brake adjuster/inspectors certification, but other than that, there is no other license for being a mechanic.

 

Well I was just saying that in Canada you have to be licensed to call yourself a Journeyman Mechanic. It is a 4 year apprenticeship program with government testing and specific standards that need to be achieved to obtain the certification. A license from Canada is recognized in a large number of other countries as well. Why do you think when you drive past mechanic shops in Canada that most have a sign saying "Licensed Mechanic on Duty" or something similar? I'll admit I have zero knowledge of how things work in the USA however so I will take your word on it.

 

What happens if I’m place out of service and leave after they close the weight station. Asking for a friend.

 

Tell your "friend" not to do it. When they catch you you'll wish you'd stayed put.