Do You Know the Eight Levels of a DOT Inspection?

Every so often, truck drivers are put through a DOT inspection to make sure they are complying with all of the rules. These inspections are carried out by a state police officer or a certified inspector. There are eight levels of DOT inspections. The length of an inspection can vary depending on the inspection level, the vehicle, the driver’s records, and whether any potential violations require a closer look. Make sure you are aware of these eight levels so you know what to expect during your next inspection.

Level I: North American Standard Inspection

The Level I DOT inspection is the most common level and the most thorough. This level of inspection includes a complete check of both the driver and the vehicle. The official will inspect the driver’s documents, including their license, medical qualification, record of duty status, hours-of-service compliance, and inspection reports. Hazardous materials or dangerous goods requirements may also be inspected when applicable. The driver may also be checked for signs of drug or alcohol use.

The official will also do a complete check of the vehicle, including cargo securement. You should expect elements such as the following to be checked: seat belts, brake systems, suspension, tires, windshield wipers, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, fuel systems, coupling devices, frames, wheels, rims, and hubs.

Level II: Walk-Around Driver and Vehicle Inspection

The Level II DOT inspection is very similar to the Level I inspection. The main difference between Level II and Level I is that the official who is checking your vehicle will only inspect items that can be checked without physically getting under the vehicle.

Level III: Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection

The Level III DOT inspection is focused on the driver’s credentials and required records. With this inspection, drivers may be checked for their driver’s license, medical qualification, Skill Performance Evaluation certificate when applicable, record of duty status, hours-of-service compliance, seat-belt use, vehicle inspection reports, and carrier identification and status. Traffic violations or infractions may also be documented when applicable.

Level IV: Special Inspection

The Level IV DOT inspection involves a one-time check of a specific item. This inspection is done to confirm or deny a possible trend identified during DOT inspections. There is no average length of time this inspection usually takes because the item being checked varies.

Level V: Vehicle-Only Inspection

The Level V DOT inspection involves only the vehicle inspection from the Level I DOT inspection. This inspection is conducted without the driver being present and can take place at any location.

The vehicle-only inspection may include brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, the driveline or driveshaft, exhaust systems, frames, fuel systems, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspension, tires, wheels, rims, hubs, windshield wipers, and other applicable vehicle components.

Level VI: North American Standard Inspection for Certain Radioactive Shipments

The Level VI DOT inspection is for select radiological shipments, including transuranic waste and Highway Route Controlled Quantities of radioactive material. This type of inspection involves an enhanced Level I inspection, along with a check of the radiological shipments and requirements and stricter out-of-service criteria.

The vehicle, cargo, and driver must be defect-free before they can leave the shipment’s point of origin. A special decal will be given to vehicles that meet the Level VI inspection criteria.

The decal is applied at the point of origin of the shipment and is no longer valid after the shipment is completed. Each decal is valid for one trip only.

Level VII: Jurisdictional Mandated Commercial Vehicle Inspection

The Level VII inspection is an inspection program required by a state, province, or other jurisdiction that does not meet the requirements of another inspection level.

These inspections may include programs for school buses, limousines, taxis, shared-ride transportation, hotel courtesy shuttles, and other vehicles operating within a state or province. The inspection requirements and inspector qualifications are determined by the individual jurisdiction.

Level VIII: North American Standard Electronic Inspection

The Level VIII inspection is conducted electronically or wirelessly while a commercial motor vehicle is in motion, without direct interaction between the driver and a roadside inspector or enforcement official.

The electronic inspection may verify applicable information such as the driver’s identity, license class and endorsements, license status, medical qualification, record of duty status, hours-of-service compliance, vehicle registration, operating authority, carrier identification, Unified Carrier Registration compliance, and federal out-of-service orders.

Are you ready for your next DOT inspection?

Keep all of this in mind so you are prepared the next time you are stopped for a DOT inspection. This way, you will know what you need to keep an eye on to reduce the risk of violations or an out-of-service order.

If you are following all of the rules, keeping accurate records, and properly maintaining your truck and trailer, you will be better prepared for any level of DOT inspection.