Any commercial truck service using vehicles weighing more than 10,001 pounds is required to have those vehicles annually inspected. This law is mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and ensures all parts and accessories of the automobile are in good working condition. Before having your DOT inspection done, you must first understand the requirements for passing.

DOT Inspection Vehicle Requirements

All vehicles within a truck service must be thoroughly looked through piece by piece. This will include more obvious inspections such as the brakes, engine, tires, and suspension. However, the Department of Transportation also demands a check up on more minor accessories including how cargo is secured, steering mechanisms, tail lights, framing, exhaust system, and the windshield wipers. All items are required to be up-to-date and perform to a high standard to be approved. This ensures your vehicle is as safe as it can be during transit.

DOT Inspection Driver Requirements

Just as the truck must pass inspection, so must the driver. To be approved, one must have a valid and current commercial driver's license, be free of any disqualifying federal offenses, and have a medical professional clear them for health. Professional drivers are also required to keep daily logs and their hours of service. This includes events such as waiting time, meal stops, tire checks, and fuel stops. These will be checked to ensure book-keeping is appropriate and honest. These requirements protect the driver, the company they work for, the products being delivered, and all other users of the road.

DOT inspections have a multitude of requirements that must be passed before a truck service can be operational. If you need truck repair before having yours done, visit Stephenson Truck Repair. Located in Lincoln, NE, their staff of highly-trained mechanics has more than 18 years of experience in collision repair. With 13 bays, they are capable of working on the smallest electric cars or the largest commercial trucks. For more information, visit their website or call (402) 466-8532 today.