DOT Entry Level Driver Training – Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions: Roadside Inspections

Specially trained inspectors use procedures and criteria from the CVSA’s North American Standard Inspection Program to conduct roadside inspections of CMVs and CMV drivers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This program identifies the critical inspection items and unsafe conditions that can place vehicles or drivers Out-of-Service, and it ensures a uniform and reciprocal inspection and enforcement process in North America. This course details the roadside inspection process and eight inspection levels, lists the violations that can place a driver or vehicle Out-of-Service, and give some tips on avoiding and surviving inspections.

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Course Details

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe the purpose of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) North American Standard Inspection Program
  • Describe how the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) works to improve safety for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and CMV drivers
  • State the definition of commercial motor vehicle
  • Describe the documentation and recordkeeping requirements for CMVs and CMV drivers
  • Describe the eight CVSA inspection levels
  • Identify who can conduct roadside inspections and where they can take place
  • List the possible outcomes of a roadside inspection and the violations that can place a driver or vehicle “Out-of-Service”
  • Describe how motor carriers and drivers can avoid roadside inspections, and how to best survive one

Specs

Course Level Intermediate
Languages English
Compatibility Audio, Video
Based on: 49 CFR Part 396 - Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance 49 CFR Part 395 - Hours of Service of Drivers

Vector Solutions

Author

With over two decades of experience designing advanced 3D animated courseware and developing our proprietary learning management software, we pride ourselves by having developed over 1,000 safety and operations training modules, which have helped train over 250,000 workers worldwide. Our highly experienced team provides the industry with a simple and high-quality means of training their workforce. Whether your team consists of 25 people or an enterprise with thousands, we’re here to help.

Key Questions

Who was involved in setting up the DOT roadside inspection program?
The CVSA – a nonprofit association of U.S., Canadian, and Mexican government safety officials and industry representatives – developed the North American Standard Inspection Program.

If I recently passed a Level I roadside inspection in the U.S., is this recognized in Canada and Mexico?
A CMV that passes an inspection in one state or province will be accepted as inspected and compliant in any other North American state or province.

Do I need to keep all inspection reports in the vehicle at all times?
A copy of the most recent, current annual inspection report must be kept in the vehicle at all times.

For which type(s) of roadside inspection is a CVSA decal issued?
Decals valid for up to 3 months are issued if you pass a Level I or Level V inspection. A decal valid for a single trip is issued for “defect free” radioactive shipments.

How can I avoid a roadside inspection?
Roadside inspections can be initiated based on a driving violation, vehicle defect, or carrier census and safety data, or performed randomly, so it is not possible to avoid all inspections.

Sample Video Transcript

Level I North American Standard Inspections are the most common and most comprehensive, covering both the driver and the vehicle. Vehicles that pass a Level I Inspection are awarded a CVSA decal that is valid for the month of issue plus two months. CVSA decals are color-coded by quarter of issue and the last number of the calendar year is indicated. A valid decal generally allows a vehicle to avoid re-inspection, unless a problem is observed. At the start of the inspection, the inspector collects the driver’s documents and permits, identifies the carrier, checks for the presence of hazardous materials, and explains the inspection process to the driver. Meanwhile, they evaluate the driver for seatbelt use, signs of fatigue, and the use or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Course Applies To

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