DOT Periodic Annual Inspections

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires a periodic inspection of every commercial motor vehicle (CMV) at least every 12 months. A periodic inspection must cover specific items, be performed by a “qualified inspector,” and the company that is responsible for the vehicle must maintain records of inspections for at least 14 months. Documentation of the most recent periodic inspection must be kept on the vehicle. This course covers the required inspections for CMVs, the parts and accessories that must be included in a periodic inspection, the criteria for periodic inspection items, how someone becomes a “qualified inspector” or “qualified brake inspector,” documentation and recordkeeping requirements, and possible civil penalties for failure to perform or maintain periodic inspection records. For a complete list of the defects and deficiencies that can cause a CMV to fail a periodic inspection, refer to Appendix A to Part 396 in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).