DOT Annual Inspection
This procedure outlines the steps for conducting a DOT Annual Inspection on commercial vehicles, covering 16 categories of systems. Each category and its subcategories are checked for condition, with options to mark as OK, NEED REPAIR, or NA. A field for REPAIRED DATE is included for items needing repair.
Caribou Creek Log & Timber
12/29/2025
DOT Annual Inspection
This procedure outlines the steps for conducting a DOT Annual Inspection on commercial vehicles, covering 16 categories of systems. Each category and its subcategories are checked for condition, with options to mark as OK, NEED REPAIR, or NA. A field for REPAIRED DATE is included for items needing repair.
1. Brake System
Service Brakes
Parking Brake System
Brake Drums or Rotors
Brake Hoses
Brake Tubing
Low Pressure Warning Device
Tractor Protection Valve
Air Compressor
Electric Brakes
Hydraulic Brakes
Vacuum Systems
Antilock Brake System
Automatic Brake Adjusters
2. Coupling Devices
Fifth Wheels
Pintle Hooks
Drawbar/Towbar Eye
Drawbar/Towbar Tongue
Safety Devices
Saddle Mounts
3. Exhaust System
No leaks forward of / directly below the driver / sleeper compartment
Bus: No leaking / discharging in violation of standard
Unlikely to burn, char, or damage the electrical wiring, fuel supply, or any combustible part of the vehicle
4. Fuel System
No Visible Leak
Fuel Tank Filler Cap
Fuel Tank Securely Attached
5. Lighting Devices
All lighting devices and reflectors required by Section 393 shall be operable
6. Safe Loading
Vehicle parts, load, dunnage, spare tire, etc., secured
Front end structure
Intermodal container securement devices
7. Steering Mechanism
Steering Wheel Free Play
Steering Column
Front axle beam / All other steering components
Steering gear box
Pitman Arm
Power steering
Ball and socket joints
Tie rods and drag links
Nuts
Steering system
8. Suspension
Axle Positioning Parts
Spring Assembly
Torque, radius or tracking components
9. Frame
Frame members
Tire and wheel clearance
Adjustable axle assemblies (sliding subframes)
10. Tires
Steer-Axle Tires
Other All Tires
Speed restricted tires
11. Wheels and Rims
Lock or side ring
Wheels and rims
Fasteners
Welds
12. Windshield Glazing
No cracks, discoloration, obstacles, etc. (see 393.60 for exceptions))
13. Windshield Wipers
Any power unit that has an inoperative wiper, or missing or damaged parts that render it ineffective
14. Motorcoach Seats
Seats securely fastened to the vehicle
15. Rear Impact Guard
Under FMCSR 393.86, most trailers must be equipped with rear impact guards that meet the safety standards outlined in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 223. These guards serve to reduce the severity of rear-impact underride accidents. The regulation includes a specific requirement under 393.86(a)(6) that each guard must bear a permanent certification label on either the forward or rearward facing surface of the guard, containing specific manufacturing information and DOT certification.
Guard securely in place, attached, proper size, proper placement
16. Other
List any other condition(s) which may prevent safe operation
Describe any additional issues not covered in the categories above.
Repair Date
Enter the repaired date if applicable for any NEED REPAIR items
Motor carrier Info
Motor Carrier Operator info and address
Inspector name
Vehicle Indentification
Vehicle History Record
Report #
Fleet unit #
Date
Source: Caribou Creek Log & Timber (Community Member)