(708) 839-1515

DOT Inspection

FMCSA-compliant annual inspections that keep your commercial vehicles legal and your drivers safe.

Federal law requires every commercial motor vehicle over 10,001 lbs GVWR to pass an annual inspection covering brakes, tires, lights, steering, suspension, exhaust, frame, and more. A failed roadside inspection means out-of-service violations, fines, and CSA points that follow your company. At Sandi Auto & Truck, we perform thorough DOT annual inspections and catch problems before they become violations — saving you money and keeping your trucks on the road legally.

49 CFR 396

Federal Requirement

1-2 Hours

Inspection Time

Annual

Required Frequency

What We Inspect

Brake Systems

Service brakes, parking brake, brake drums/rotors, brake hose and tubing, slack adjusters, brake chambers, air compressor, and low-pressure warning device. Brake deficiencies are the #1 reason for out-of-service violations.

Steering & Suspension

Steering wheel, steering column, steering gear, pitman arm, drag link, tie rods, king pins, ball joints, leaf springs, spring hangers, u-bolts, and shock absorbers.

Tires & Wheels

Tread depth (minimum 4/32" steer, 2/32" drive and trailer), tire condition, inflation, sidewall damage, exposed cords, wheel fasteners, hub oil seals, and wheel bearings.

Lighting & Electrical

Headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, clearance lights, reflectors, and all required marker lights. All lights must be operational and properly colored per FMCSA standards.

Frame & Body

Frame rails, cross members, body condition, bumpers, mud flaps, mirrors, windshield (no cracks in driver's line of sight), wipers, defroster, and horn.

Exhaust System

Exhaust pipes, muffler, turbocharger piping, exhaust leaks near cab or sleeper, and aftertreatment system components (DPF, DOC, SCR). Leaks that could allow fumes into the cab are automatic failures.

Coupling Devices

Fifth wheel mounting and condition, pintle hooks, drawbar eyes, safety chains, and trailer hitch assemblies. Applies to tractor-trailer and towed vehicle combinations.

Fuel System

Fuel tanks, fuel lines, fuel tank caps, and mounting hardware. Fuel leaks of any kind are an automatic out-of-service condition.

Common Reasons Vehicles Fail

Brake components out of adjustment or below minimum thickness
Tire tread depth below minimum (4/32" steer, 2/32" other positions)
Non-functioning lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, markers)
Exhaust leaks that could enter the cab or sleeper
Cracked or damaged windshield in driver's line of sight
Fuel leaks from tanks, lines, or fittings
Steering system looseness or damaged components
Frame cracks, loose body mounts, or structural damage
Air brake system leaks exceeding allowable limits
Missing or damaged mirrors, mud flaps, or reflectors

How to Prepare for Your Inspection

1

Check All Lights

Walk around the vehicle with the engine running. Verify all headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, clearance lights, and marker lights are working. Replace burned-out bulbs before coming in.

2

Inspect Tires

Check tread depth with a gauge. Steer tires need 4/32" minimum, drive and trailer tires need 2/32" minimum. Look for sidewall damage, bulges, exposed cords, or uneven wear.

3

Test Brakes

Listen for air leaks with the system fully charged. Check that the low-pressure warning activates properly. Verify the parking brake holds on a slight grade. Check slack adjuster travel.

4

Look Under the Vehicle

Check for fluid leaks (fuel, oil, coolant). Inspect the frame for visible cracks. Verify exhaust system is intact with no leaks near the cab.

5

Clean the Cab

Ensure the windshield is clean and free of cracks in the driver's direct line of sight. Verify wipers work, horn works, defroster works, and all mirrors are properly adjusted and undamaged.

Addressing these items before your inspection saves time and avoids the need for a re-inspection after repairs.

DOT Inspection FAQ

How often is a DOT inspection required?
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR 396.17) require that every commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a GVWR over 10,001 lbs, or used in interstate commerce, must pass an annual inspection. The inspection must be performed by a qualified inspector, and the vehicle must carry a valid inspection sticker. Some states may require more frequent inspections.
What happens if my vehicle fails the DOT inspection?
If your vehicle fails, we provide a detailed list of every deficiency found. You can have the repairs performed at our shop or elsewhere. Once repairs are completed, the vehicle must be re-inspected to verify all deficiencies have been corrected before an inspection sticker can be issued. Operating a CMV without a valid inspection is a federal violation.
How long does a DOT annual inspection take?
A thorough annual inspection typically takes 1-2 hours per vehicle depending on the vehicle type and condition. Larger combinations (tractor-trailers) take longer than single-unit trucks. We recommend scheduling in advance so we can allocate proper time for your vehicle.
What vehicles require a DOT annual inspection?
Any commercial motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) over 10,001 lbs, vehicles designed to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation, or vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, and vehicles used to transport hazardous materials in reportable quantities. This includes most commercial trucks, buses, and trailers.
Can you handle DOT inspections for my fleet?
Yes. We perform annual inspections for fleets of all sizes and can schedule multiple vehicles to minimize disruption to your operations. We maintain detailed inspection records that are available for DOT audits and can integrate annual inspections into a broader fleet maintenance program.
What is the difference between a DOT annual inspection and a roadside inspection?
A DOT annual inspection is a scheduled, comprehensive inspection performed at a shop by a qualified inspector. A roadside inspection is performed by law enforcement (DOT officers) at the roadside during a traffic stop or at a weigh station. Roadside inspections range from Level I (full vehicle and driver) to Level VI (enhanced for radioactive materials). Keeping up with annual inspections and regular maintenance significantly reduces the chance of roadside violations.

Serving Willow Springs, Lemont, Burr Ridge, Hodgkins, Countryside, La Grange, Hickory Hills, Justice, Bridgeview, and the greater Chicagoland area.

Schedule Your DOT Inspection

Don't wait for a roadside surprise. Call us today to schedule your annual inspection or set up fleet inspections.

Request Appointment Call (708) 839-1515