How to Prep for a Level 1 DOT Inspection

No one likes getting stopped in the middle of delivery for a DOT inspection, but it’s part of being a truck driver. The good news is, with a little preparation, you can make sure your Level 1 DOT Inspection is quick and easy.

As any good sports fan knows, the best defense is a good offense and this list will help you fly through your Level 1 DOT inspection and get back on the road faster.

What is a Level 1 DOT inspection?

There are eight different inspection levels according to the CVSA. A level 1 inspection, or the North American Standard Inspection, is the most thorough DOT inspection. It’s a detailed inspection of both the truck and the truck driver. The inspector will examine your seat belt, tail lamps, steering wheel, exhaust system, and everything required for driving safely. He or she will also look at documents like your driver’s license, medical certificate, waiver, and hours-of-service documentation.

Level 1 DOT Inspection Checklist

The inspector will check:

• Medical examiner’s certificate
• Alcohol and drug use
• Daily logs
• Hours of Service (HOS) documentation
• Seat belt use

The inspector will also check:

• Driver and vehicle inspection reports
• Brake system
• Coupling devices
• Exhaust system
• Truck frame
• Fuel system
• Turn signals
• Brake lamps
• Tail lamps
• Head lamps
• Lamps on projecting loads
• Safe loading
• Steering mechanism
• Suspension
• Tires
• Van and open-top trailer bodies
• Wheels and rims
• Windshield wipers
• Hazardous materials (HM) requirements: If you’re a hazmat hauler, have your shipping papers ready.

How to Prepare for a DOT Inspection

Do a Pre-Trip Inspection

Now that you know what an inspector is looking for during a Level 1 DOT Inpsection, you can check your truck before you hit the road to make sure everything is working properly. One of the most effective ways to stay compliant and protect yourself from violations is to do a pre-trip inspection.

• Do a walk-around inspection: See if anything on the truck looks damaged or out of place. Check your mirror brackets, doors, windows, steps, and weather stripping to make sure everything is working.
• Check your lights: Check all lights, lenses, and headlights to make sure there isn’t any fogging or cracking.
• Check the engine compartment: Look at your water pump, radiator, air compressor pump, and power steering pump to make sure they aren’t cracked, damaged or loose.
• Check your tires: Check the air pressure to make sure it’s at the recommended psi and make sure tires are free from bumps, cuts or abrasions, don’t have nails in them, and have plenty of tread.
• Check the brake system: Look at your truck’s brake pads and drums to make sure they aren’t cracked, damaged, or loose. Be sure to test your brakes, making sure you push your brake knobs in before testing. Then do a static brake check, applied pressure test, low pressure warning signal test, and check your emergency valves.
• Inspect the inside of the cab: Look at your truck’s windshield, mirrors, defroster, windshield wipers, hazard signals, turn signals, and gauges to make sure everything is working properly.
• Test the engine and horns: Check that the engine is working properly by revving the engine and testing your horns.

For more thorough information, check out this video on how to do a pre-trip inspection.

Other DOT Inspection Levels

There are 8 total Inspection Levels. Each level gets shorter and more narrow in scope. We cover Level 2-6 DOT inspections here.

By following these tips, you and your truck will be ready to ace your Level 1 DOT inspection! If you do get pulled over for an inspection, remember to keep the inside of your cab clean, have your paperwork easily available or together in a three-ring-binder and always be pleasant and polite to the inspector.

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