Annual inspection failures
Under 49 CFR 396.17, commercial motor vehicles must pass a periodic inspection at least once every 12 months. Appendix A to Part 396 lists the minimum periodic inspection standards. If a component does not meet the standard, the vehicle does not pass until the defect is repaired. The inspector should record the defects, the repairs made and the final result. Under 49 CFR 396.21, the inspector must prepare a report that identifies the vehicle and the components inspected, among other items. See annual inspection.
Roadside inspection failures
At roadside, enforcement officers inspect against the CVSA North American Standard out-of-service criteria. Under 49 CFR 396.9, a vehicle declared out of service may not be operated until the repairs are made, and the motor carrier must certify the repairs on the inspection report and return it as directed. See out-of-service criteria.
Driver-reported defects
Defects found on a driver vehicle inspection report also need repair or a determination that repair is unnecessary before the vehicle is operated, under 49 CFR 396.11. See DVIR.
What the shop does
- Record each defect with its location and measurement.
- Write an estimate for the repairs and get approval.
- Repair and re-inspect the item.
- Record the 3 Cs on each repair line.
- Complete the inspection report or repair certification.
- Send the records to the fleet for its files.
Common failure areas
Appendix A covers systems such as brakes, steering, suspension, frame, tires, wheels and rims, lighting, coupling devices, fuel and exhaust systems. Brake adjustment, tires and lighting are areas technicians check closely at every visit.
Do not pass a failed item
Never mark an item as passing to save the customer time or money. The inspector signs the report and must be qualified under 49 CFR 396.19.
See how to do a DOT annual inspection.
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