There are six primary levels of DOT inspections. These may be conducted anywhere by a qualified DOT inspector or state police officer.
Level 1 – North American Standard Inspection
Examination of:
- Driver’s License
- Driver’s Daily Log
- Driver and Vehicle Inspection Report
- Coupling devices
- Medical card
- Seat belt
- Brakes
- Exhaust system
- Frame
- Fuel system
- Turn signals
- Brake lamps
- Tail lamps
- Headlamps
- Lamps on projecting loads
- Safe loading
- Steering mechanism
- Suspension
- Tires
- Trailer bodies
- Wheels and rims
- Windshield wipers
- Hazmat requirements
Level II – Walk-Around Driver and Vehicle Inspection
Examination of:
- Everything in Level I that does not involve physically getting under the vehicle
Level III – Driver-Only Inspection
Examination of:
- Driver’s License
- Medical card
- Driver’s daily log
- Seat belt
- Driver and Vehicle Inspection Report
- Hazmat requirements
Level IV – Special Inspections
- One time inspection of a specific item
Level V – Vehicle-Only Inspection
Examination of:
- Everything in Level I regarding just the vehicle without a driver present
Level VI – Enhanced NAS Inspection for Radioactive Shipments
- Inspect for radiological shipments
- Inspection procedures
- Enhancements to Level I
- Radiological requirements
- Enhanced out of service criteria
