DOT inspections are conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that commercial vehicles are safe and compliant with state and federal regulations. DOT inspectors will check for proper registration, insurance, and inspection stickers, as well as compliance with size and weight limits. They will also inspect the vehicle's brakes, lights, and tires. If any deficiencies are found, the vehicle may be placed out of service until the issue is corrected.

The Required Documentation

DOT related inspections are typically conducted at weigh stations or during traffic stops. Commercial vehicles that are pulled over for a routine traffic violation may also be subject to a DOT type inspection. Drivers should be prepared to present their DOT number, license, registration, and proof of insurance when stopped for an inspection. The inspection process usually only takes a few minutes, but it can be delayed if the driver does not have the required documentation or if the DOT inspector finds any issues with the vehicle.

Any Problems are Found During an Inspection

These inspections are important to ensure that commercial vehicles are safe and compliant with regulations. Drivers should be prepared for an inspection by having all required documentation always readily available. If any problems are found during an inspection, the driver should take steps to correct them as soon as possible to avoid being placed out of service. They are an important part of keeping commercial vehicles safe on the road. However, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind when inspectors are on site. First and foremost, inspectors will be looking for any potential hazards that could pose a danger to the public. 

High-Visibility Clothing

This means that they may be looking in places that are not normally accessible to the public. For example, they may inspect the undercarriage of a truck or bus to look for any potential problems. As such, it is important that DOT inspectors have proper safety gear, including gloves, eye protection, and high-visibility clothing. They should also be familiar with the specific hazards associated with the type of vehicle they are inspecting. Contact OTR Fleet Service today to learn more!