The FMCSA and state authorities determine driver and motor carrier compliance with regulations primarily through roadside inspections. Several events can lead to a roadside inspection, including:
- Observable defects
- Speeding / Reckless driving
- Random inspection
What to do during an inspection
Many measures can be taken to reduce the likelihood of inspection and help ensure a smooth process for both law enforcement and driver should an inspection occur. The FMCSA recommends conducting a thorough pre-trip inspection before each trip, including:
- Conducting vehicle overview
- Starting engine and inspecting inside of cab
- Turning off engine and checking lights
- Performing a walk-around inspection
- Checking signal lights
- Starting engine and checking brake system
- Have all proper documentation within easy access
One of eight levels of roadside inspections may be performed at the discretion of the inspector, and the different defects found may depend on the level of inspection performed. The eight levels of roadside inspections are:
- Level I — North American Standard: the most comprehensive of the inspections, which includes elements of both driver and vehicle regulations
- Level II — Walk Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection: similar to the Level I, but not as comprehensive
- Level III — Driver/Credential Inspections: an examination of only those documents pertaining to the driver and hazardous materials
- Level IV — Special Inspection: a one-time examination of a particular item, made in support of a study or to verify or refute a suspected trend
- Level V — Vehicle-Only Inspection: may take place without the driver present, and includes all the vehicle components inspected under the Level I inspection
- Level VII – Jurisdictional Mandated Commercial Vehicle Inspection: inspection program that does not meet the requirement of any other level of inspection
- Level VIII – Standard Electronic Inspection: inspection conducted electronically or wirelessly while the vehicle is in motion without direct interaction with an enforcement officer
