Level I – North American Standard Inspection
An inspection that includes examination of driver’s license; Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate (if applicable); alcohol and drugs; driver’s record of duty status, as required; hours of service; seat belt; vehicle inspection report(s) (if applicable); brake systems; cargo securement; coupling devices; driveline/driveshaft; exhaust systems; frames; fuel systems; lighting devices (headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, turn signals and lamps/flags on projecting loads); steering mechanisms; suspensions; tires; van and open-top trailer bodies; wheels, rims and hubs; windshield wipers; buses, motorcoaches, passenger vans or other passenger-carrying vehicles – emergency exits, electrical cables and systems in engine and battery compartments, seating, HM/DG and specification cargo tank requirements, as applicable. HM/DG required inspection items will only be inspected by certified HM/DG and cargo tank inspectors, as applicable.
NOTE: If more than 20 percent of pushrod travel on exposed pushrods cannot be measured, then the inspection would not be considered a Level I Inspection and shall be identified as a Level II Inspection.
NOTE: A five-axle vehicle combination with one axle not measured will still require two defective brakes to be placed out of service under the 20 percent brake criteria.
Level II – Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection
An examination that includes each of the items specified under the North American Standard Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection Procedure. As a minimum, Level II Inspections must include examination of: driver’s license; Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate (if applicable); alcohol and drugs; driver’s record of duty status as required; hours of service; seat belt; vehicle inspection report(s) (if applicable); brake systems; cargo securement; coupling devices; driveline/driveshaft; exhaust systems; frames; fuel systems; lighting devices (headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, turn signals and lamps/flags on projecting loads); steering mechanisms; suspensions; tires; van and open-top trailer bodies; wheels, rims and hubs; windshield wipers; buses, motorcoaches, passenger vans or other passenger-carrying vehicles – emergency exits, electrical cables and systems in engine and battery compartments, seating, and HM/DG requirements, as applicable. HM/DG required inspection items will only be inspected by certified HM/DG and cargo tank inspectors, as applicable. It is contemplated that the walk-around driver/vehicle inspection will include only those items that can be inspected without physically getting under the vehicle.
Level III – Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection
An examination that includes those items specified under the North American Standard Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection Procedure. As a minimum, Level III Inspections must include, where required and/or applicable: examination of the driver’s license; Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate; driver’s record of duty status; hours of service; seat belt; vehicle inspection report(s); and carrier identification and status.
NOTE: Mechanical equipment violations specific to a Level I or Level II Inspection should not be included in a Level III Inspection. If applicable, traffic violations/infractions should be included on a Level III Inspection.
Level IV – Special Inspections
Inspections under this heading typically include a one-time examination of a particular item. These examinations are normally made in support of a study or to verify or refute a suspected trend.
Level V – Vehicle-Only Inspection
An inspection that includes each of the vehicle inspection items specified under the North American Standard Inspection (Level I), without a driver present, conducted at any location.
Level VI – North American Standard Inspection for Transuranic Waste and Highway Route Controlled Quantities (HRCQ) of Radioactive Material
An inspection for select radiological shipments, which include inspection procedures, enhancements to the North American Standard Level I Inspection, radiological requirements and the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria for Transuranic Waste and Highway Route Controlled Quantities of Radioactive material.
As of Jan. 1, 2005, all vehicles and carriers transporting HRCQ of radioactive material are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and required to pass the North American Standard Level VI Inspection.
Previously, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) voluntarily complied with the North American Standard Level VI Inspection Program requirements.
Select radiological shipments include HRCQ of radioactive material as defined by Title 49 CFR 173.403. And, because only a small fraction of transuranics are HRCQ, the U.S. DOE decided to include its transuranic waste shipments in the North American Standard Level VI Inspection Program.
Level VII – Jurisdictional Mandated Commercial Vehicle Inspection
An inspection that is a jurisdictional mandated inspection program that does not meet the requirements of any other level of inspection. An example will include inspection programs such as, but not limited to, school buses, limousines, taxis, shared-ride transportation, hotel courtesy shuttles and other intrastate/intra-provincial operations. These inspections may be conducted by CVSA-certified inspectors, other designated government employees or jurisdiction-approved contractors. Inspector training requirements shall be determined by each jurisdiction. No CVSA decal shall be issued for a Level VII Inspection but a jurisdiction-specific decal may be applied.
Level VIII – North American Standard Electronic Inspection
An examination that includes those items specified under the North American Standard Electronic Inspection Procedure. An electronic inspection must include, where required and/or applicable, a descriptive location, including GPS coordinates; electronic validation of who is operating the vehicle; appropriate driver’s license class and endorsement(s) for vehicle being operated; license status; valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate; current driver’s record of duty status; hours-of-service compliance; USDOT or (Canada) NSC number; power unit registration; operating authority; Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) compliance; and federal out-of-service orders.
The North American Standard Level VIII Electronic Inspection is an inspection conducted electronically or wirelessly while the vehicle is in motion without direct interaction with an enforcement officer. To be considered a complete Level VIII Electronic Inspection, a data exchange must include each of the required and/or applicable data points listed in the CVSA North American Standard Level VIII Electronic Inspection definition.
1. What DOT Inspector Screens Show when Drivers Near a Weigh-station
As you near a weigh -station, DOT inspectors are pulling drivers’ basic information up on their screens. There are three things inspectors look for first: ISS (Inspection Selection System) score, vehicle out-of-service score, and driver out-of-service score.
These scores are color coded based on the score level. If a score is near or worse than the national average, the score will be highlighted red. If the score is just below the national average, the score will be highlighted yellow. If the score is in a healthy position, the score will be highlighted green. Inspectors are looking to see if there is a lot of red or yellow across their screen. If there are 3 red scores, you will be pulled in for an inspection.
On occasion, if the rating system does not have enough data on a carrier to give basic scores (because they are a good carrier and they always get waived through scales) we have seen the system spike the company ISS score just to generate some inspection data. Once they get 3-5 inspections, the ISS returns to normal.
2. Some Reasons Why a Driver May be Inspected at a Weigh-station
· If a driver’s ISS or Out-of-service ratings are near or worse than the national average.
- Driver Out-of-Service national average = 5.5%
- Vehicle Out-of-Service national average = 20.7%
- ISS Score
- 1-49 = Passing
- 50-74 = Optional
- 75-100 = Inspect
· If you have a headlight out, it may bring attention to you.
Inspectors may assume the driver did not do a good pre-trip inspection because it is unlikely the headlight goes out between two stations. Inspectors may assume there are other maintenance violations or a lack of a maintenance program, and will look at tires, lug-nuts, lights, etc. in more detail.
· If your truck is dirty, it may bring attention to you.
If the truck is not taken care of properly, inspectors may assume that the driver might not fix bigger problems, such as brakes, suspension, or other more serious issues. Inspectors will look more closely at these areas for violations.
· Sometimes, inspections are just completely random.
Inspectors are known to bring drivers in randomly for inspection. They may set-up a certain ration, such as 1:4 trucks driving by will be pulled in for a limited time.
3. What the different Levels of Inspection mean:
Drivers have a lot of differing opinions on what each level of inspection actually mean. Below is a summary of each type of truck safety inspections conducted throughout North America.
- LEVEL I — A complete inspection that includes a check of the driver´s license, medical examiner´s certificate (and waiver, if any), alcohol and drugs, hours of service, seat belt, vehicle inspection report, brake system, coupling devices, exhaust system, frame, fuel system, turn signals, brake and tail lamps, headlamps, lamps on loads, load securement, steering, suspension, tires, van and open-top trailer bodies, wheels and rims, windshield wipers, emergency exits on buses and hazardous materials requirements, as applicable.
- LEVEL II — A “walk-around” inspection that includes a check of each of the items in a Level I inspection but not items that require the inspector to physically get under the truck.
- LEVEL III — An inspection of just the driver-related items in a Level I inspection.
- LEVEL IV — A special inspection, typically a one-time examination of a particular item for a safety study or to verify or refute a suspected trend.
- LEVEL V — An inspection of just the truck-related items in a Level I inspection.
- LEVEL VI — An inspection of a shipment of highway-route-controlled quantities of radiological material. A Level VI inspection includes an enhanced check of each of the items in a Level I inspection.
4. How to treat your DOT Inspectors
DOT Inspectors understand that coming in for an inspection are keeping drivers from driving and can be a nuisance. Inspectors talk to many different types of drivers every day. Like a referee in sports, treating the inspectors with respect is the best way to prevent any detailed inspection and will help you get on the road more quickly. A common request by inspectors is if they asks driver questions, provide the answer and everything will move more smoothly.
In situations when a driver is giving lots of attitude toward the inspector, some inspectors may respond more harshly in their inspection, they are human after all. Some inspectors, not all, may have a chip on their shoulder or have a “heavy badge”, which is understandably irritating in the drivers’ perspective.
However, if you treat an inspector respectfully, inspectors are more likely to explain what they are looking at and why you may have received a violation. Also, if you respectfully complain about being pulled in several times in the last day or two, most inspectors will explain what they see on their screens and why this inspection is currently happening – giving you the chance to understand what needs to be fixed to prevent inspections in the future. Additionally, if you show them the most recent inspection forms, they may just let you pass.
5. DOT Inspectors Perspective on ELDs
With the mandatory adoption of ELDs coming down the road, it is interesting to look at some DOT inspectors’ perspectives when drivers with an ELD come in for an inspection.
If a truck currently has an ELD or other e-log type of devise, drivers may find inspectors not wanting to waste their time looking over your driving logs. ELDs help driver logs stay compliant and inspectors usually do not find errors on the logs. Some inspectors even worry about those devices that give the home terminal access where they can abuse the data and change the logs to hide violations.
However, with the ELD rule currently on the books, drivers may find that they are asked to bring up their ELD logs in order to help inspectors get use to the new process. In these situations, inspectors tend to look for manipulations, such as using a ghost-driver (logging a second driver as on-duty when only one driver in the truck) or for a 5th “personal conveyance” line.
Every year, during the first week of June and usually on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) holds the annual sting operation code named “Roadcheck”. During the 72-hour event approximately ten thousand federal, state, provincial and local truck and bus inspectors hold inspection operations throughout the USA, Canada and Mexico using North American Standard Level I Inspection Procedures.
North American Standard Level I Commercial Vehicle Inspection Procedures
Be Proactive and inspect your vehicle thoroughly before pulling in for inspection. According to the CVSA, if you are placed “Out of Service” the cost will average $861.00, which does not include charges for fines or emergency service repairs as a result of the inspection.
- PREPARE THE VEHICLE AND DRIVER
Instruct the driver to remain at the controls, shut down the engine (allow cool down time for turbo-charged engines). Place chock blocks in position beginning on the drivers side, one in front and one behind the drive axle tires or between the axles. Advise the driver the wheels have been chocked. Have the driver place the transmission in neutral and release all brakes. Advise the driver in the use of hand signals. (Lamps and brakes).
- CHECK DRIVER’S REQUIREMENTS DRIVER LICENSE (391.11)
Check for expiration date, birth date and status check. MEDICAL CERTIFICATE (391.41) Check for expiration date, corrective lenses, hearing aid and signatures.
MEDICAL WAIVER (II applicable)(391.49) Check for expiration date, make sure form is completed. Note the stated physical limitations.
RECORD OF DUTY STATUS (395.8)(395.3) Updated to last change of duty status, today’s date, legible handwriting, past 7 days recorded, mileage, driving time, on duty time, vehicle numbers, carrier name and signature. “Remarks” section may include locations of duty status change, unusual circumstances that delay the trip and shipping document numbers or the name of the shipper. Check for written authorization for interactive electronic recording devices. If applicable.
DRIVER VEHICLE INSPECTION REPORT (396.11) Check for I.D. number(s) of vehicle(s) inspected, record of defects found, if any. Check for signatures.
SHIPPING PAPERS, BILL OF LADING – Check for listings of hazardous materials indicated by the first entry or an “X” in the H.M. column or a contrasting color. Papers must be within arms reach and visible.
SEAT BELT (392.16) – Check for condition and usage.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS (392.4) (392.5) – Check for violations.
- CHECK FOR PRESENCE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
PLACARDS – Check for the presence of placards but use caution even If none are posted.
LEAKS, SPILLS, UNSECURE CARGO. When hazardous materials are present, be especially careful with leaks, spills or unsecured cargo.
MARKINGS – Cargo tanks and portable tanks will display markings on an orange panel or placard. They should indicate the I.D. number for type of hazardous material. There are exceptions to this rule. LABELS – When containers are visible, labels will identify the hazardous materials. There are exceptions to this rule.
- INSIDE CAB
STEERING LASH – Measure amount of steering lash and compare with out-of-service criteria.
STEERING COLUMN – Check for unsecured attachment.
- FRONT OF TRACTOR
HEAD LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, EMERGENCY FLASHERS (393.25) – Check for improper color and operation.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS (393.78) – Check for improper operation. Two wipers are required unless one can clean the drivers field of vision.
WINDSHIELD (393.60) – Check for cracks or other damage. Check for decals or stickers in field of vision.
- STEERING AXLE
INFORM THE DRIVER THAT YOU ARE GOING UNDER THE VEHICLE, AND TO LISTEN FOR YOUR INSTRUCTIONS.
STEERING SYSTEM (BOTH SIDES) – Check for loose, worn, bent, damaged or missing parts. Instruct the driver to rock the steering wheel, check key components: front axle beam, gear box, pitman arm, drag link, tie rod and tie rod ends.
FRONT SUSPENSION (BOTH SIDES) – Check for indications of misaligned, shifted or cracked springs, loosened shackles, missing bolts, spring hangers unsecured at frame and cracked or loose U-bolts. Check for unsecured axle positioning parts and signs of axle misalignment.
FRONT BRAKES (BOTH SIDES) (393.48) – Check for missing, nonfunctioning, loose, contaminated or cracked parts on the brake system, including; brake drums, brake shoes, rotors, pads, linings, brake chambers, chamber mounting brackets, push rods, and slack adjusters. Check for “S” cam flip over. Be alert for audible air leaks around brake components and air lines. With brakes released, mark the brake chamber push rod at the point where the push rod exits the brake Chamber. Mark the push rods on both sides at this time. All push rods will be measured in ITEM 17.
FRONT AXLE – Check for cracks, welds, and obvious misalignment.
FRAME and FRAME ASSEMBLY – Check for cracks, or any defect that may lead to the collapse of the frame.
- LEFT FRONT SIDE OF TRACTOR
LEFT FRONT WHEEL AND RIM – Check for cracks, unseated locking rings, broken or missing lugs, studs or clamps. Bent or cracked rims, “bleeding” rust stains, loose or damaged lug nuts and elongated stud holes.
LEFT FRONT TIRE (393.75) – Check for improper inflation, serious cuts and bulges. Check tread wear and measure major tread groove depth. Inspect sidewall for defects. Check for exposed fabric or cord. Radial and bias-ply tires should not be mixed on the steering axle.
- LEFT SADDLE TANK AREA
LEFT FUEL TANK(S) (393.65) – Check for unsecured mounting, leaks or other damage. Verify that the fuel crossover line is secure. Check for unsecured cap(s). Check ground below tank for signs of leaking fuel.
TRACTOR FRAME (393.201) – Check frame rails and cross members on the tractor just behind the cab, look for cracks, bends or excessive corrosion.
EXHAUST SYSTEM (393.83) – Check for unsecured mounting, leaks (under the cab), exhaust contacted by fuel lines, air lines or electrical wires. Check for carbon deposits around seams and clamps.
- TRAILER FRONT
AIR AND ELECTRICAL LINES (393.28) – Lines between tractor and trailer should be suspended and free of tangles and crimps. They should have sufficient slack to allow the vehicle to turn. Inspect line connections for proper seating. Listen for audible air leaks.
FRONT END PROTECTION (393.106) – Check for height requirements. (Note exceptions).
- LEFT REAR TRACTOR AREA
WHEELS, RIMS AND TIRES – Inspect as described in ITEM 7. Check inside tire of dual for inflation and general condition. Tires should be evenly matched (same circumference) on dual wheels. Without placing yourself between the tires on tandem axles, check for debris between the tires.
LOWER FIFTH WHEEL (393.70) – Check for unsecured mounting to the frame or any missing or damaged parts. Check for any visible space between the upper and lower fifth wheel plates. Verify the locking jaws are around the shank and not the head of the kingpin. Verify the release lever is seated properly and that the safety latch is engaged.
UPPER FIFTH WHEEL – Check for any damage to the weight bearing plate and its supports on the trailer. Check king-pin condition.
SLIDING FIFTH WHEEL – Check for proper engagement of the locking mechanism (teeth fully engaged on rail). Check for worn or missing parts, making sure that the position does not allow the tractor frame rails to contact the landing gear during turns.
INFORM THE DRIVER THAT YOU ARE GOING UNDER THE VEHICLE. ENTER THE UNDERCARRIAGE IN VIEW OF THE DRIVER.
SUSPENSION (BOTH SIDES) – Inspect as described in ITEM 6. Check for deflated or leaking air suspension systems.
BRAKES (BOTH SIDES) – Inspect as described in ITEM 6. With brakes released, mark the push rods.
- LEFT SIDE OF TRAILER
FRAME AND BODY – Check for cracks and any indication leading to the collapse of the frame.
CARGO SECUREMENT (393.100) – Check for improper blocking or bracing, unsecured chains or straps. Verify end gates are secured in stake pockets. Check tarp or canvas.
WHEELS, RIMS AND TIRES – Inspect as described in ITEM 7.
SLIDING TANDEM – Check for misalignment and position. Look for damaged, worn or missing parts. Check locking mechanism. Teeth of locking mechanism must fully mesh with those of the rail secured to the frame.
INFORM THE DRIVER THAT YOU ARE GOING UNDER THE VEHICLE. ENTER THE UNDERCARRIAGE IN VIEW OF THE DRIVER.
SUSPENSION (BOTH SIDES) – Inspect as described in ITEM 6.
BRAKES (BOTH SIDES) – Inspect as described in ITEM 6. With brakes released, mark the push rods.
- REAR OF TRAILER
TAIL, STOP, TURN LAMPS AND EMERGENCY FLASHERS – Check for improper color and operation.
CARGO SECUREMENT – Inspect as described in ITEM 11. Also check tailboard security. Verify end gates are secured in stake pockets and rear doors are closed. Check both sides of trailer to insure protection of cargo from shifting or falling.
- RIGHT SIDE OF TRAILER
Check all Items as on the left side.
- RIGHT REAR TRACTOR AREA
Check all Items as on the left side.
- RIGHT SADDLE TANK AREA
Check all Items as on the left side.
- RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF TRACTOR
Check all Items as on the left side.
- BRAKE ADJUSTMENT CHECK
INFORM THE DRIVER THAT YOU ARE GOING UNDER THE VEHICLE. ENTER THE UNDERCARRIAGE IN VIEW OF THE DRIVER.
MEASURE PUSH ROD TRAVEL (ALL BRAKES) – While the brakes are applied, move around the vehicle and measure the distance of push rod travel at each chamber. Write down each push rod measurement and compare them to the out-of-service criteria for the appropriate size and type of brake chamber. Again, listen for leaks as you move around the vehicle.
- FIFTH WHEEL MOVEMENT CHECK
USE CAUTION – If conducted improperly, this method of checking for fifth wheel movement can result in serious damage to the vehicle. Use caution and instruct the driver carefully.
PREPARE THE VEHICLE AND DRIVER – Have the driver put the vehicle in gear, release the service brakes and apply the trailer brakes. Remove the wheel chocks and have the driver start the vehicle. Carefully explain the procedure to the driver. Tell the driver to GENTLY rock the tractor as you watch the fifth wheel.
CONDUCT THE PROCEDURE – As the tractor rocks, watch for movement between the mounting components and frame, pivot pin, bracket and upper and lower fifth wheel halves.
- AIR LOSS RATE
WHEN TO CONDUCT THE TEST – If you heard an air leak at any point in the inspection, you should now check the vehicle’s air loss rate.
CONDUCT THE PROCEDURE – Have the driver run the engine at idle, then apply and hold the service brake. Observe the air reservoir pressure gauge on the dash. Have driver pump the pressure down to 80 psi. Compressors do not activate until system pressure drops below a certain level. At about 80 lbs most compressors should be operating. Air pressure should be maintained or increase. A drop in pressure indicates a serious air leak in the brake system and the vehicle should be placed out of service.
- LOW AIR PRESSURE WARNING DEVICE
TEST THE WARNING DEVICE – Instruct the driver to pump the air down until the low air pressure warning device activates. Observe the gauges on the dash. The low air pressure warning must activate at a minimum of ½ the compressor governor cut out pressure, approximately 55 psi.
- TRACTOR PROTECTION VALVE
This procedure will test both the tractor protection valve and the trailer emergency brakes.
CONDUCT THE TEST – Instruct the driver to release the emergency brakes by pushing in the dash valves. Break the supply emergency line at the hose couplers between the tractor and trailer. When the line is disconnected a blast of air will be noticed. At this point, the emergency brakes on the trailer should set up.
OBSERVE THE DASH GAUGE – Air will leak from the tractor side of the line until the pressure in the tractor’s system drops to the 20-45 psi range. At this point, the air loss should stop, isolating the tractor air system. A loss of air in the tractor system below the 20-45 psi range indicates a malfunctioning tractor protection valve. If the trailer brakes do not set up when the line is disconnected, there is a problem with the trailer emergency brakes.
- SPEED LIMITERS
CANADA – ONTARIO, QUEBEC ONLY. Check Electronic Truck Speed limiters and Cruise Control. Must be set no higher than 65mph (105kph). Tire size, transmission gear ratio and rearend gear ratio must also be programmed properly to match truck specifications as listed on the ID plate, usually located on the driver’s door jamb.
- COMPLETE THE INSPECTION
COMPLETE PAPER WORK – Complete inspection forms and other paperwork as required.
CONCLUDE WITH THE DRIVER – Explain any violations or warnings to the driver. Take appropriate enforcement if necessary.
APPLY C.V.S.A. DECAL – Apply a C.V.S.A. decal on all vehicles that qualify
