Understanding CMV Inspections: A Guide for Drivers

1. The main types of CMV inspections

These are the inspections drivers run into most often:

• Pre-trip inspections: The walk-around check you do before you drive. Its goal is to catch obvious safety issues early.

• Post-trip inspections / defect reporting: After the day, you document defects you found. Follow your carrier’s policy.

• Periodic inspections (initial and annual): A mechanic’s inspection to confirm the truck and trailer meet minimum safety standards.

• Roadside inspection: The one that happens at a scale, weigh station, or on the road.

• Carrier compliance review / audit: This is aimed at the company’s safety program. Drivers may be contacted, but it’s a carrier-level review.

2. What happens during a roadside inspection

Not every stop is the same, but many inspections look like this:

1. Initial contact: You’re directed in or stopped.

2. Driver and documents: Driver license, medical card, registration and permits, and shipping papers.

3. Logbook check: Your hours-of-service log, recent driving, edits, exemptions, and device issues.

4. Truck / trailer check: Lights, tires, brakes/air leaks, leaks, load securement, and general condition.

5. Result: Clean inspection, or violations written up, a ticket may be issued, or the driver/vehicle is placed out of service and cannot continue until fixed.

3. Why you got inspected

Some inspections are random. Others happen because of:

• Where you are: weigh stations/ports of entry, or known enforcement areas.

• What’s visible: lights out, tire condition, leaks, obvious equipment problems, or load/securement concerns.

• Driving behavior: speeding or unsafe driving.

• Targeting: officers may focus on certain carriers, loads, or problem patterns during enforcement campaigns.

4. Why violations get written up

Most violations fall into a few buckets:

• Paperwork: missing/expired documents, incorrect permits, medical card issues.

• Logbook problems: log not current, exemptions used incorrectly, missing documentation, unassigned driving not handled.

• Truck/trailer condition: lights, tires, brakes/air system issues, leaks, required equipment.

• Load securement: loose/insufficient securement, damaged straps/chains, missing protection.

Important: A violation can be written on the inspection report even if you don’t get a ticket.

5. What the result means

Clean inspection

Keep a copy. Your carrier may want it for records.

Violations written up

You might also get a ticket, but the inspection report itself still matters. Fix what was cited and document the repair.

Out of service

This is the most serious outcome.

• Do not drive until the issue is fixed and you’re properly released.

• Follow the officer/inspector’s instructions and contact your carrier.

6. What to do next

Right now (same day)

1. Save the report: keep a photo/copy.

2. Check the basics: verify truck/trailer/unit info, location/date/time.

3. Tell your carrier/safety team: follow company policy.

4. If out of service, stop: do not move until fixed and released.

Next 24–72 hours

• Fix the issues and keep paperwork (repair orders/receipts).

• Take photos of anything cited (before/after repair if possible).

• If you believe the report has a mistake, gather proof (photos, logs, repair records, shipping papers).

7. Ticket vs. inspection report (two different tracks)

• Ticket: handled through the state court process (follow the ticket instructions).

• Wrong info on the inspection report: can be challenged through FMCSA DataQs (a data review system). It works best with documentation.

Link: https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov/

Summary

• Roadside inspections check you, your logbook/paperwork, and your equipment.

• Violations can be written up even without a ticket.

• If you’re out of service, don’t move until fixed and released.

• Save the report, tell your carrier, fix the issues, and document everything.