DOT Annual Inspection
The federal DOT annual inspection (49 CFR 396.17) is required on every commercial vehicle every 12 months, and it’s not a formality — brakes, lights, tires, and leaks are what actually fail trucks. We inspect to the real standard, not a quick glance.
Symptoms we see
| Symptom | Likely cause | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes out of adjustment | Slack adjusters or pushrod stroke beyond the allowed limit | Adjust or repair before the inspection, not during it |
| Lighting violations — marker lights, brake lights, turn signals | Burned-out bulbs, corroded sockets, or wiring faults | Test every light on the truck, not just the obvious ones |
| Fluid leaks — oil, coolant, or fuel | Gaskets, seals, or fittings failing | Identify and repair the source before the inspection, since visible leaks are an automatic failure point |
| Tire tread depth or damage near the limit | Normal wear or damage from road hazards | Measure tread depth and inspect for damage against the federal minimum |
SymptomBrakes out of adjustment
Likely causeSlack adjusters or pushrod stroke beyond the allowed limit
What we doAdjust or repair before the inspection, not during it
SymptomLighting violations — marker lights, brake lights, turn signals
Likely causeBurned-out bulbs, corroded sockets, or wiring faults
What we doTest every light on the truck, not just the obvious ones
SymptomFluid leaks — oil, coolant, or fuel
Likely causeGaskets, seals, or fittings failing
What we doIdentify and repair the source before the inspection, since visible leaks are an automatic failure point
SymptomTire tread depth or damage near the limit
Likely causeNormal wear or damage from road hazards
What we doMeasure tread depth and inspect for damage against the federal minimum
What the job involves
We inspect to the full 49 CFR 396.17 checklist — brakes, steering, lighting, tires, wheels, exhaust, frame, and coupling devices — not a partial look.
Brake adjustment is the single most common failure point we see, so we check pushrod stroke and slack adjuster travel on every wheel end as standard practice.
We document what we find and what we fixed, which supports your DVIR and recordkeeping requirements, not just gets a sticker on the windshield.
If something needs more than a quick fix, we tell you before the inspection is final, not after you’re already back on the road with a truck that won’t pass.
What drives the cost
What this costs depends on what the inspection finds that needs repair before it passes, how many systems are affected, and whether it’s adjustment or component replacement. We tell you after we look at it, before we start.
Common questions
What actually fails trucks at a DOT inspection?
Brakes out of adjustment, lighting violations, tire tread and damage, and fluid leaks are the most common failure points we see.
How often is the DOT annual inspection required?
Every 12 months, federally required under 49 CFR 396.17, for every commercial vehicle.
Can you fix issues found during the inspection the same visit?
Often, yes, depending on what’s needed. We’ll tell you upfront if something requires more time.
Do you provide documentation for DVIR and recordkeeping?
Yes — we document what we inspected and what we repaired.
What does a DOT inspection cost?
Depends whether anything needs repair to pass. We can speak to the inspection itself when you call — repairs are quoted separately if something comes up.
Related services
Preventive Maintenance
PM-A, PM-B, and PM-C each cover more ground than the last, and running them on schedule is what keeps a truck earning instead of sitting in the bay for something that could’ve been caught early. We follow real mileage intervals, not a generic calendar.
Learn more Brakes & Air
Air Brake Repair & Service
Out-of-adjustment brakes are one of the most common reasons a truck fails a roadside inspection — and one of the easiest things to prevent. We inspect and adjust the whole system, not just the pads or shoes that are easy to see.
Learn more
Service area
Ready when you are
Call now or send a quote request — we’ll tell you what it takes to fix it.