LoneCowboy

So, i get hit in these mobile DOT checkpoints (not regular ports of entry/weigh stations) like every 3 months. The list always changes, but I thought I could pass along what seems to be the inspection. Your state may be different, but it's certainly worth checking on your rig.

BTW It, (I asked) is any commercial vehicle, not just CDL.

First, they weigh you, checking the stickers on your truck and trailer on their mobile scales. Better not be over

Then they pull license, registration, insurance.

Here in Colorado, any equipment used for commercial purposes off your own property needs an SMM plate (your state is probably better), so they check that. I assume they also check for expired plates on truck, trailer, tractor.

They check:
Fire extinguisher (yep, gotta have one)
safety triangles (yep, gotta have those, I have traffic cones, but those didn't count)
the book says spare fuses , (they have never checked, but by God I carry spare fuses now)

I have a diesel truck with a diesel tank on the back, they asked "red fuel or road fuel?" (I only use road fuel) and then they dipped my tank. so, better not be using untaxed fuel, I'm sure that one is ugly. They haven't done that when I've been using the truck with no tank on back.

Then, they put one guy in front, one guy in back and have you go thru the following

wipers (both working)
horn
head lights (and they sometimes check all the running lights, sometimes not)
brights
tail lights
left signal
right signal
4 ways
brake lights

hydralic brakes: (I don't know what the air brakes one is)
then they have you pull the breakaway switch out of the trailer, then put it in gear and see if the trailer stops you.
put that back in
then start the vehicle again, give it gas (3-4mph), and ONLY using the brake controller, have the trailer bring it to a stop.

I thought that might be helpful for others.

__________________
Brian H
Longmont CO
Pasture Maintenance
NH TN75DA, NH TC45D,

PaulChristenson

Do you have a sign on your truck that says DOT SUCKS or something like that?
Because YOU sure seem to be on someone's radar for some reason...

YouTube - Scania Convoi Exceptionnel

__________________
Paul in VT

Dougster

It is. Thanks Lone! You reminded me to check a few things: Does Taxachusetts require a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in a commercial registered pickup truck? Is my emergency brake battery on the equipment trailer fully charged? Is there something else I'm supposed to be carrying? Flares? Triangles? Bribe money? The names & numbers of a trailer repair company and a good lawyer?

Dougster™