Signup

Download our Apps and get 14 Days Free Trial

fleet app-storefleet google-play
©Fleetrabbit Official 2025. All right reversed.

DOT & Safety Compliance Checklist for International Trucks

Introduction

Maintaining DOT compliance is not just a legal requirement but a critical safety measure for all commercial vehicle operations. This comprehensive checklist is designed specifically for International Trucks to ensure full compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements, and industry safety standards.

Regular use of this checklist helps fleet managers and drivers avoid costly violations, prevent roadside inspection failures, and maintain a strong safety record. By systematically verifying all regulatory requirements, you can reduce liability, maintain CSA scores, and ensure the safety of your drivers and others on the road. This checklist aligns with current federal regulations and incorporates International Truck-specific compliance considerations.

Key DOT Compliance Requirements

  • Driver Qualification Files: Complete and up-to-date DQ files must be maintained for all drivers, including application, CDL, medical card, road test certification, and annual review.
  • Hours of Service Compliance: Drivers must adhere to HOS regulations (14-hour duty limit, 11-hour driving limit, 30-minute break rule, 60/70-hour limit) with proper records via ELD or paper logs.
  • Vehicle Inspections: Drivers must complete pre-trip, post-trip, and periodic inspections with proper documentation maintained for all inspections and repairs.
  • Drug and Alcohol Testing: Compliant testing program must include pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing.
  • Annual Vehicle Inspections: All commercial vehicles must undergo and pass an annual inspection performed by a qualified inspector.

Vehicle & Driver Information

Compliance Status Legend

  • Compliant: Meets all regulatory requirements
  • Non-Compliant: Does not meet requirements
  • Not Applicable: Requirement doesn't apply
Driver Compliance
Vehicle Documentation
Safety Equipment
Inspection Requirements
Operational Compliance
Cargo & HazMat

Driver Compliance Requirements

Driver Qualification

  • 49 CFR 383.23
    CRITICAL VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 391.41-49
    CRITICAL VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 391.51
    MAJOR VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 391.25
    MAJOR VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 391.49
    MAJOR VIOLATION

Hours of Service

  • 49 CFR 395.22
    CRITICAL VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 395.8
    CRITICAL VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 395.3(a)(3)
    CRITICAL VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 395.3(a)(2)
    CRITICAL VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 395.3(a)(3)(ii)
    MAJOR VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 395.3(b)
    CRITICAL VIOLATION

Drug & Alcohol Testing

  • 49 CFR 382.301
    CRITICAL VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 382.305
    CRITICAL VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 382.303
    MAJOR VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 382.307
    MAJOR VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 40.25
    MAJOR VIOLATION

Vehicle Documentation Requirements

Registration & Insurance

  • 49 CFR 392.2 & State Requirements
    CRITICAL VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 387.7
    CRITICAL VIOLATION
  • 26 CFR 41.6001-2
    MAJOR VIOLATION
  • IRP Section 300
    MAJOR VIOLATION
  • IFTA Articles of Agreement
    MAJOR VIOLATION

Vehicle Identification

  • 49 CFR 390.21
    MAJOR VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 390.21
    MAJOR VIOLATION
  • CVSA Operational Policy
    MINOR VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 396.17
    CRITICAL VIOLATION
  • IFTA Articles of Agreement
    MAJOR VIOLATION

Permits & Special Documentation

  • State Requirements
    CRITICAL VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 107.601
    CRITICAL VIOLATION
  • 49 USC 14504a
    MAJOR VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 365
    CRITICAL VIOLATION
  • State Requirements
    MAJOR VIOLATION

Safety Equipment Requirements

Emergency Equipment

  • 49 CFR 393.95(a)
    MAJOR VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 393.95(f)
    MAJOR VIOLATION
  • 49 CFR 393.95(c)
    MINOR VIOLATION
  • Company Policy
    MINOR VIOLATION

DOT Compliance Documentation Procedures

Follow these standardized procedures to ensure complete DOT compliance documentation is maintained for all operations.

Driver Qualification File Management

  • Verify application for employment is complete with 10-year history
  • Confirm pre-employment drug test results are documented
  • Validate previous employer safety performance history
  • Ensure current medical examiner's certificate is on file
  • Document annual review of driving record
  • Maintain annual certification of violations
  • Keep road test certificate or equivalent

Hours of Service Record Management

  • Verify ELD is properly registered with FMCSA
  • Ensure supporting documents are maintained for 6 months
  • Confirm ELD malfunctions are documented properly
  • Validate all HOS log edits include required annotations
  • Maintain minimum 6 months of electronic records
  • Document all exempt operations appropriately
  • Verify all unassigned driving time is resolved

Roadside Inspection Protocol

  • Present driver's license, medical card, and logs promptly
  • Provide vehicle registration and insurance documents
  • Transfer ELD records as requested by inspector
  • Document all inspection details for company records
  • Address all violations before next dispatch
  • Submit inspection report to carrier within 24 hours
  • File all inspection reports in vehicle maintenance file

Annual Inspection Documentation

  • Schedule inspection with qualified inspector
  • Ensure inspection covers all required components
  • Obtain proper documentation with inspector credentials
  • Maintain copy of inspection report on vehicle
  • File original inspection report in vehicle maintenance file
  • Track inspection expiration dates in maintenance system
  • Schedule re-inspection 30 days before expiration

Compliance Progress

0% complete

Compliance Certification

I hereby certify that I have reviewed all DOT compliance requirements listed above and have accurately documented the compliance status of this vehicle and driver.

Apply Signature

Compliance Notes & Violations

Conclusion

Maintaining DOT compliance is essential for every commercial motor carrier operation. This comprehensive checklist helps ensure that your International Trucks meet all regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of violations, fines, and potential service interruptions. Regular compliance checks using this detailed guide will help protect your CSA scores, maintain your authority to operate, and demonstrate your commitment to safety.

For optimal compliance management, consider implementing the FleetRabbit software to streamline your DOT compliance program. The FleetRabbit platform allows digital documentation of all compliance requirements, provides automated expiration alerts, and creates comprehensive audit trails for regulatory inspections. With the FleetRabbit APP, fleet managers can easily track compliance status across their entire fleet, manage driver qualification files, and ensure all vehicles maintain regulatory compliance.

Make DOT compliance an integral part of your fleet management strategy with the FleetRabbit software's comprehensive compliance management solution. This digital approach significantly improves compliance documentation, reduces administrative burden, and provides peace of mind knowing that your operation meets all regulatory requirements.

Use Checklist Online Book a Tour

Access the digital version of this checklist through the FleetRabbit APP

© 2025 DOT & Safety Compliance Checklist for International Trucks | Developed by FleetRabbit | Contact us at support@fleetrabbit.com for customized compliance solutions.
×

DOT Compliance Report