DOT & Safety Compliance Checklist for International Trucks

Essential regulatory compliance and safety standards for commercial operations

Required Documentation

Ensure all required documentation is complete, current, and properly maintained.

Vehicle Documentation

  • Current vehicle registration properly displayed
  • Valid insurance with minimum required coverage limits
  • Proof of annual inspection (form or sticker)
  • Current IFTA credentials and decals
  • Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (Form 2290) proof of payment
  • Hazardous materials registration (if applicable)
  • Operating authority documentation (MC number)
  • Lease agreements (if operating under another carrier's authority)

Regulatory References

Registration: 49 CFR §392.2

Insurance: 49 CFR §387.7

Inspections: 49 CFR §396.17

Driver Documentation

  • Valid Commercial Driver's License with proper endorsements
  • Current Medical Examiner's Certificate (unless CDL is marked "certified")
  • Driver's Record of Duty Status (previous 7/8 days)
  • Driver's Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs)
  • Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate (if applicable)
  • Entry-Level Driver Training certificate (for new CDL holders)
  • Hazardous materials endorsement and training (if applicable)
  • Driver qualification file accessible at principal place of business

Regulatory References

CDL Requirements: 49 CFR §383

Medical Certificate: 49 CFR §391.41-45

RODS Requirements: 49 CFR §395.8

Recordkeeping Requirements

  • Driver Qualification Files maintained for all drivers
  • Hours of Service records retained for 6 months
  • Vehicle maintenance records kept for 12 months
  • Annual inspection reports maintained for 14 months
  • Accident register maintained for 3 years
  • Drug and alcohol testing records properly secured
  • Hazardous materials shipping papers (if applicable)
  • ELD user manual and instruction sheet onboard

Regulatory References

DQ Files: 49 CFR §391.51

Maintenance Records: 49 CFR §396.3(c)

Accident Register: 49 CFR §390.15

Permit Requirements

  • USDOT Number properly displayed on vehicle
  • Motor Carrier (MC) Number documentation (if applicable)
  • Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) current
  • International Registration Plan (IRP) credentials
  • International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) license
  • Oversize/Overweight permits (if applicable)
  • State-specific permits as required
  • Hazardous materials permits (if applicable)

Regulatory References

USDOT Number: 49 CFR §390.21

Operating Authority: 49 CFR §365

UCR: 49 USC §14504a

Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Ensure all required inspections are performed and documented according to regulations.

Pre-Trip Inspection

  • Driver performs daily pre-trip inspection
  • Service brakes, including trailer brake connections
  • Parking brake system functionality
  • Steering mechanism operation
  • Lighting devices and reflectors
  • Tires, wheels, and rims
  • Horn functionality
  • Windshield wipers and mirrors
  • Emergency equipment (fire extinguisher, reflective triangles)
  • Cargo securement devices

Regulatory References

Pre-Trip Inspection: 49 CFR §396.13

Required Components: 49 CFR §392.7, §393

Driver Vehicle Inspection Report

  • Post-trip DVIR completed daily
  • DVIR includes date, vehicle ID, and defects (if any)
  • Driver certification of inspection completion
  • Mechanic certification of repairs (if defects noted)
  • Driver review of previous DVIR before operation
  • DVIR retention for at least 3 months
  • Electronic DVIR system compliant with regulations
  • Blank DVIR forms available for driver use

Regulatory References

DVIR Requirements: 49 CFR §396.11, §396.13

Electronic Records: 49 CFR §390.32

Annual Inspection

  • Annual inspection performed by qualified inspector
  • Inspection sticker/form displayed on vehicle
  • Inspection report containing required information
  • Inspector qualifications documented
  • Inspection covers all required components
  • Equivalent state inspection program acceptable
  • Periodic inspection performed within last 12 months
  • Records maintained at principal place of business

Regulatory References

Annual Inspection: 49 CFR §396.17-23

Inspector Qualifications: 49 CFR §396.19

Roadside Inspection Readiness

  • Previous roadside inspection reports maintained on vehicle
  • Documented repair of violations from previous inspections
  • CVSA decal properly displayed (if applicable)
  • Driver familiar with roadside inspection procedures
  • Required documentation readily accessible
  • Vehicle meets Out-of-Service Criteria standards
  • Critical safety systems maintained in good working order
  • Driver understands rights during inspection process

Regulatory References

Roadside Inspections: 49 CFR §396.9

Out-of-Service Criteria: CVSA North American Standard

Hours of Service Compliance

Ensure drivers comply with hours of service regulations and properly document duty status.

Electronic Logging Device

  • ELD registered with FMCSA
  • ELD properly connected to engine control module
  • ELD automatically records driving time
  • Driver trained on proper ELD use
  • ELD user manual and instruction sheet onboard
  • Blank paper logs available for ELD malfunctions
  • ELD displays required information
  • Data transfer capability functional

Regulatory References

ELD Requirements: 49 CFR §395.20-38

ELD Technical Specifications: 49 CFR Part 395 Appendix A

Hours of Service Limits

  • 11-hour driving limit compliance
  • 14-hour on-duty limit compliance
  • 10 consecutive hours off-duty before driving
  • 30-minute break after 8 cumulative driving hours
  • 60/70-hour limit compliance (7/8 consecutive days)
  • Sleeper berth provision used correctly (if applicable)
  • Short-haul exception properly documented (if used)
  • Adverse driving conditions exception documented (if used)

Regulatory References

HOS Limits: 49 CFR §395.3

Exceptions: 49 CFR §395.1

Record of Duty Status

  • Driver logs cover previous 7/8 days
  • Logs contain all required information
  • On-duty, off-duty, and driving time accurately recorded
  • Driver certification of logs
  • Supporting documents collected and maintained
  • Shipping documents match log information
  • Log corrections properly annotated
  • Personal Conveyance use properly documented

Regulatory References

RODS Requirements: 49 CFR §395.8

Supporting Documents: 49 CFR §395.11

HOS Recordkeeping

  • ELD data backed up regularly
  • Records maintained for minimum of 6 months
  • Records accessible during audit or inspection
  • Unassigned driving time managed properly
  • ELD malfunctions documented and reported
  • Edited logs contain required annotations
  • Personal data access restricted
  • System prevents tampering or harassment

Regulatory References

Record Retention: 49 CFR §395.8(k)

ELD Malfunctions: 49 CFR §395.34

Common Hours of Service Violations

FMCSA identifies these as the most frequently cited HOS violations during roadside inspections:

  1. Operating beyond 14-hour on-duty window
  2. Driving beyond 11-hour limit
  3. Failure to take required 30-minute break
  4. False logs or improper form and manner
  5. No record of duty status when required

Driver Qualification Requirements

Ensure all drivers meet qualification standards and maintain proper documentation.

Driver Qualification File

  • Driver application for employment
  • Motor vehicle record (MVR) - initial and annual
  • Road test certificate or equivalent
  • Medical examiner's certificate
  • Previous employer inquiries and responses
  • Annual driver certification of violations
  • Annual review of driving record
  • Drug and alcohol testing program documentation

Regulatory References

DQ File Requirements: 49 CFR §391.51

Driver Qualifications: 49 CFR §391.11

Medical Requirements

  • Medical examination by FMCSA-certified examiner
  • Current medical examiner's certificate
  • Medical certificate carried by driver (unless CDL marked "certified")
  • Medical variance documentation (if applicable)
  • Self-certification of type of driving
  • Medical exam renewed before expiration
  • Vision and hearing standards met
  • No disqualifying medical conditions

Regulatory References

Medical Requirements: 49 CFR §391.41-49

Medical Registry: 49 CFR §390.101-115

Drug and Alcohol Testing

  • Pre-employment drug testing
  • Random drug and alcohol testing program
  • Post-accident testing when required
  • Reasonable suspicion testing procedures
  • Return-to-duty and follow-up testing
  • Previous employer drug/alcohol history checks
  • Supervisor training for reasonable suspicion
  • Driver awareness training documented

Regulatory References

Testing Requirements: 49 CFR §382

Testing Procedures: 49 CFR §40

Driver Training Requirements

  • Entry-Level Driver Training (if CDL obtained after 2/7/2022)
  • Hazardous materials training (if applicable)
  • Longer Combination Vehicle (LCV) training (if applicable)
  • Specialized equipment training
  • Defensive driving instruction
  • Hours of Service training
  • Cargo securement training
  • Company policy and procedure orientation

Regulatory References

ELDT Requirements: 49 CFR §380 Subparts F & G

HazMat Training: 49 CFR §172.704

Vehicle Safety Equipment

Ensure all required safety equipment is present, accessible, and in proper working condition.

Emergency Equipment

  • Fire extinguisher - minimum 5 B:C rating
  • Three DOT-approved reflective triangles
  • Spare fuses (if not equipped with circuit breakers)
  • Emergency equipment properly secured and accessible
  • Fire extinguisher properly charged and tagged
  • Warning devices in proper operating condition
  • First aid kit (if company policy requires)
  • Equipment appropriate for cargo carried

Regulatory References

Emergency Equipment: 49 CFR §393.95

Lighting and Reflective Devices

  • Headlights - operational high and low beams
  • Tail lamps - red, visible at 500 feet
  • Stop lamps - red, activated by brake application
  • Turn signals - front and rear
  • Clearance lamps on vehicles 80+ inches wide
  • Side marker lamps and reflectors
  • Conspicuity tape on trailers (if required)
  • All lights operational with no cracks or moisture

Regulatory References

Lighting Requirements: 49 CFR §393.11-33

Conspicuity Systems: 49 CFR §393.13

Brake Systems

  • Service brakes properly adjusted
  • Parking brake operational
  • Brake warning devices functional
  • Air brake system meets requirements
  • Antilock brake systems operational
  • Automatic brake adjusters functional
  • Brake chambers compatible and properly sized
  • Brake drums/rotors within wear limits

Regulatory References

Brake Systems: 49 CFR §393.40-55

ABS Requirements: 49 CFR §393.55

Coupling Devices

  • Fifth wheel properly mounted and lubricated
  • Fifth wheel locking mechanism operational
  • Kingpin not worn beyond specifications
  • Safety chains or cables present and secure
  • Pintle hooks or drawbar eyes within wear limits
  • Trailer connections secure
  • Landing gear operational and undamaged
  • No missing or loose mounting bolts

Regulatory References

Coupling Devices: 49 CFR §393.70-71

Cargo Securement Standards

Ensure all cargo is properly secured according to regulatory standards.

General Cargo Securement

  • Cargo secured to prevent shifting or falling
  • Appropriate securement devices for cargo type
  • Working Load Limit (WLL) adequate for cargo weight
  • Sufficient tie-downs for cargo length
  • Tie-downs in good condition (no damage)
  • Edge protection used where needed
  • Cargo distributed to maintain proper weight distribution
  • Blocking and bracing used appropriately

Regulatory References

Cargo Securement: 49 CFR §393.100-136

Working Load Limits: 49 CFR §393.108

Specialized Cargo Requirements

  • Logs and lumber secured per specific requirements
  • Metal coils secured according to regulations
  • Paper rolls properly secured and braced
  • Concrete pipe secured according to tier height
  • Automobiles and light trucks properly restrained
  • Heavy equipment securement meets standards
  • Flattened or crushed vehicles properly contained
  • Roll-on/roll-off and hook lift containers secured

Regulatory References

Commodity-Specific Requirements: 49 CFR §393.116-136

Securement Device Standards

  • Chains meet NACM standards for grade
  • Synthetic webbing meets manufacturer standards
  • Wire rope and attachments meet strength requirements
  • Ratchet binders and tensioning devices functional
  • Anchor points adequate for forces applied
  • Dunnage and blocking materials sound
  • No damaged or weakened securement devices
  • All devices marked with Working Load Limit

Regulatory References

Securement Systems: 49 CFR §393.104

Performance Criteria: 49 CFR §393.102

Hazardous Materials Requirements

  • HazMat properly classified and described
  • Appropriate shipping papers completed
  • Proper packaging used for material
  • Required markings and labels applied
  • Placards displayed when required
  • Segregation rules followed for mixed loads
  • HazMat secured against movement in all directions
  • Emergency response information accessible

Regulatory References

HazMat Requirements: 49 CFR §171-180

Segregation Table: 49 CFR §177.848

Size and Weight Regulations

Ensure compliance with federal and state size and weight limitations.

Federal Weight Limits

  • Gross vehicle weight limit - 80,000 lbs on Interstate
  • Single axle weight limit - 20,000 lbs
  • Tandem axle weight limit - 34,000 lbs
  • Bridge formula calculations compliant
  • Weight distributed to comply with all axle limits
  • Kingpin-to-rear-axle distance appropriate for length
  • Scale tickets maintained as required
  • Overweight permits obtained when necessary

Regulatory References

Federal Weight Limits: 23 CFR §658.17

Bridge Formula: 23 U.S.C. §127

Size Limitations

  • Width limit - 102 inches on Interstate (8.5 feet)
  • Height limitations vary by state (typically 13'6" to 14')
  • Length limits - single vehicle typically 45-65 feet
  • Combination vehicle length limits (typically 65-75 feet)
  • Properly displayed oversize load signs when required
  • Escort vehicles when required by permit
  • Travel time restrictions for oversize loads
  • Route surveys completed for oversize/overheight loads

Regulatory References

Federal Size Standards: 23 CFR §658.13, §658.15

Specialized Equipment: 23 CFR §658.13(e)

Permits and Routing

  • Oversize/overweight permits current and valid
  • Permit displayed or accessible in vehicle
  • Operating within permit restrictions
  • Route specified in permit followed exactly
  • Time restrictions observed
  • Weather restrictions observed
  • Holiday travel restrictions followed
  • Bridge and structure clearances verified

Regulatory References

State Permitting: Varies by state

FHWA Guidance: 23 CFR §658

Equipment Requirements

  • Properly functioning scales for weight verification
  • Weight distribution adjusted as needed
  • Adjustable axles properly deployed
  • Warning flags on overwidth loads
  • Warning lights when required
  • Oversize load banners of proper dimensions
  • Height measuring devices for overheight loads
  • Communication equipment for pilot/escort vehicles

Regulatory References

Safety Requirements: Varies by state

CVSA Guidelines: Out-of-Service Criteria

CSA Compliance and Safety Management

Maintain favorable Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores by implementing effective safety management practices.

BASIC Categories Monitoring

  • Unsafe Driving violations minimized
  • Hours of Service Compliance maintained
  • Driver Fitness requirements met
  • Controlled Substances/Alcohol violations prevented
  • Vehicle Maintenance standards upheld
  • Hazardous Materials Compliance (if applicable)
  • Crash Indicator monitoring and prevention
  • Regular review of CSA scores and data

Regulatory References

CSA Program: 49 CFR §385.3

Safety Rating: 49 CFR §385.5

Safety Management Controls

  • Written safety policies and procedures
  • Regular safety meetings and training
  • Driver performance monitoring system
  • Vehicle inspection and maintenance program
  • Accident register and investigation procedures
  • Corrective action procedures
  • Documentation of safety activities
  • Management commitment to safety culture

Regulatory References

Safety Management Controls: 49 CFR §385.5

Safety Fitness: 49 CFR §385.7

DataQs and Violation Challenges

  • Regular monitoring of inspection reports
  • Review of roadside inspection data for accuracy
  • Timely submission of DataQs challenges when warranted
  • Documentation supporting challenges maintained
  • Follow-up on DataQs determinations
  • Analysis of frequent violations for prevention
  • Driver education on common violations
  • Tracking of successful challenge resolutions

Regulatory References

Data Correction: 49 CFR §385.15, §385.17

Audit Preparedness

  • Mock DOT audits conducted periodically
  • Required documentation organized and accessible
  • Record retention policies established and followed
  • Staff trained on audit procedures
  • Previous audit findings addressed
  • Compliance review checklist maintained
  • Electronic records properly backed up
  • Contact information for compliance assistance

Regulatory References

Compliance Reviews: 49 CFR §385.9

Safety Ratings: 49 CFR §385.11