DOT Inspection

DOT inspections are crucial for professional drivers for legal, safety, and cost reasons. If you’re inspected on the road by a DOT officer and fail, you and your employer can be subject to penalties and fines. This can be costly on its own – it can also increase insurance rates, lower your CSA score, and damage your and your employer’s reputations. In worst case scenarios where the violation is extremely serious or resulted in an accident, there is even a possibility of jail time, legal action, and/or license suspension.

Staying up-to-date on your DOT Inspection is the best way to protect yourself, your employer, and others on the road. Vehicles with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) over 10,001 lbs must be inspected every 12 months. Fast and fully compliant DOT inspections are available at M&L Truck Service in Federalsburg, Maryland as soon as tomorrow.

Request Your DOT Inspection Appointment

What happens if my truck fails a DOT inspection?

According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, if a commercial vehicle is placed out of service due to a failed inspection, the average lost revenue can be up to $850 or even more. This does not include the amounts for fines and emergency repairs mandated by the inspection. 

More serious consequences can occur if violations are frequent or severe. At M&L Truck Service, we understand that these types of issues are the last thing you want to spend your time and money on. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive checklist for drivers to refer to.

Image of DOT inspection checklist on a clipboard, being filled out by a man in coveralls standing next to a cabover truck in the raised position.
image of ml heavy duty repair shop
image of state inspections
image of mechanic under truck cab
image of truck owner operator
Image of a semi-truck with an open engine compartment, with a service technician in the background at a heavy-duty truck shop.

What Does a DOT Inspection Include?

Checklist of Components and Systems DOT Inspections Include:

Brake System

Coupling Devices

Exhaust System

Fuel System

Lighting Devices

Safe Loading

Steering Mechanism

Suspension

Frame

Tires

Wheels and Rims

Windshield Glazing

Windshield Wipers

Motorcoach Seats

Rear Impact Guard

Other

image of maryland dot inspection near me

What Does a DOT Trailer Inspection Include?

Here’s the list of what gets checked during a DOT trailer inspection:

  • Trailer hitches
  • Coupling chains & pin
  • Trailer doors
  • Brakes & brake connections
  • Fenders
  • Trailer lights
  • Trailer roof
  • Trailer suspension system & springs
  • Electrical system
  • Rear metal frame
  • Trailer tires & wheels

Our team of trained technicians all have DOT trailer inspection certifications to ensure that your trailer is up to safety standards. Our technicians are skilled in checking each part of your truck and trailer, so no detail goes unnoticed!

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR DOT INSPECTION APPOINTMENT

Click Button to Call or Dial 410-754-5531

DOT Inspection FAQs

M&L Truck Service offers as soon as next-day, affordable, and Maryland DOT-compliant inspections right here in Federalsburg, Maryland. We are a convenient distance from many towns on Delmarva, including Hurlock, Cambridge, Denton, Easton, Salisbury, Harrington, Dover, Georgetown, and Ocean City.

We inspect the brake system, coupling devices, exhaust system, fuel system, lighting devices, safe loading, steering mechanism, suspension, frame, tires, wheels and rims, windshield glazing, windshield wipers, motorcoach seats, rear impact guard, and any other conditions which may prevent safe operation of the vehicle.

There is a difference between a Maryland DOT inspection for an individual, private, light-duty vehicle and a commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,001 lbs and/or transporting passengers or hazardous materials. The former (private use, light-duty) is only required upon initial purchase or transfer of vehicle ownership, and focuses only on the vehicle itself. The latter (commercial use, medium- and heavy-duty) is required to be done annually, and includes the condition of the vehicle as well as driver qualifications and vehicle documentation.

M&L Truck Service employs four Maryland MVA certified mechanics who can complete inspections for vehicle classes A, B, C, and T, and includes electronic submission directly into the Maryland Safety Inspection System. We have more highly qualified inspectors than the average shop to help support our customers’ needs, even if a mechanic is sick or on vacation.

Delaware DMV regulations call for the standard annual FMCSA (federal) inspections, and biennial emissions testing at one of four inspection and testing locations. Our team can help you navigate what inspections you need, and what to address before you go to make sure you pass.

As of January of 2023, for vehicles ranging in weight from 8,501 to 14,000 pounds, the specific emissions testing requirements depend on the year model. For 2008 models and later, OBD testing is required, in addition to standard emissions tests. For vehicle model years 1968 through 1995, a curb idle tailpipe test is required. Vehicle model years 1975 through 1995 will also be required to complete a gas cap integrity test.

M&L Truck Service can normally fit you in for a DOT inspection by the next business day. To complete the inspection takes about an hour, on average. Vehicles with 3 or more axles will generally take longer to inspect than standard 2-axle vehicles.

A DOT inspection at M&L Truck Service costs $99, not including any repairs.