DOT INSPECTIONS

Schmos Services provides DOT inspections for your trucks and trailers. Quick Turnaround times and thorough service. Call us today for details and set an appointment.

If your vehicle requires an annual DOT inspection, it must be conducted by an inspector who has completed the Mandatory Inspection Program and is certified by the commissioner. Eligible inspectors include:

  • MNDOT and Public Safety employees trained by the State Patrol
  • The vehicle owner or their employees
  • Licensed dealers of commercial motor vehicles
  • Technicians specializing in the repair & maintenance of commercial motor vehicles
A green Minnesota state patrol sticker for 2022.

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The annual inspection serves as a thorough evaluation of your vehicle’s safe operation, allowing you to address any defects. An itemized pass or fail report will be issued, which the owner must retain for up to fourteen months. Key components of the inspection include:

Time in/out, date, and name of the inspector

Vehicle-specific details such as USDOT number, odometer reading, and VIN

Pass/fail grading for major vehicle components, including:

  • Brake system (e.g., hoses, parking brake, rotors and drums)
  • Coupling devices (e.g., 5th wheel, locking devices, saddle mounts)
  • Fuel system (e.g., visible leaks, fuel cap, tank condition)
  • Wheels and rims (e.g., locks and slide rings, lug nuts, welds)

In addition to the annual inspection and certification, operators of commercial vehicles may face periodic roadside inspections at weigh stations and other locations to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Failing these inspections can lead to penalties, including license revocations and civil or criminal consequences.

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