DOT Annual Inspection Sticker Requirements: What Fleets Need to Know
DOT annual inspection stickers aren’t federally required—but proof of a periodic inspection is. If you’ve ever been told to “get your DOT annual sticker,” here’s the truth: there are no DOT annual inspection requirements or regulations that say you must display a sticker. What the federal regulation (49 CFR §396.17) actually requires is that every…
Your 15-Minute DOT Pre Trip Inspection Guide
A proper DOT pre trip inspection is more than just a regulatory hurdle. It’s the 15-minute investment you make each day to protect your safety, your equipment, and your career. Think of it as your first and best defense against preventable breakdowns, costly roadside violations, and serious accidents. Why Your Daily Inspection Is Not the…
Top 10 DOT Audit Violations of 2025
The FMCSA’s 2025 audit findings highlight persistent DOT violations linked to inadequate hiring, oversight, and compliance practices. Key violations include failures in pre-employment queries, maintenance tracking, and records management. Implementing structured systems and training can mitigate these issues, fostering a culture of compliance and reducing audit risks in trucking operations.
Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Rates: 2025
The FMCSA has announced that the random drug testing rate will remain at 50% and alcohol testing at 10% for 2025, unchanged since 2020 due to previous increases in failed tests. Employers must conduct required tests on “safety sensitive employees,” ensuring compliance with regulations while maintaining fleet safety.
DOT Recordable Accident: Ultimate Guide
A DOT recordable accident is any crash involving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that meets the FMCSA’s carrier safety regulations criteria for reporting. This includes crashes that involve: As a trucking company owner, staying on top of DOT regulations is essential to your business’s compliance and safety success. One of the key areas regulated by…
Personal Conveyance: Ultimate Guide
FMCSA personal conveyance guidelines can be complex, leading to confusion and potential violations. Our comprehensive guide simplifies the rules, helping drivers and companies navigate regulations, avoid costly fines, and maintain compliance, ensuring smooth operations and preventing service disruptions.
Find Your DOT PIN in 5 Minutes
Where Can I Find My Dot Pin Number? This is a question that many of our clients ask! When you complete your registration for your US DOT authority, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sends you a letter with your DOT PIN on it. If you’re like me, any snail mail that comes to…
DOT Audit Checklist
A DOT Audit Checklist will help you prepare for an upcoming DOT audit. If you don’t have a DOT audit coming up, then using one will help make sure that you’re “audit ready”! A DOT (Department of Transportation) audit—also known as a compliance review—is an in-depth evaluation of your trucking company safety program and regulatory…
What is a DVER?
A Driver/Vehicle Examination Report (DVER) is issued after a roadside DOT inspection, summarizing violations and compliance issues. Drivers must promptly deliver the DVER to their carrier, who must then address violations and return a signed copy within 15 days. Effective DVER management is vital for maintaining compliance and safety.
What is the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a database that provides information about whether a commercial driver has any DOT drug and alcohol program violations. These are typically failed DOT drug tests. Post Updated: All trucking companies must request (and receive) this violation information from the DOT clearinghouse before a driver can operate a truck or bus for…
2022 International Roadcheck Focus: Wheel Ends
The 2022 International Roadcheck event will be held this year on May 17-19 with a focus on wheel ends. During this 72 hour DOT inspection blitz, commercial vehicle enforcement officers from all over North America will likely inspect over 40,000 commercial trucks and buses. Preparing for CVSA Roadcheck in advance should make it a “non-event”…
CSA Points Value Guide
CSA points are assessed for DOT violations that a truck driver receives during a roadside inspection. Use this guide to learn more about CSA points and find the point values associated with each violation. Each time a trucker is pulled over and inspected by a law enforcement officer, they run the risk of receiving violations…
What is a CVSA Sticker?
A CVSA sticker is issued to a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) after that vehicle successfully “passes” a Level 1 DOT inspection or Level 5 Inspection. To pass an inspection, the truck, bus, trailer, car etc. must have no “critical violations” discovered according to the North American Standard Out-of-Service criteria. What does a CVSA Sticker Mean?…
DQF Management: How to Stay DOT Compliant Year-Round
A DQF (Driver Qualification File) is more than a hiring formality—it’s your fleet’s first line of defense in audits, claims, and insurance reviews. Learn what every DQF must include, how to stay compliant, and how a strong driver qualification process protects your safety scores and bottom line.
How To Prepare for a DOT Audit
Prepare for a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) audit with our step-by-step guide. Learn how to gather critical driver records, maintenance logs, and compliance documentation — plus audit day tips to stay calm and confident. Your complete DOT-audit prep resource is just a click away.
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