FMCSA Annual Inspection

ByBrian R
FMCSA ANNUAL INSPECTION — THE TWELVE REQUIRED AREAS

The annual is where deferred maintenance turns into a failed inspection. Work the twelve required areas in order and see which ones are still outstanding before the inspector arrives.

Annual FMCSA Vehicle Inspection Checklist — Don’t Miss a Line Item

FMCSA annual inspection covers 17 systems. A single failed item puts a commercial vehicle out of service. Work through every one.

Step through the full FMCSA Part 396 annual inspection checklist. Each item references the specific regulation it corresponds to.

Operating a commercial vehicle without a current annual inspection is a federal violation. Out-of-service orders are issued on the spot for missing or failed inspections.

Commercial vehicle operators, fleet safety managers, and DOT compliance officers.

  • FMCSA 49 CFR Part 396 — annual inspection requirements
  • DOT inspection criteria
CHECKLIST
00 // JURISDICTION
0 / 12 COMPLETE
Brake system — all brakes functioning within specified limits
Slack adjuster travel, lining thickness, brake chamber condition
FMCSA §393.40-55
Steering system — play within limits, no loose or worn components
Max 10° play in wheel before steering box moves
FMCSA §393.209
Lighting — all lights operational and meeting photometric requirements
Headlights, taillights, brake lights, clearance lights, hazards
FMCSA §393.9
Tires — tread depth, inflation, sidewall condition
Steer axle: 4/32″ min; drive/trailer: 2/32″ min
FMCSA §393.75
Wheels and rims — no cracks, missing lug nuts, or damaged rims
Check all lug nut positions and torque
FMCSA §393.205
Frame and body — no cracks, bends, or loose connections
Inspect frame rails, crossmembers, and body mounts
FMCSA §393.201-203
Fifth wheel — jaws engage properly, no excessive wear or damage
Test tug test with loaded trailer
FMCSA §393.71
Fuel system — no leaks, proper cap, lines secured
Check fuel tank mountings and connections
FMCSA §393.65
Exhaust system — no leaks into cab or cargo area
Inspect manifold, pipes, and connections
FMCSA §393.83
Windshield and mirrors — clear, no cracks in critical areas
No cracks in driver’s primary viewing area (A-zone)
FMCSA §393.60
Emergency equipment — fire extinguisher, triangles present and in spec
Extinguisher must be 5 B:C minimum and not expired
FMCSA §393.95
Cargo securement equipment on board and rated properly
Tie-downs, chains, binders must all be rated and undamaged
FMCSA §393.100
RESULT
STANDBY
0%
⚖ LAW REFERENCE
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