Annual Inspection Question

LOL. I don't think it works that way for most. Don't be cheap, go get it inspected.

 

ITs a visual inspection. Depends on shop how long it takes. The shop I use takes about 2 hours. Nothing is removed they just look everything over good. On the road shop 1/2 to 1 hour.
I usually have mine done in the winter because that is when I have the local shop do my oil changes and they do the inspection at the same time. Saves me money and them time.

 

I think a trained mechanic could get it done in a couple of hours easily. Not sure if you can do it yourself, as some sort of training would be needed to be classified as a mechanic.

 

I would think most Owners that work on their equipment qualify to do their own inspections.

Part 396
INSPECTION, REPAIR, AND MAINTENANCE
< 395 | 397 >

• Section
• Guidance

§ 396.19: Inspector qualifications.
(a) Motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers must ensure that individuals performing annual inspections under § 396.17(d) or (e) are qualified as follows:

(1) Understand the inspection criteria set forth in part 393 and appendix G of this subchapter and can identify defective components;

(2) Are knowledgeable of and have mastered the methods, procedures, tools and equipment used when performing an inspection; and

(3) Are capable of performing an inspection by reason of experience, training, or both as follows:

(i) Successfully completed a Federal-or State-sponsored training program or have a certificate from a State or Canadian Province that qualifies the individuals to perform commercial motor vehicle safety inspections, or

(ii) Have a combination of training or experience totaling at least 1 year. Such training or experience may consist of:

(A) Participation in a commercial motor vehicle manufacturer-sponsored training program or similar commercial training program designed to train students in commercial motor vehicle operation and maintenance;

(B) Experience as a mechanic or inspector in a motor carrier or intermodal equipment maintenance program;

(C) Experience as a mechanic or inspector in commercial motor vehicle maintenance at a commercial garage, fleet leasing company, or similar facility; or

(D) Experience as a commercial motor vehicle inspector for a State, Provincial or Federal government.

(b) Motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers must retain evidence of that individual's qualifications under this section. They must retain this evidence for the period during which that individual is performing annual motor vehicle inspections for the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider, and for one year thereafter. However, motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers do not have to maintain documentation of inspector qualifications for those inspections performed either as part of a State periodic inspection program or at the roadside as part of a random roadside inspection program.



Citation: [73 FR 76825, Dec. 17, 2008]

Disclaimer:
Although we make every effort to assure that the information we provide is complete and accurate, it is not intended to take the place of published agency regulations. Regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations are published in the Federal Register and compiled in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Copies of appropriate volumes of the CFR in book format may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, or examined at many libraries.

The CFR may also be viewed online at http://ECFR.gpoaccess.gov.

• Facts

 

@double yellow

 

I normally charged an hour and took about an hour pass or fail. Ragimuffins always take longer but may get some work out of the deal. Some times I have done a walk around and said I am not wasting my time or your money.
I also thank states enforce their own laws on top of what exetra pointed out. Years ago, two different companies pulled me out on the carpet. One head quartered in California, and the other in Alabama.
First my inspector number is not a valid number for a certified DOT inspector. I explained that some major companies I had worked for had employees use the last four or their social for identification and and that is what I use. That was not acceptable to them even after I explained that where I live, in the state of confusion, we are required to have two years verifiable experience and a $100,000 liability insurance policy.
Second was that no one can do any work for us unless they are qualified to adjust air brakes. I sent a maintenance certificate form one leasing company, then another, Nashville Auto Diesel College, Rockwell International and Mack courses that were both five day courses. This was not acceptable.
The first one checked it out and found I was in compliance. The second I sent a free stake dinner certificate. That is one I received after eating a free stake diner from an independent parts dealer and listening to a speaker from a major brake parts manufacture for two hours. He was good but most importantly I received an unexpected certificate in the mail. Now I am a certified air brake inspector and I was in!
I suppose you can still buy the paper work at a truck stop and fill it out yourself the same as they can. Here in confusion the inspection is only valid if it is in the name of the owner or the company leased on to and you will have to have it redone anyway. Unless they sent it out to a different dealer or some thing I do not consider
it worth much. That is all to the best of my understanding and dated.

 

I would not give any more value to a truck with current inspection. If it was an honest, thorough inspection, then it would be worth something... Often, a sticker is slapped on when it should not have been.

As far as doing your own annual inspection... at least in minnesota, you need to be certified by the state, which involves spending time in a classroom with a cvi instructor, and taking a test. Not hardly worth it, unless you own more than a couple of trucks.