Guides
Sprinter DOT Inspection Checklist
Know exactly what DOT inspectors check for your vehicle type. Cargo van drivers: you may be exempt from most inspections. Box truck operators: here's your complete prep checklist.
Equipment Type
You're subject to DOT inspections but exempt from CDL, IFTA, and IRP.
Sprinters over 10,001 lbs GVWR require DOT inspections and a medical card. No CDL required (under 26K lbs). No IFTA fuel tax or IRP registration (under 26K lbs). ELD may still be required unless you qualify for the short-haul exemption (150 air-mile radius, return within 14 hours) or the 8-in-30 day paper log rule.
Document Checklist
Progress is saved on this device.
Pre-Trip Inspection Routine
- 1
Approach
Walk toward the vehicle. Check for leaks under the vehicle (oil, coolant, fuel). Note overall condition.
- 2
Engine Compartment
Check fluid levels (oil, coolant, power steering, washer). Inspect belts and hoses for wear or cracks.
- 3
Front of Vehicle
Headlights (high and low beam), turn signals, windshield condition, wiper blades, license plate and light.
- 4
Driver Side
Mirror condition and adjustment, door operation, fuel tank (cap secure, no leaks), tires (tread depth, inflation, lug nuts, sidewall condition).
- 5
Rear of Vehicle
Taillights, brake lights, turn signals, reflectors, reflective tape, cargo door operation, load securement.
- 6
Passenger Side
Mirror condition, tires, exhaust system (no leaks, properly mounted).
- 7
Cab Interior
All gauges operational, steering wheel play (no more than 2" free play), horn, seatbelt, emergency equipment (fire extinguisher, reflective triangles).
Common Violations & Fix-It Guide
| Violation | Severity | OOS? | How to Prevent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake adjustment / components | High | Yes | Pre-trip: check brake stroke, listen for air leaks. Adjustment out of spec is the #1 OOS violation. |
| Tire tread depth / condition | High | Yes | Minimum 4/32" on steer tires, 2/32" on drive tires. Check sidewalls for cuts, bulges, exposed cord. |
| Lighting / reflectors | High | Sometimes | 28% of all roadside violations (CVSA 2024). Walk-around check: all headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, marker lights, reflectors. Replace burned bulbs immediately. |
| Hours of Service violation | Medium | Yes | Keep ELD logs current. Don't drive past the 11-hour driving limit or 14-hour on-duty window. |
| Expired medical card | Medium | Yes | Set a calendar reminder 60 days before expiration. Renewal takes 1–2 weeks. |
| No annual vehicle inspection | Medium | Yes | Schedule annually. Keep the inspection report in the vehicle at all times. |
| Windshield / wipers | Low | Sometimes | Replace cracked windshield (cracks in driver's field of vision = OOS). Check wiper blades monthly. |
| Leaking fluids | Medium | Sometimes | Check under vehicle before departure. Oil, coolant, or fuel leaks can result in OOS. |
OOS = Out of Service — the inspector can park your truck until the issue is fixed. You cannot drive until repairs are made.
The most thorough inspection. Inspector checks driver credentials AND performs a complete vehicle mechanical exam (including crawling under the vehicle).
What's checked
- Driver's license and endorsements
- Medical card (DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate)
- Hours of Service logs (ELD or paper)
- Vehicle registration and insurance
- Brake system (adjustment, components, air leaks)
- Steering and suspension
- Frame and body
- Tires and wheels (tread depth, inflation, lug nuts)
- Exhaust system
- Lighting and reflectors
- Coupling devices (if tractor-trailer)
- Fuel system
- Windshield and wipers
Frequency: Level I + Level II account for 90%+ of all inspections combined. Level I is the most thorough — takes 30–60 minutes.
Driver credentials check plus exterior vehicle walk-around. Inspector does NOT crawl under the vehicle.
What's checked
- Everything in driver credential check (license, medical card, HOS)
- Exterior walk-around: tires, lights, leaks, body damage, load securement
- No under-vehicle inspection
Frequency: Most common single inspection type. Takes 15–30 minutes.
Driver credentials only. No vehicle inspection.
What's checked
- License class and endorsements
- Medical card validity
- HOS compliance (ELD or paper logs)
- Drug and alcohol testing (if selected for random)
- Seatbelt use
Frequency: Less common than Level I/II. Quick — 10–15 minutes.
One-time examination of a specific item (e.g., a recall check or specific safety concern).
Frequency: Rare. Usually targeted.
Vehicle mechanical inspection without the driver present (e.g., parked truck at a facility).
Frequency: Rare.
Enhanced inspection for vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Includes radiological checks for certain materials.
Frequency: Only for hazmat carriers. Not applicable to most expedited carriers.
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DOT Inspection Prep by Equipment
Select your equipment type to see a tailored checklist with only the requirements that apply to your vehicle class.
Mostly Exempt
Under 10,001 lbs GVWR — exempt from most federal DOT requirements.
Partial Compliance
10,001–26,000 lbs GVWR — subject to DOT inspections but exempt from CDL, IFTA, and IRP.
Full Compliance
Full DOT scope applies. Box trucks avoid CDL; semis require everything.
These tools are provided for informational purposes and should not be treated as legal, tax, or financial advice.