Fuel for Thought

Why was July 22, 2016 significant?

Why was July 22, 2016 significant? For many it was just another hot day in the summer of 2016. For commercial vehicle drivers it has more significance.

Please be aware that Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued an amendment in CVSA level 1 and level 5 inspections. As of July 22, 2016, FMCSA is no longer allowing a clean roadside inspection to satisfy required federal periodic inspections. All federal inspections must now be completed at an approved site.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This regulatory guidance is effective July 22, 2016.

Question: Can a violation-free Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Level I or Level 5 inspection be used to satisfy the periodic inspection requirements of § 396.17?

Guidance: No, a CVSA Level I or Level 5 inspection is not equivalent to the Federal periodic inspection requirements.

A final rule issued by FMCSA, amends 49 CFR 396.17(f) and removes 49 CFR 396.23(a) to eliminate the option for a motor carrier to meet the periodic inspection requirements through roadside inspections.

What does this mean for you the driver?

You will still need to have annual inspections (federal requirement) or more frequent ( if your carrier requires) but a D.O.T. roadside inspection will no longer suffice.

While a clean roadside inspection will not be valid for meeting federal inspection requirements, they will still count toward CSA points for you and your carrier. Now instead of getting a clean roadside inspection to satisfy requirements, you must make the time to get to an approved inspection shop and pay for an inspection, if your carrier does not pick up the cost. As many drivers are already aware, inspections from a shop can affect your bottom line. Not just in cost of inspection, but also time. Scheduling an inspection can help save your time, but many shops are FCFS (first come first serve), do not take appointments or have a back log of work ahead of you.

Plan accordingly as your inspection deadlines approach.

This does not mean roadside D.O.T. inspections are a thing of the past. As a CMV driver, you will still be subject to random D.O.T. inspections, only now they will no longer satisfy federal requirements for annual inspections.

See you down the road,

Greg

 

The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.

- Ronald Reagan