DOT Inspection Checklists for Texas & Oklahoma: How to Pass on Every Stop

Inspections are a constant part of moving trucks through Texas and Oklahoma, whether you’re managing one of them or hundreds. Inspection readiness is a key part of predicting your costs and preventing slowdowns and stoppages, but to do that, you need knowledge.

In this short guide, you’ll learn about Department of Transportation requirements and what to expect when your truck is inspected. You’ll find several checklists of parts and driver documents inspectors will check.

DOT Inspection Requirements and Regulations

An annual inspection is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

To comply with federal inspection requirements, every commercial vehicle with a GVWR over 10,001 lbs must pass this annual inspection. A motor carrier must not use a commercial motor vehicle unless each component covered by the law has passed an inspection at least once during the preceding 12 months, and documentation of such inspection is on the vehicle.

The inspection involves both the driver and the vehicle and takes place in two parts.

Driver Inspection

To pass the driver inspection, you’ll have to know everything you’re supposed to know about your cargo and trip. You’ll also need to present proof that you are licensed and qualified to transport any cargo you’re carrying. In order, you’ll need to:

• Complete a driver interview (starting location, final destination, load description, time traveled, most recent stop, fueling location, etc.)
• Present all applicable documents, including CDL and Shipping Papers
• Confirm the presence of Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods
• Identify your carrier
• Turn over your driver’s license for scrutiny
• Present Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate (If Applicable)
• Verify Record of Duty Status
• Present Driver’s Daily Inspection Report (If Applicable)
• Present any applicable Periodic Inspection Report(s)

Vehicle Inspection

Your inspector will need to check all of the following areas to complete the vehicle inspection. In short, the inspector will need to confirm that each section is free of damage and that any safety gear is working and unobstructed.

• Front of Tractor
• Left Front Side of Tractor
• Left Saddle Tank Area
• Trailer Front
• Left Rear Tractor Area
• Left Side of Trailer
• Left Rear Trailer Wheels
• Rear of Trailer
• Double, Triple and Full Trailers
• Right Rear Trailer Wheels
• Right Side of Trailer
• Right Rear Tractor Area
• Right Saddle Tank Area
• Right Front Side of Tractor
• Steering Axle(s)
• Axle(s) 2 and/or 3 (Under Carriage of CMV)
• Axle(s) 4 and/or 5
• Brake Adjustment
• Tractor Protection System (this procedure tests both the tractor protection system and the emergency brakes)
• Required Brake System Warning Devices
• Air Loss Rate
• Steering Wheel Lash
• Fifth Wheel Movement

To learn more about all of the systems that will be evaluated during each part of the inspection, check out the official North American Standard Inspection Procedures here.

Remember: A copy of the most recent annual inspection report must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Failing to produce a current annual inspection report during a roadside inspection is an immediate violation.

The federal requirements are widely known, but you may have questions about state laws, especially if you haven’t shipped products through Texas or Oklahoma before. Next, you’ll learn what to expect in either one.

Truck DOT Inspection Guidelines for Texas & Oklahoma

Texas and Oklahoma both have local inspection guidelines. Let’s start with Texas. Here, you’ll need to be aware of a standard commercial inspection and an emissions inspection.

Texas

Texas Commercial Inspections

According to Texas DPS, commercial motor vehicles are classified as a vehicle or towed vehicle if the following conditions are true:

• Has a GVWR greater than 26,000 lbs.
• Is a farm vehicle with a GVWR of 48,000 lbs or greater.
• Transports 15 passengers or more.
• Transports hazardous material in amounts that require placards.
• Has a GVWR greater than 10,000 lbs and engages in interstate commerce.
• Is a school bus that will operate at a speed of 60 mph outside of an urban district.

Every commercial motor vehicle will have the following items inspected to confirm they are working and undamaged:

Backup lamps	Insurance	Tail lamps
Coupling devices	Mirrors	Turn signal lamps
Exhaust system	Rear reflector	Window tint
Fuel system	Service brake system	Windshield wipers
Headlamps	Stop lamps	Beam indicator
Emission exhaust system	Frame	Gas cap
Horn	License plate lamp	Parking brake system
Seat belts	Steering system	Suspension
Tires	Wheel assembly	Windshield

Texas Emission Inspection

Vehicles registered in certain Texas counties must pass an emissions inspection. Make sure you check the official list of affected counties. This list is updated often and includes counties that will be affected later, so check back often.

That inspection will cover all of the following areas:

Insurance	Catalytic Converter System
EGR System (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)	Evaporative Emissions Control System
Exhaust System	Gas Cap
Intake System	PCV System (Positive Crankcase Ventilation)

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, the Highway Patrol partners with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and encourages all commercial drivers to become familiar with their website and resources. Inspections are carried out by Troop S, which places patrol officers all over the state.

Troop S is dedicated to Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) enforcement activities, including size and weight activity. They also enforce Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) federal safety regulations in addition to state laws.

All Roadside Inspectors, Safety Auditors, and Compliance Review investigators meet FMCSA and Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance standards and certification requirements. Both the vehicle and the driver will need to pass, so watch for these items that will be inspected.

Contact HOLT Truck Centers to Explore DOT Guidelines for Your Trucks Now

If you remember what you learned above, each inspection should be an easy test to pass. However, keeping every part of every vehicle ready can require help from a reliable maintenance partner.

If you need help making sure your truck or fleet is always ready to pass inspection, HOLT Truck Centers is here to help. We have the services, new and used parts, and trucks to support you, along with helpful, experienced staff and many convenient locations.

We work with businesses large and small, and even operators of single trucks. Contact us today to get answers to any questions or to schedule a consultation to discuss your needs.