🚛 Free DOT Tool · Updated April 2026

DOT Pre-Trip Inspection
Checklist Generator

Interactive 7-point walkaround for Class A, B & C vehicles. OOS violation alerts, air brake leak timer, and instant DVIR generator — all in one workflow. FMCSA 49 CFR Part 396.11 compliant.

49 CFR §396.13 compliant
2026 CSA OOS rules
Class A · B · C
Air brake timer built-in
Digital DVIR generator
Step 1 — Select Vehicle Type
🚛
CLASS A
Tractor-Trailer / Combination
🚚
CLASS B
Straight Truck / Single Unit
🚌
CLASS C
Passenger / Hazmat (<26K lbs)
Step 2 — 7-Point Walkaround
🔧 Engine
🪑 Cab
⬛ Front
🔩 Steering
🛑 Brakes
🔗 Coupling
📦 Trailer
Engine
0/10
Cab
0/15
Front
0/8
Steering
0/9
Brakes
0/12
Coupling
0/9
Trailer
0/11
Overall Progress0% — 0/74
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Engine Compartment
Stop 1 of 7 · Open hood and inspect all fluids, belts, hoses
0/10▲
⚠️ Pro Tip: Build air pressure to at least 100 PSI before leaving the engine compartment. You will test air loss in the Brakes section.
Fluids & Levels
Engine oil level at or above MIN mark§393.83
Check dipstick. Low oil = engine damage risk.
Coolant level in overflow reservoir§393.83
Check cold. Low coolant = overheating risk.
Power steering fluid level in safe range
Low PSF = heavy steering.
Windshield washer fluid adequate
Especially critical in winter/construction zones.
Battery terminals tight, no corrosion
Loose terminals can cause electrical failures.
Belts, Hoses & Leaks
No visible fuel or oil leaks under vehicle🚫 OOS§393.67
Check ground under engine bay. Any drip = inspect further.
No coolant leaks from hoses or radiator
Dripping coolant is a breakdown waiting to happen.
All belts in good condition (no cracks/fraying)§393.83
Serpentine, alternator, AC belts.
Exhaust system intact, no leaks into cab🚫 OOS§393.83
CO leak into cab is an OOS violation and life safety issue.
Air compressor hoses secure and uncracked
Supplies air to brakes. Critical for air brake systems.
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Digital DVIR Generator
Driver Vehicle Inspection Report — FMCSA 49 CFR §396.11 · Accepted electronically
Required by Law▼

What Is a DOT Pre-Trip Inspection? FMCSA 49 CFR §396.13 Explained

Under 49 CFR §396.13, every commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver operating in interstate commerce must inspect, or cause to be inspected, the vehicle before driving. This is a federal mandate with civil penalties up to $16,000 per violation.

Under 49 CFR §396.11, if any defects are found, the driver must document them on a DVIR, and the carrier must certify that defects were corrected before the vehicle returns to service. Under the 2026 FMCSA CSA overhaul, vehicle maintenance violations now carry elevated Severity Weights in the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC.

2026 CSA Overhaul: OOS Violations That Carry Higher Severity Weights

DefectOOS ThresholdCFR Citation2026 Severity
Front tire tread depthBelow 4/32″§393.75(a)HIGH
Air brake pressure loss>3 PSI/min (single), >4 PSI/min (combo)§393.55HIGH
Inoperative headlightsAny non-functional headlight§393.22HIGH
Brake adjustment out of specStroke exceeds max per brake size§393.47HIGH
Steering wheel lash>2″ (power) / >4.5″ (manual) play§393.209HIGH
Cracked / broken fifth wheelAny crack or missing fasteners§393.70HIGH
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Pre-Trip Inspection — Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a pre-trip inspection take?+
What are instant OOS violations on a pre-trip inspection?+
What is the air brake leak test procedure?+
Is a pre-trip inspection required by FMCSA?+
What is the difference between Class A, B, and C pre-trip inspections?+
What is a DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report)?+
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About This Pre-Trip Inspection Tool

Built by TruckComplianceHQ, a DOT compliance software company. All inspection items are based on 49 CFR Parts 393 and 396 and CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, updated to reflect 2026 CSA overhaul Severity Weight changes. This tool is for informational guidance — for official OOS criteria, consult the CVSA directly.

Last updated: April 2026 · Author: TruckComplianceHQ Compliance Team

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