Inspections

Truck and Fleet Vehicle Inspections: Servicing Maryland, Northern Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania

Inspections can last up to an hour, depending on the type of inspection and your vehicle’s condition. If any violations are found in your vehicle, you might not be allowed to operate the vehicle until updates or corrections have been made. Commercial inspections can come anytime, but you can prepare for them. Middleton & Meads is here to help. We will keep your rig running in its best condition, so passing inspections will be a breeze. We complete small and large commercial inspections on heavy-duty vehicles: trucks, buses, and emergency equipment. Give us a call at 410-752-5588 to schedule your next commercial inspection.

DOT Inspections for Commercial Trucks and Buses

DOT (Department of Transportation) inspections are federal-level safety checks for heavy-duty vehicles. DOT inspections have six levels:

• Comprehensive Inspection. Level 1 inspects the entire vehicle and the driver’s credentials and hours of service. The inspection is usually performed at weight stations or on the roadside.
• Walk-Around. Although this inspection is similar to Level 1, it mainly focuses on readily accessible components without examining under the vehicle.
• Driver-Only. Level 3 inspects the driver’s documentation (CDL, logs, medical card, and hours of service compliance) and verifies his or her alcohol and drug use.
• One-time Inspection. A one-time inspection to investigate something specific, like the braking systems, as part of an analysis.
• Vehicle Condition. Level 5 is performed without the driver’s presence. The inspection focuses on vehicle conditions, such as tires, lighting, and brakes.
• Hazardous Materials. This inspection applies to all heavy-duty vehicles transporting hazardous or radioactive materials.
  

  Chassis Inspections

  A chassis inspection for a heavy-duty vehicle is a detailed examination of the vehicle’s frame and supporting components, including the suspension, axles, and mounting points. The inspector identifies any signs of corrosion, cracks, damage, or wear that could compromise the vehicle’s structural integrity and safety. The chassis inspection is usually performed as part of a regular maintenance or DOT inspection routine. The inspector usually examines the following:

  • Bends, distortions, or cracks in the frame rails, particularly around welds and stress points
  • Suspension shocks, arms, and leaf springs for damage, wear, or excessive play
  • Any damage to the axle components
  • The condition of mounting points for the cab, body, and other components attached to the chassis
  • Signs of corrosion or rust on the chassis, especially in areas exposed to moisture
  • Ensure the wheel rims don’t have any cracks or distortion; the inspector also examines the vehicle’s tires for proper inflation, tread depth, and other damage

  Maryland State Inspection – Offsite 

  The state of Maryland requires commercial heavy-duty vehicles to undergo a state inspection before they can be registered. This inspection ensures that the vehicle complies with the safety standards set by the Maryland State Police. Heavy-duty vehicles are inspected for:

  • The proper function and wear of the vehicle’s braking system
  • Headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and other required lights from the electrical system
  • Proper alignment, wear, and safety of the steering and suspension system
  • Makes sure there are leaks or excessive emissions in the exhaust system
  • The tread depth and condition of the vehicle’s tires and wheels
  • The structural integrity of the vehicle’s undercarriage and frame
  • Ensure the safety features – mirrors, seat belts, and windshield wipers – function

  Once your commercial truck or bus passes the Maryland State Inspection, you will receive a certificate and register your vehicle with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

  Call Us to Schedule Your Commercial Inspection!

  Do you need to schedule commercial truck maintenance to ensure your rig complies with DOT inspection standards? Middleton & Meads can help! Call us at 410-752-5588 to schedule your next maintenance pit stop. Or email us at customerservice@middletonmeads.com. We have a reputation for completing commercial state inspections for heavy-duty vehicles within Maryland. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!