What Is the FMCSA Annual Vehicle Inspection Requirement?

Under 49 CFR 396.17, every commercial motor vehicle, including each unit in a combination, must pass a periodic inspection covering the components in Appendix A to Part 396 at least once every 12 months. Documentation must be on the vehicle, the inspector must meet 49 CFR 396.19 qualifications, and the report is kept for 14 months.

Scope (49 CFR 396.17(a)). Every CMV must be inspected, including each vehicle in a combination. For a tractor, semitrailer and full trailer combination, each unit, including a converter dolly, is inspected.

Frequency and proof (396.17(c)). A motor carrier may not use a CMV unless each component in Appendix A to Part 396 has passed an inspection at least once during the preceding 12 months and documentation is on the vehicle. Documentation can be the inspection report or a sticker or decal showing the inspection date, where the report is kept, the vehicle identification if not marked, and a certification that the vehicle passed.

Who may inspect (396.17(d) and (e), 396.19). The carrier may inspect its own vehicles or use a commercial garage, leasing company, truck stop or similar business as its agent. Inspectors must understand the Part 393 and Appendix A criteria, have mastered the methods and tools, and qualify through a federal or state training program or certificate, or at least one year of qualifying training or experience.

State inspections (396.17(f)). Vehicles passing a state or equivalent Canadian or Mexican periodic inspection that meets Appendix A standards are treated as meeting the annual requirement for 12 months from the last day of the month of that inspection.

Records (396.21). The inspector prepares a report identifying the inspector, carrier, date, vehicle, components inspected and results, with a certification. The carrier keeps the report for 14 months where the vehicle is housed or maintained.

The annual inspection is separate from the daily driver inspections under 49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13 and the systematic maintenance records under 49 CFR 396.3.

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