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Annual DOT Fleet Inspections — 49 CFR §396.17

Keep your commercial vehicles safe, documented, and ready for the road with annual DOT inspections from Patriot Veteran Auto.

What Is 49 CFR §396.17?

49 CFR §396.17 is the federal regulation establishing periodic inspection requirements for qualifying commercial motor vehicles. A covered vehicle must pass a complete inspection at least once during the preceding 12 months before a motor carrier may operate it.

The regulation is administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and is part of the federal standards governing commercial vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance.

Which Vehicles May Require an Annual DOT Inspection?

Under the federal definition, a commercial motor vehicle used in interstate commerce may be subject to these requirements when it meets one or more of the following conditions:

• It has a gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more.
• It is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers, including the driver, for compensation.
• It is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, without compensation.
• It transports hazardous materials in a quantity requiring DOT placards.

Vehicles used only in intrastate commerce may be governed by additional or different state requirements. Fleet owners and motor carriers are responsible for determining which vehicles are subject to federal and state inspection regulations.

What Does the Inspection Cover?

The annual inspection evaluates the vehicle according to the minimum periodic inspection standards in Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 396. Depending on the vehicle and its equipment, the inspection includes:

• Service brakes and parking brake
• Brake lines, hoses, chambers, drums, rotors, and related components
• Steering system and steering components
• Suspension, springs, mounts, and connecting components
• Tires, wheels, rims, and fasteners
• Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, reflectors, and required lighting
• Windshield, glazing, and windshield wipers
• Fuel system and visible fuel leaks
• Exhaust system
• Frame and structural components
• Coupling devices and towing connections, when applicable
• Seat belts and required safety equipment
• Rear-impact protection, when applicable
• Other components required by the federal inspection standards

Each component must meet the applicable minimum safety standards before the vehicle can pass.

What Happens If a Vehicle Passes?

A vehicle that successfully passes the inspection will receive:

• A completed annual DOT inspection report
• An annual DOT inspection sticker or decal
• Identification of the vehicle and inspection date
• Certification that the vehicle passed an inspection performed in accordance with 49 CFR §396.17

The inspection documentation must remain available for compliance purposes. Federal regulations require the motor carrier to retain the original or a copy of the periodic inspection report for 14 months from the inspection date.

Patriot Veteran Auto will maintain inspection documentation in our office and provide a copy for your fleet records.

What Happens If a Vehicle Does Not Pass?

If an inspection identifies a condition that does not meet the applicable standards, the vehicle will not receive a passing annual inspection sticker until the required repairs are completed and the affected components are verified.

We will provide a clear report identifying the failed items and can prepare a repair estimate. Repairs require fleet authorization and are priced separately from the inspection. Once the necessary repairs are completed, the vehicle can be reinspected for compliance.

Qualified Annual Inspections

Annual inspections must be completed by an inspector who understands the federal inspection criteria, can identify defective components, and has the required training or commercial vehicle inspection and maintenance experience.

Our inspection process is designed to help fleet operators document compliance, identify safety concerns, plan necessary repairs, and reduce preventable vehicle downtime.

Fleet Inspection Pricing

Annual DOT inspection: $150 per qualifying van or truck

Vehicles may be scheduled individually or in groups. Group scheduling allows fleet managers to coordinate inspections before vehicles are assigned to drivers or during planned maintenance periods.

Fleet Repairs and Maintenance

Patriot Veteran Auto can also handle the repairs and preventive maintenance identified during the inspection, including:

• Brake service
• Steering and suspension repairs
• Tires and wheel service
• Lighting and electrical repairs
• Fluid and filter maintenance
• Diagnostic services
• General fleet repairs
• Legend Lock installations

Repair and maintenance costs are separate from the annual inspection fee and will be submitted for approval before work begins.

Schedule Your Fleet Inspections

Let Patriot Veteran Auto help keep your commercial fleet safe, maintained, and properly documented.

Patriot Veteran Auto
We Got Your Six!
Call 888-464-5439 to schedule individual vehicles or an entire fleet.

We Got Your Six! 

What are the benefits of our Fleet Services?

• No Credit Check Financing available for qualified repairs
• Veteran-Owned & Operated - We bring discipline, precision, and honesty to every job
• Fast Turnaround Times - We know downtime costs you money
• Dedicated Fleet Support - We've got your six