1. Check Driver's Requirements -
Driver License
Medical Certificate
Medical Waiver (if applicable)
Record of Duty Status
Driver Vehicle Inspection Report
Shipping Papers / Bill of Lading
Seat Belt
Alcohol and Drugs

2. Check for presence of hazardous materials-
Placards
Leaks, Spills, Unsecured Cargo
Markings - cargo tanks and portable tanks will display markings on an orange panel or placard.
Labels

3. Inside cab
Steering Lash
Steering Column

4. Front of tractor
Head Lamps, Turn Signals, Emergency Flashers - check for improper color and operation.
Windshield Wipers - check for improper operation
Windshield - check for cracks or other damage. Check for decals or stickers in field of vision.

5. Steering axle
Steering System (both sides) - Check for loose, worn, bent, damaged or missing parts. Check key components such as front axle beam, gear box, pitman arm, drag link, tie rod, tie rod ends.
Front Suspension (both sides) - Check for indications of mis-aligned, shifted or cracked springs, loosened shackles, missing bolts, spring hangers unsecured at frame and cracked or loose U-bolts. Also check for unsecured axle positioning parts and signs of axle misalignment.
Front Brakes (both sides) - Check for missing, nonfunctioning, loose, contaminated, or cracked parts on the brake system, such as brake drum, shoes, rotors, pads, linings, brake chamber, chamber mounting, push rods and slack adjusters. Check for "S" cam flip over. Be alert for audible air leaks around brake components and lines.
Front Axle - Check for cracks, welds and obvious misalignment.
Frame and Frame Assembly - Check for cracks or any defect that may lead to the collapse of the frame.

6. Left front side of tractor (Repeat on the right front side)
Left Front Wheel & Rim - Check for cracks, unseated locking rings, broken or missing lugs, studs or clamps. Bent or cracked rims, "bleeding" rust stains, loose or damaged lug nuts and elongated stud holes.
Left front Tire - Check for improper inflation, serious cuts, bulges. Check tread wear and measure major tread groove depth. Inspect sidewalls for defects. Check for exposed fabric or cord. Radial and bias tires should not be mixed on the steering axle.

7. Left saddle tank area (Repeat on the right saddle tank area)
Left Fuel Tank(s) - Check for unsecured mounting, leaks or other damage. Verify that the fuel crossover line is secure. Check for unsecured cap(s). Check ground below tank for signs of leaking fuel.
Tractor Frame - Check frame rails and cross members on the tractor just behind the cab, looking for cracks, bends or excessive corrosion.
Exhaust System - Check for unsecured mounting leaks (under the cab), exhaust contacted by fuel or air lines or electrical wires. Check for carbon deposits around seams and clamps.

8. Trailer front
Air & Electrical Lines - Lines between tractor and trailer should be suspended and free of tangles and crimps. They should have sufficient slack to allow the vehicle to turn. Inspect line connections for proper seating. Listen for audible air leaks.
Front End Protection - Check for height requirements.

9. Left rear tractor area (Repeat for right rear tractor area)
Wheels, Rims & Tires - Inspect as described in number 6 above. - Check inside tire of dual for inflation and general condition. Tires should be evenly matched (same circumference) on dual wheels. WITHOUT placing yourself between the tires on tandem axles, check for debris between the tires.
Lower Fifth Wheel - Check for unsecured mounting to the frame or any missing or damaged parts. Check for any visible space between the upper and lower fifth wheel plates. Verify that the locking jaws are around the shank and not the head of the kingpin. Verify that the release lever is seated properly and that the safety latch is engaged.
Upper Fifth Wheel - Check for any damage to the weight bearing plate and its supports on the trailer. Check kingpin condition.
Sliding Fifth Wheel - Check for proper engagement of locking mechanism (teeth fully engaged on rail). Check for worn or missing parts, making sure that the position does not allow the tractor frame rails to contact the landing gear during turns.
Suspension (Both Sides) - Inspect as described in number 5 above. Check for deflated or leaking air suspension systems.
Brakes (Both Sides) - Inspect brakes as described in Item 5 above. With brakes released, mark the push rods.

10. Left side of trailer (Repeat on right side of trailer)
Frame and Body - Check for cracks and any indication leading to collapse of the frame.
Cargo Securement - Check for improper blocking or bracing and unsecured chains or straps. Verify end gates are secured in stake pockets. Check tarp or canvas.
Wheels, Rims and Tires - Inspect as described in number 6 above.
Sliding Tandem - Check for misalignment and position. Look for damaged, worn or missing parts. Check locking mechanism, teeth of locking mechanism must fully mesh with those of the rail secured to the frame.
Suspension (Both Sides) - Inspect as described in number 5 above.
Brakes (Both Sides) - Inspect as described in number 5 above. With brakes released mark push rods.

11. Rear of trailer
Tail, Stop and Turn Lamps and Emergency Flashers - Check for improper color and operation.
Cargo Securement - Inspect as described in number 10 above. Also check tailboard security. Verify end gates are secured in stake pockets and rear doors are closed. Check both sides of trailer to insure protection of cargo from shifting or falling.

12. Right side of trailer
Check all items as on left side.

13. Right rear tractor area
Check all items as on left side.

14. Right saddle tank area
Check all items as on left side.

15. Right front side of tractor
Check all items as on left side.

16. Brake adjustment check
Measure Push Rod Travel (All Brakes) - While the brakes are applied, move around the vehicle and measure the distance of push rod travel at each chamber. Write down push rod measurement and compare them to the Out-of-Service Criteria for the appropriate size and type of brake chamber. Again, listen for audible leaks as you move around the vehicle.

17. Fifth wheel movement check
USE CAUTION! If conducted improperly, this method of checking for fifth wheel movement can result in serious damage to the vehicle. Use caution and instruct the driver carefully.
Prepare the Vehicle and the Driver - have the driver put the vehicle in gear, release the service brakes and apply the trailer brakes. Remove the wheel chocks and have the driver start the vehicle. Carefully explain the procedure to the driver. Tell the driver to GENTLY rock the tractor as you watch the fifth wheel.
Conduct the Procedure - As the tractor rocks, watch for movement between the mounting components and frame, pivot pin, and bracket and the upper and lower fifth wheel halves.

18. Air loss rate
When to Conduct the Test - If you heard an air leak at any point in the inspection, check the vehicle's air loss rate.
Conduct the Procedure - have the driver run the engine at idle, then apply and hold the service brake. Observe the air reservoir pressure gauge on the dash. Have driver pump the pressure down to 80 psi. Compressors do not activate until system pressure drops below a certain level. At about 80 lbs. most compressors should be operating. Air pressure should be maintained or increase. A drop in pressure indicates a serious air leak in the brake system and the vehicle should be placed out-of-service.

19. Low air pressure warning device
Test the Warning Device - Instruct the driver to pump the air down until the low air pressure warning device activates. Observe the gauges on the dash. The low air pressure warning must activate at a minimum of 1/2 the compressor governor cut out pressure, approximately 55 psi.

20. Tractor protection valve
This procedure will test both the tractor protection valve and the trailer emergency brakes.
Conduct the Test - Instruct the driver to release the emergency brakes by pushing in the dash valves. Break the supply emergency line at the hose couplers between the tractor and the trailer. When the line is disconnected, a blast of air will be noticed. At this point, the emergency brakes on the trailer should set up.
Observe the Dash Gauge - Air will leak from the tractor side of the line until the pressure in the tractor's system drops to the 20-45 psi range. At that point, the air loss should stop, isolating the tractor air system. A loss of air in the tractor system below the 20-45 psi range indicates a malfunctioning tractor protection valve. If the trailer brakes do not set up when the line is disconnected, there is a problem with the trailer emergency brakes.

21. Complete the inspection
Complete Paper Work - Inspector will complete inspection forms and other paperwork, as required.
Conclude with the Driver - Inspector will explain any violations or warnings to the driver. Take appropriate enforcement action, if necessary.
Apply C.V.S.A. Decal - Inspector will apply a C.V.S.A. decal on all vehicles that qualify.