Periodic Inspection (Annual Vehicle Inspection)

What is Periodic Inspection in Trucking (or Annual Vehicle Inspection)

Periodic inspection also known as annual vehicle inspection is a systematic evaluation of commercial vehicles, mandated by law, to ensure vehicle safety and operational compliance on public roads.

Federal Regulations

FMCSA’s Requirements for Periodic Inspections
Under the FMCSA’s regulations, commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) operating in interstate commerce must undergo a comprehensive safety inspection at least once every 12 months. This is stipulated in the Code of Federal Regulations under 49 CFR 396.17.
Learn about FMCSA here.

Roadside Inspections (in Addition) 
FMCSA also conducts random roadside inspections, which are unannounced and can be comprehensive or focus on specific components of the vehicle, such as the driver’s records, vehicle’s mechanical condition, or hazardous material transport compliance.
Learn more about Roadside Inspection here.

State and Local Regulations

State-Level Enforcements
While federal regulations provide a baseline, each state can have additional requirements and its enforcement mechanisms. States can have their own inspection programs, which must be as rigorous as federal standards, though they can be more stringent.

Penalties for Non-Compliance
States can impose penalties, fines, and out-of-service orders for vehicles found in violation of inspection requirements. An out-of-service order means the vehicle cannot operate on public roads until identified issues are addressed and the vehicle is re-inspected and cleared.
Learn more about Out Of Service Order here.

Specialized Requirements
Some states have specific regulations and inspection requirements for certain types of vehicles, such as those transporting hazardous materials or oversized loads.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

Proof of Inspection
After a successful inspection, the vehicle is usually provided with a sticker or decal indicating the inspection date. This serves as proof of inspection and should be displayed prominently on the vehicle.

Maintaining Records
Operators are required to keep detailed records of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance performed on their vehicles. FMCSA regulations mandate that these records be retained for at least 14 months.

Frequency of Periodic Inspections

Annual Inspections
Most jurisdictions in the U.S. require commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to undergo a comprehensive inspection at least once every 12 months. This is in line with federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

After Significant Repairs
If a commercial vehicle has undergone major repairs or has been involved in an accident, a special inspection might be required before it returns to service.

Form Requirements

Per FMCSA: “Section 396.21 does not designate any particular form, decal, or sticker, but does specify the information which must be shown on these documents.”

Cost of Annual Vehicle Inspections

The cost of periodic inspections [annual vehicle inspection] can vary widely based on several factors:

Jurisdiction
Different states or regions might have varying fee structures for inspections. While some states might subsidize the cost, others might have fees that reflect the full cost of the inspection service.

Inspection Complexity
A basic safety inspection will generally be less expensive than a comprehensive inspection that includes more in-depth checks, such as emissions testing or specialized equipment reviews.

Vehicle Type and Size
Larger vehicles or those with specialized equipment might incur higher inspection fees due to the increased time and expertise required.

Private vs. State Facilities
State-run inspection facilities might have standardized fees, while private facilities can set their own rates, which might be influenced by market demand, overhead costs, and other business factors.

Required Repairs
If the inspection identifies necessary repairs, these will be an additional cost. This can range from minor adjustments to significant overhauls.

On average, as of last year [2022], a basic annual truck inspection might cost anywhere from $50 to $200, but this is a broad estimate. It’s advisable for operators to check with local agencies or inspection facilities for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
Learn about Pre-Trip Vehicle inspection here.

External Link

ECFR § 396.17 Periodic inspection – click here.
GOVInfo Periodic Inspection – click here. [pdf]