DOTBrightInspect

Will the New Entrant Safety Audit check my annual inspections?

Yes. 49 CFR 396.17(a), using a vehicle not periodically inspected, is one of 16 violations that automatically fail a new entrant safety audit when 51% or more of examined records are in violation (49 CFR 385.321). Have a current report for every unit before the audit.

New authority?

Get every unit inspected and documented before the auditor asks.

Book inspections for my new authority

What does the new entrant rule say about annual inspections?

The rule: annual inspections in the New Entrant Safety Audit. Last reviewed: October 13, 2026.
New entrant factDetailSource
Audit timingWithin 12 months for property carriers, 120 days for motorcoach passenger carriersFMCSA report to Congress, 2017
Monitoring period18 months49 CFR Part 385, Subpart D
Annual inspection auto-fail396.17(a) at 51% or more of examined records49 CFR 385.321; FMCSA FAQ
Records the auditor expectsInspection report per unit, kept 14 months; inspector qualification evidence49 CFR 396.19, 396.21

A failed audit leads to a notice that your new entrant registration will be revoked.

What should my inspection file look like for the audit?

One current inspection report for every power unit and every trailer, each under 12 months old, plus proof that each inspector was qualified. Bright Inspect gives you all of it in one download, organized by unit, so you can hand it to the auditor as is.

  • Report for each tractor or truck
  • Report for each trailer and converter dolly
  • Inspector qualification record (we provide it)
  • Proof of inspection in each cab
  • Renewal date for every unit

What does the audit rule mean for you?

  1. 01

    List every unit.

    Every power unit, trailer and converter dolly you operate needs its own report. Trailer rule.

  2. 02

    Get each one inspected.

    Use a qualified inspector, or your state's program if your vehicle requires one.

  3. 03

    Build the file.

    Keep each report 14 months, plus inspector qualification evidence. Record rules.

  4. 04

    Track renewals.

    Re-inspect every unit before its 12 months run out, through and after the audit.

More for first-year carriers: New authorities.

Frequently asked questions

Many new entrant audits are done off-site, with the carrier uploading records (FMCSA, 80 FR 37038). Either way, digital inspection records make it easy.

It can, if the report meets federal requirements and is under 12 months old. But you're responsible for producing it, so get a copy of the full report, not just the sticker. If you can't, schedule a new inspection before you haul your first load.

Federal rules allow a carrier to perform its own annual inspection if the person doing it meets 49 CFR 396.19 qualifications, and you must keep proof of those qualifications. Doing your own.

Get audit-ready

Book inspections for every unit and get one download organized by unit, with inspector qualification records.

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