DOTBrightInspect

Annual inspections for owner-operators, between loads

If you run one or two trucks, every day parked is money gone. Bright Inspect does your annual DOT inspection where you already are, at home, the yard or a safe stop, at a time that fits your loads. You get a digital record for scales, brokers, insurers and your carrier.

Keep the truck earning

Same-day inspections are standard, and your record is ready within 60 minutes.

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Leased on or running your own authority: who's responsible?

The motor carrier controlling the vehicle must inspect it or cause it to be inspected (49 CFR 396.17(b)). Leased on? Your carrier is responsible, but many carriers ask owner-operators to handle it. Your own authority? It's on you.

Who handles the annual inspection for owner-operators. Last reviewed: October 12, 2026.
Your setupWho must make sure it's doneWhat to keep
Own authorityYou, as the motor carrierReport for 14 months, proof in the cab, inspector qualification record
Leased on to a carrierThe carrier, often through your leaseGive your carrier a copy; keep proof in the cab

What do owner-operators ask us most?

The same three things: will this hold up at a scale, how fast can it happen, and what does it cost. Short answers: the record has everything federal rules require, inspections happen the same day with your record within 60 minutes, and a single truck is $99.

How much is an inspection for my truck and trailer?

A single truck is $99. Each trailer is its own inspection, so a truck and one trailer are 2 units at $84.15 each, with a 15% fleet discount. If an item fails, fix it and we re-check only those items free within 72 hours.

Bright Inspect pricing per unit (each truck, tractor, trailer or converter dolly is one unit).
Units bookedPrice per unitFleet discount
1 unit$99None
2 to 3 units$84.1515%
4 to 7 units$74.2525%
8 or more unitsCustom fleet quoteTalk to our fleet team

See pricing for what each inspection includes.

Frequently asked questions

Not federally. The federal rule is at least once every 12 months. Some carriers set stricter schedules in their lease, and California requires 90-day inspections for many trucks under its BIT program (see California). Bright Inspect can schedule recurring inspections on any interval.

Only if you meet the inspector qualifications in 49 CFR 396.19 and keep proof of them. A sticker without a qualified inspection behind it won't hold up in an audit.

Sí. You can book in Spanish at /es/reservar, and our Spanish pages explain the annual inspection rules.

12 months. Federal rules require that each vehicle passed its inspection at least once during the preceding 12 months, and there's no federal grace period. See How long is a DOT annual inspection good for?

Yes. At least 3 hours before your appointment, rescheduling is free and cancellations are refunded in full. Less than 3 hours before, the appointment can't be rescheduled or refunded.

Get your annual done between loads

Book where you're parked and get a digital record for scales, brokers, insurers and your carrier.

Book my inspection Call or text (641) 919-8347
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