01
Choose a slot that fits your loads. Have the vehicle parked on level ground with room to walk around it.
02
Before your appointment, we send a short prep list so you know what to have on hand when the session starts.
03
An inspector experienced with your vehicle type and qualified under 49 CFR 396.19 runs a live, recorded session and checks each Appendix A system: brakes, coupling devices, exhaust, fuel system, lighting, safe loading, steering, suspension, frame, tires, wheels and rims, and windshield glazing and wipers. Buses also get emergency exits and related items.
04
When the vehicle passes, your report is issued with a verification code. If something fails, you get a written list of what to fix. Fix them within 72 hours and only the failed items are re-checked, free.
Every component listed in Appendix A to Part 396, the federal minimum for an annual inspection. That covers 13 systems on trucks and trailers and adds items specific to buses. If any one component fails, the vehicle does not pass until it's repaired and re-checked.
| System | What the inspector looks at |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Service and parking brakes, adjustment, drums, rotors, linings, hoses, air system, ABS lamp |
| Coupling devices | Fifth wheel, kingpin, pintle hooks, drawbars, safety chains |
| Exhaust | Leaks, mounting, placement near fuel or cab |
| Fuel system | Leaks, tank mounting, filler caps |
| Lighting | All required lamps and reflectors work |
| Safe loading | Load securement equipment, front-end structure |
| Steering | Steering wheel play, column, gear box, linkage |
| Suspension | Springs, U-bolts, torque arms, air suspension |
| Frame | Cracks, sagging, loose or missing fasteners |
| Tires | Tread depth, damage, inflation, mixing |
| Wheels and rims | Cracks, lock rings, fasteners, welds |
| Windshield glazing | Cracks and damage in the driver's view |
| Windshield wipers | Working wipers on the driver's side |
| Buses only | Emergency exits and related bus items |
Source: Appendix A to Part 396. See the full DOT annual inspection checklist.
Every annual inspector must meet the qualifications in 49 CFR 396.19: understand Part 393 and Appendix A, know the tools and methods, and have training or at least one year of qualifying experience. Bright Inspect matches you with an inspector experienced with your vehicle type who meets these requirements, and we give you their qualification record for your files.
Read more: who is qualified to do a DOT annual inspection.
A digital inspection report with every item federal rules require, a verification code, a printable copy for the cab, and a reminder 30 days before the next one is due. Carriers must keep the report for 14 months where the vehicle is housed or maintained (49 CFR 396.21).
When your state requires its own program for your vehicle. Several states run mandatory programs at licensed stations, such as Texas certified inspection stations or Pennsylvania official inspection stations. Vehicles covered by those programs must use them. We tell you before you book.
Booking takes a few minutes. We check your state before you pay, and your record is ready within 60 minutes of the start of your session.