North American Standard Level I Inspection Procedure

Law enforcement officers follow the following appropriate steps when conducting each corresponding inspection procedure. This consistency in procedure ensures a uniform inspection procedure of both commercial motor vehicles and their drivers, no matter the state, province, jurisdiction or territory.

• Choose the inspection site
• Approach the vehicle
• Greet and prepare the driver
• Interview driver
• Collect the driver’s documents
• Check for presence of hazardous materials/dangerous goods
• Identify the carrier
• Examine driver’s license
• Check Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate (if applicable)
• Check record of duty status
• Review driver’s daily vehicle inspection report (if applicable)
• Review periodic inspection report(s)
• Prepare driver for vehicle inspection
• Inspect front of tractor
• Inspect left front side of tractor
• Inspect left saddle tank area
• Inspect trailer front
• Inspect left rear tractor area
• Inspect left side of trailer

• Inspect left rear trailer wheels
• Inspect rear of trailer
• Inspect double, triple and full trailers
• Inspect right rear trailer wheels
• Inspect right side of trailer
• Inspect right rear tractor area
• Inspect right saddle tank area
• Inspect right front side of tractor
• Inspect steering axle(s)
• Inspect axle(s) 2 and/or 3
• Inspect axle(s) 4 and/or 5
• Prepare the vehicle and check brake adjustment
• Inspect tractor protection system (this procedure tests both the tractor protection system and the emergency brakes)
• Inspect required brake system warning devices
• Test air loss rate
• Check steering wheel lash
• Check fifth wheel movement
• Complete the inspection