Truck Accident Lawyer US

Truck maintenance and inspection requirements

Proper maintenance and regular inspections are critical to ensuring that commercial trucks operate safely on U.S. highways. Federal and state regulations impose strict obligations on carriers and drivers to keep vehicles roadworthy.

Truck Accident Law Team avatar
  • Truck Accident Law Team
  • 2 min read
Article 3 of 5 in Trucking Industry Regulations/

Truck Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Purpose

  • Prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering problems.
  • Ensure trucking companies maintain fleets in compliance with FMCSA safety standards.

Key Maintenance Obligations

  1. Systematic Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

    • Carriers must establish programs for routine maintenance.
    • Applies to all parts and accessories affecting safety, such as brakes, lights, tires, and coupling devices.

  2. Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs)

    • Drivers must inspect vehicles before and after each trip.
    • Issues must be reported and corrected before the truck is operated again.

  3. Annual DOT Inspections

    • Every commercial truck must undergo a comprehensive inspection at least once a year by a qualified inspector.
    • Documentation must be maintained for review.

  4. Record-Keeping Requirements

    • Carriers must retain maintenance logs, repair receipts, and inspection reports.
    • Records generally kept for 12–30 months, depending on the type.

  5. Out-of-Service Orders

    • Trucks found with critical safety violations during roadside inspections can be placed immediately out of service until repairs are made.

Common Mechanical Issues Leading to Accidents

  • Brake system failures (most cited violation).
  • Tire blowouts from inadequate inspection.
  • Defective lighting or signals.
  • Worn steering and suspension components.

Enforcement

  • Conducted by the FMCSA in coordination with state troopers and highway patrol units.
  • Non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, or company shutdowns.
  • Maintenance records often serve as key evidence in litigation.
  • A proven failure to inspect or repair can establish negligence per se, making the trucking company automatically liable.

Summary: Maintenance and inspection requirements are strict safeguards against preventable truck accidents. By enforcing systematic checks and record-keeping, regulators aim to keep unsafe trucks off the road and provide vital evidence in legal cases.

You might also like:

Comment

Disqus comment here

Truck Accident Law Team

Written by : Truck Accident Law Team

Attorneys, investigators, and legal writers focused on U.S. trucking safety, litigation strategy, and victim advocacy.

Recommended for You

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the central authority for trucking regulation in the United States. Its rules are designed to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large commercial vehicles.

Overview of trucking industry regulations

Overview of trucking industry regulations

The trucking industry in the United States is one of the most heavily regulated sectors of transportation. These regulations exist to protect public safety and establish clear standards for drivers, companies, and vehicles.

Importance of legal representation in truck accidents

Importance of legal representation in truck accidents

Truck accident cases are rarely straightforward. They involve multiple parties, layers of regulations, and high financial stakes. For victims, having strong legal representation can make the difference between minimal compensation and full justice.

Key differences between truck and car accidents

Key differences between truck and car accidents

Although both involve motor vehicles, truck accidents differ significantly from car accidents in terms of scale, complexity, and legal implications.