If you run in Pennsylvania or pass through the Lehigh Valley, a clean roadside inspection can be the difference between rolling on time and losing a full day (plus fines). Use this up-to-date DOT/PA State inspection checklist to get your truck or fleet ready before an officer ever touches a brake drum.

1. Documents to Keep Within Arm’s Reach

   Current registration and cab card, proof of insurance, IFTA/IRP where applicable, ELD instruction sheet + malfunction letter, paper logs for backup, medical card, fire extinguisher inspection tag, and triangle set. Put them in a labeled binder behind the seat.

2. Brake System & Air Loss

   Listen for leaks at glad-hands, check air lines for rub-through, inspect chambers for cracks, verify pushrod travel, low-air warning at 55–75 psi, and spring brake activation around 20–45 psi. We replace chambers and adjusters in-shop same day.

3. Lights, Reflectors, and ABS

   Confirm all markers, brakes, turn signals, and license lights work; clean reflectors; verify ABS lamps turn on then off at key-on. We stock LED replacements and can trace harness faults quickly.

4. Tires, Wheels, and Hubs

   Check tread depth (4/32 steer, 2/32 drive/trailer), no exposed cords or sidewall bulges, properly torqued lug nuts, no oil streaking from hubs. We offer on-site wheel-end inspections and torquing.

5. Steering & Suspension

   Look for excessive play at steering shaft, worn drag link ends, cracked springs, leaking shocks, and proper ride height on air suspensions. We carry common bushings and airbags for quick turn repairs.

6. Coupling, Fifth Wheel, and Safety Pins

   Inspect locking jaws, no visible daylight between plates, release handle secured, safety chains (where required), kingpin wear, and proper slider pin engagement. We can service and lube fifth wheels during the same visit.

7. Fuel, Exhaust, and DPF Aftertreatment

   Check for leaks or loose clamps, secure DEF lines, intact heat shields, no soot streaking at flex sections, and verify no active dash faults. If you see frequent regens, schedule a DPF cleaning before inspection day.

8. Cargo Securement

   Confirm strap and chain ratings, winches tight, edge protectors in place, and bulkhead/blocks as needed. For vans, ensure load bars and e-track straps are functional and rated.

9. In-Cab & Emergency Gear

   Horn, wipers, washers, windshield free of major cracks, seat belts functional, heater/defroster working, charged ABC extinguisher, three reflective triangles, and wheel chocks for dock work.

10. ELD/Log Accuracy & Defect Reports

    Ensure pre-trip and post-trip DVIRs are completed, any noted defects are corrected with documentation, and ELD time zones/vehicle numbers are correct. A clean DVIR trail is one of the fastest ways to breeze through Level I/II.

What We Do During a Pre-Inspection Appointment

- Perform a full FMCSA-inspired Level I walkaround and underbody check.
- Print a defect list with urgency codes (red = out-of-service risk, yellow = fix soon, green = monitor).
- Complete needed repairs same visit when parts are on hand; otherwise schedule quick return with reserved bay time.
- Apply tamper-evident torque marks on critical fasteners and document torque specs.
- Provide signed inspection sheet you can show at roadside or at your yard.

Book a DOT/Safety Inspection in the Lehigh Valley

Call 610-419-1247 (After-Hours: 484-477-8251) or book online. We’re at 2340 Schoenersville Rd, Allentown, PA - minutes from Route 22 and I-78 - with mobile support if you need us at your yard.