DO I NEED A DOT INSPECTION ?

Garrett Auto and Truck Repair Provides Michigan Department of Transportation Inspections for Commercial Vehicles.

The Michigan Department of Transportation requires all commercial vehicles to be inspected annually if they meet these requirements.

DOT Information For Commercial & Company Vehicles

If your vehicle and trailer exceed 10,000 lbs, you will need DOT inspection performed on both. All trailers must be DOT inspected. If your trailer does not exceed 15,000 lbs, it only requires brakes system on single axle of twin axle trailers. If your trailer exceeds 15,000 lbs it will need brakes on both axles.

This is a basic explanation of DOT regulations. If more detailed information is needed, please contact DOT or give us a call if you want to set up a DOT inspection.
*DOT annual inspection stickers are separate from the actual DOT numbers found on the side of commercial vehicles.
*Phone number to DOT: 1 800 682 4682
*Link to DOT website - DOT Website
*Link to - DOT Inspection Form

Link to Federal DOT website for the long Federal over the road numbers. Federal DOT website

Limosine Inspections

Each limousine must have an annual safety inspection conducted by a currently certified mechanic at a registered repair facility on an MDOT form 3049 or 3049E Limousine inspection Form
Limousine inspections must be performed on all vehicles hauling 15 passengers or less including driver.

Gross Combination Weight (GCW) - Total weight of a fully equipped truck and trailer with cargo, driver, and passengers, fuel, coolant, equipment, etc.

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) - Maximum allowable gross combination weight (GCW)

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) - The weight of the trailer plus all the cargo in it. This is measured by putting a fully loaded trailer on a scale.

Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) - Maximum allowable weight of the trailer, plus its cargo.

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) - The total weight of the tow vehicle, including driver, passengers, and any special equipment (options, accessories and upfitted equipment), cargo, fuel, collant, etc.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - The maximum allowable total wieght of the tow vehicle, including driver, passengers, any special equipment (options, accessories and upfitted equipment), cargo, fuel, collant, etc.

Calculating your Tow Vehicle and Trailer Weights

When looking at tow vehicle and trailer combinations, it is important to stay within the maximum weight ratings for the tow vehicle and trailer. Many people find out after they have purchased the vehicle and trailer that they have exceeded these ratings. In order to avoid this situation, you need to research the weights from the vehicle and trailer brochures, and do some math. The following table are the numbers for my 2001.5 Dodge 2500 Quad-Cab, HO, 6 speed, 4.10, and Arctic Fox 27-5L 5th wheel camper taken from the manufactures brochures.

Truck	Specification
GVWR	8,800
Curb Weight (brochure)	6,790
Payload	2,010
GCVWR (Truck + Trailer)	20,000
Trailer	Specification
GTWR	13,000
Dry Hitch (Pin) Weight	1,260
Dry Axle Weight	6,760
Gross Dry Weight	8,020
Calculated Weights
GVW (Truck + Pin Weight)	8,050
Available Truck Payload	750
GCW (Truck + Trailer)	14,810
Available Towing Capacity	5,190

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What is a commercial motor

vehicle (CMV)?

You are operating a commercial motor vehicle if you transport passengers or property in a vehicle that:

Has an actual gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross

combination vehicle weight (GCW) of 10,001

pounds or more

• GVW means the weight of a vehicle and its load

• GCW means the weight of a combination

vehicle and its load

Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross

combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001

pounds or more

• GVWR is the value specified by the

manufacturer as a safe loaded weight of

a single vehicle (the GVWR is located

on the manufacturer’s tag, usually

found inside the driver’s side door)

• GCWR is the value specified by the manufacturer

as the loaded weight of a combination of

vehicles

• As used here, a combination vehicle means a

truck pulling another vehicle or trailer

Is designed or used to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver

Is transporting hazardous materials (in amounts that require placarding

IT does not matter if you:

Are not for-hire
Only transport company property
Are the owner or only driver

If your vehicle meets the criteria for a commercial

motor vehicle, the following rules, regulations and laws

may apply to the company, the vehicle and all drivers:

Chauffeur Driver License
Commercial Driver License (CDL)
Driver Qualifications (i.e., medical cards, driver files,state driving record)
Driver Drug and Alcohol Testing
Hours of Service
Log Books
Hazardous Material Regulations (applies to gasoline,oxygen, acetylene, fertilizer or other hazardous materials,regardless of the amount you carry)
Vehicle Equipment Compliance (required equipment,daily and annual inspection reports, cargo securement)
Size and Weight (pertains to all vehicles)
Fuel Tax and IRP Registration
Minimum Amounts of Insurance

Take this simple compliance

indicator quiz!

Do you use a small truck (box van, step van), a

pickup towing a trailer or a small bus in your business?  Yes  No

Is your vehicle used to transport:

• A product

• Passengers

• Tools and/or supplies used in your trade

• Any amount of a hazardous material (gasoline,

oxygen, acetylene, propane, paint, solvents, glues,

fertilizer, etc.)  Yes  No

Do you personally own, lease or use your employee’s

vehicles in your business?  Yes  No

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions,

some or all of the federal and state safety regulations

may apply to your company, your vehicles and

the people who drive them.

State and local enforcement agencies understand and

enforce these regulations. It is important that you understand

them as well. Violations are subject to both

civil and criminal penalties.