How to Handle a D.O.T. Inspection Like a Boss

Something every truck driver will experience sooner or later, is a D.O.T. inspection or a similar inspection.
Knowing how to handle a D.O.T. inspector is important.
Dave gives some tips for drivers how to get through an inspection with the least amount of resistance!
Dave also shares several personal experiences with D.O.T. inspectors from his driving career.
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE ON HANDLING A D.O.T. INSPECTION - www.smart-trucking.com/depart...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you're a truck driver, or interested in becoming a truck driver, be sure to subscribe to our Smart Trucking Channel for tips and advice which may be useful in your trucking career.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL!
/ @smarttrucking
CONNECT WITH US!
-- www.Smart-Trucking.com WEBSITE
-- / smarttrucking
-- www.google.com/+Smart-Trucking
-- / smart_trucking
-- / smarttrucking
Music From KZbin Library
Song: Atlanta

[@Redsparrow633]

I started driving on 02/2017 and was never stopped for a DOT inspection until 12/24/2018 After crossing into Nipton, CA from NV. I saw the port of entry scales open so I go in there. The light indicated me to go around the building to have a level 1 done so I drove inside the shop and followed the directions/instructions that were given to me and spoke only when they needed info about the tractor/trailer, it took 1 hour. After the inspection the officer placed a sticker on my right windshield and told me I would be fine for another 3 months and congratulated me for passing. I was happy that night.

[@KeithFinkFamilyFarm]

Dave, thanks. I am not a truck driver, I'm a dairy farmer, yet I could sit here and listen to you tell truck driving stories all day, and never get bored. I think you provide for your industry a great service.

[@commonsense5188]

Agreed, I love the stories.

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey, thank you Keith! Dave

[@UnionPacificFan]

Ill second that, would love to have a 2 hour video with just funny stories of the road!

[@jasonduke3608]

I think dave should make more vlogs about his experiences, there very interesting and I learn from him thanks dave!

[@twistedpixel2558]

Been driving truck for 20 years. Unless you have an unlimited amount of money and an unlimited amount of hours on your log so you can spend 3 hours in the scale getting inspected it's best to just stay off of roads that have scales on them. They can find something wrong with a truck that has less than a hundred miles on it if they want to. I pull 53's on state highways all the time. You don't have to run the interstate.

[@crooksupremacy]

I'll keep that in Mind..

[@kmelodic4545]

D.O T. Be like ...hey pull on this scale so we can weigh your wallet 😂

[@nasirjan3963]

Nice hahaha

[@FadedHolySoldier]

I like this guy. He tells the truth.

[@truckerforever]

"The carburetor "Dave you just made my day lol.

[@allanbacon2977]

Have you ever drove across the scale at 7 mph when its posted at 5 mph ? DON"T . That was a bad day.

[@Gslice-ok4ck]

I really appreciate the videos, we don't have enough older men around to share these things with the younger generation.

[@sethallen1979]

With ELogs make sure you have the little information sheet/pamphlet that tells the DOT officer how to check your Elog.

[@weathforjr]

Always fight the ticket. Even if you lose, they're going to spend more money prosecuting than they're going to get from you paying the fine.

[@wallysworkin823]

Unfortunately It's all about revenue now. I never had any issues with DOT or any other law enforcement officer back in the 90's and early 2000's. You could laugh and joke and carry on a good conversation, not anymore! I miss what cops use to be like.

[@jsj297]

The first point you made is valid across ALL police encounters. Argue the judge, not the cop. Ever. Ever.

[@Code7Reactions]

I've found in my experience that if you drive a decent looking rig (crap not falling off and bungee cord together, and your polite to the officer you'll get through pretty easily.

[@mikearicks77]

Extortion at it's finest.....DAVE YOU'RE THE MAN!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Please tell that to my wife. Dave

[@mikearicks77]

Will do brother!! Take care.

[@jasonduke3608]

Hey Dave, I was in Massachusetts last year and I got stopped at a weigh station, and all the " officers " there were cadets. To me they looked under age, I at first thought it was take your kid to work day. The cadet I delt with was as gung ho militant as you can imagine. To my horror I forgot to start my paper log ( it was early) and man this guy was in heaven. He was'nt going to let me off. He got so pissed at me when I asked where is the adult officer? In hind sight I'll never take these situations lightly and I will always keep my logs updated. That cost me $200 from the state and my then company charged me the same.

[@reginaldhill9072]

Let me add that even being a rookie. I was bobtail and I come up to a scale. I automatically went through because even though I was not carrying a load. I thought to myself I am still driving a commercial vehicle and can't chance it. And not even knowing it was, and is, the best rookie decision I ever made. Thank you for the info Dave.

[@paulbickley658]

Plus if you get a good inspection for keeping your mouth shut & keeping your cool you will get money from your company for good inspections...

[@ericwsmith7722]

DOT... department of taxation.

[@ruthc8407]

My brother worked as an inspector for many years. He was a petty tyrant all his life, but he did cut some people some slack.

[@alicedominguez94]

My first full blown inspection happened on my very first trip! I had been told horror stories about DOT inspectors. I was so scared that the inspector commented on why i was shaking lol. He was a nice man and thankfully, i had a new truck and trailer at the time...whew. Just did like you said i was quiet and respectful and i left unscaved. Great video! 🐍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Dave

[@Crawlerjamie]

Alice Dominguez unscathed.

[@jc-zresourcemulch2636]

Definitely some great advise. Just wait to fight any tickets in court. Don't give the inspector a hard time while going through the inspection. The name of the game is to get through it quickly and move on. You're absolutely correct. Thanks for the wisdom my trucking friend. I appreciate you stepping up to help out the trucking industry. Stay safe out there. Thanks.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you sir! Dave

[@popsxbox]

Run legal always! It keeps your money in your pockets. Sometimes you need to know how to get around some scales. Lol!

[@barryjohnson990]

I worked for over 25 years as a mechanic, getting trucks away from inspections. If the inspector knew me, he would usually take my word for the safety of the rig. If your fleet has a good history of passing the checks, they are not as picky. If you have chrome ladies on your mudflaps and a ton of extra lights, it's like waving a red flag at a bull. DON'T attract undo attention to your truck and your day will go smoothly.

[@cortransport]

I learned the hardway to shut up 🙊, definitely stay quiet, there isnt much you can do once inspected.

[@dennishaggerty9037]

This one of the reason nobody wants to be a trucker

[@robertdean6222]

Thanks Dave, I enjoy your videos. I am a landlord of 32 years getting ready to retire at age 57 and looking for a more lucrative career without the drama a Landlord has to put up with. Thinking about getting my CDL ,driving for someone for six months and then buy my Mack sleeper. Debating on a RV instead. I will keep listening to your videos and get a overall review of this industry and make a decision soon. The truckers probably hate them old men that drive RVs that don’t know how to drive LOL. I have a impeccable driving record with no accidents, no drugs or drinking. I thought I would be a good candidate.

[@SmartTrucking]

I bet you would be! Landlord is a job I could never had done. I'd have ended up in jail. I'd try the company truck thing with a good small carrier, but I'd spend my money on the RV. Just make sure you buy one with the best rubber available and one with enough power to get you up the hills at highway speed. Dave

[@tompain2751]

Great advice!If they can't find something wrong,they'll make something up if they feel like it.But your attitude counts!

[@MrMwmussel1]

Yes officer, thank you officer, have a good day officer.

[@SmartTrucking]

That's about right! Shine your boots officer?

[@MaxLYoungblood]

Great Vid, I had a similar experience here in Hawaii, I was pulled in for a full inspection by a new DOT officer, after 25 years of driving in Hawaii I know all the old timers, but I was written up for leaking brake fluid, so I just kept quite an took it to court, were it was thrown out. Just a quick tip, keep your dashboard clean, and your landing gear cranked all the way up and maybe you don`t get a second look.

[@mgrkankunvtas9897]

Hey Dave..."The devil knows more from being old than from being the devil." Thanks for share...!!

[@trier4952]

Thanks for the video. I'm considering getting into the industry and D.O.T. inspections never crossed my mind.

[@randypurtteman1183]

Speaking of D.O.T. Inspectors, years ago I had a federal load going from Pennsylvania to Nevada. It wasn't my trailer I had Bob tailed for it. There were placards all over it and it had two seals in place. The bill of lading was about ten pages long, the first page and a half being persons and agencies to contact in case of an incident. The most important first and so on. Everything was fine until I got to New Mexico which at that time at least inspected everyone. My inspector was fairly young and after checking things over wanted me to open the trailer. Having been told by the shipper that under no circumstances would that trailer be opened,I said no. The argument went on about 15 minutes despite me repeatedly suggesting that he contact one or more of the people on the bill of lading cover sheet. Finally, his supervisor come over to see what the problem was because by now my inspector was hopping mad. The supervisor took one glace at that cover sheet, obviously didn't like what he saw and with my inspector still sputtering that he wanted to inspect my load told me to get back in my truck and not to stop for anything until I got to Arizona. Never did know what was on that trailer, but I dropped it off in the middle of nowhere, Nevada. Picked up an empty and left.

[@zakigoobe446]

Respect to this veteran trucker 👨🏼‍✈️

[@TerminusOmega13]

For this reason I keep all my truck paperwork in a binder. I have it divided into four sections. The first is tractor papers, including my cab card, insurance, IFTA, battery exemption, anything that is for the tractor. My next section is all my instructions for my ELD. The third section is all my company's permits, organized by state in alphabetical order. The last section is my DOT medical long form and card. So far, in my first year as a rookie driver, I've only had one instance I needed to provide this information, but the officer at the time thanked me for having all my paperwork neatly organized and easy for him to find. For convenience I keep this binder and my clipboard with my BOLs and other relevant trip papers on my passenger seat. They're the only things that go there.

[@chrismorgan6149]

DOT never will do a roadside inspection on a bus

[@BigLisaFan]

Went through an inspection station last year and the "park" light came on. I just figured a further look see and was told I had no brake lights on the trailer. The inspector was nice about it and we walked around checked out the truck and trailer and she asked for the truck's paperwork and my log book. I told her I had done a full inspection and they had worked and I would not take a trailer with a major fault and she believed me. I asked why and she said, the trailer is dirty but everything is clean, even the tandem oil hubs were cleaned. She said that it was the small things that showed I had recently been there. When I asked about the fine, she said that I didn't get one but my employer's CVOR gets dinged. Turns out the fuse for the brake circuit on the tractor had blown and I was able to fix it and go on my way. Moral of the story, don't argue and be polite.

[@SmartTrucking]

Excellent morale! Dave

[@user-jp7rk1uf2n]

I have the same attitude as you and for 50 years I never had any trouble in the scales and inspections. Once at Cascade Locks Oregon the inspector found a wheel seal just starting to leak. I got a mobile repair truck to fix it and the inspector gave the trailer a CVSA sticker. He saved me trouble further down the road.

[@pheleant]

Great video as always Dave!! I was in my third year of driving when some of us decided to haul concrete in 59 B Model Mack's. (You learn how to drive a 5 and a 4, you can drive anything.) We were getting Bacon and Davis, so the money was great! The old man that hired us called out one day that the DOT was set up outside the gaits, and that if anyone drove off the site in one of those 59 B Model Macks, that we would be immediately fired! Oh, and that he'd say that the truck was stolen We all got the point. Lee bought the trucks at an auction, and as soon as we were done, he was going to take the beds off the dump trucks and dispose of them. I doubt any of them would have passed an inspection.

[@reddog7046]

I'm glad this guy is on here he's educational I've never been through. Not looking forward to it definitely going to keep my mouth shut

[@grafton3073]

I like the informative stories. I always look forwards to seeing them. Plain and straight forward videos nicely done!

[@justaguy7741]

People whom drive or are thinking about it should listen too this guy, solid information!

[@normangilbert1236]

Dave, I love your videos, they are the best. Brings back great memories, am retired now and miss the big road.

[@SailingV]

I pulled into one station on the border of AL and GA. Dude was standing out there smoking a cigarette. He asked me, "when was the last time you got a ticket for your brakes?" That took me by total surprise, my only response was, "WHAT?" So he asked me again. I told him I never did. He then asked if I was in a hurry and I said "yeah, running out of time on my clock." And he waved me on. That still makes me scratch my head when I think about it.

[@SmartTrucking]

Maybe he was just doing a survey!?! Dave

[@bosabarbosa1795]

He said he calls it the "carburetor" because he does NOT KNOW, and was too proud to admit it, kinda like "I'M THE BOSS, WHAT I SAY GOES. IF YOU BECOME WISE, I'LL JUST FINE YOU". It is how it goes!

[@damonjohnson8337]

Good stuff Dave. By far my favorite educational trucking videos and stories. Thank you for passing on your knowledge and insight from your vast experience in the industry. It's really helpful.

[@sevenwilliams6225]

Man, you are a blessing to us

[@abdelmalekakremi5856]

This guy is seasoned and professional.

[@theswampfisher3253]

Thank you I'm becoming a tanker driver

[@ericgrosvenor67]

I’m new to these videos. I’m also new to over the road 18 wheelers. Many years of local employment straight trucks. I find this info very helpful and much appreciated

[@bradynevels6874]

Great advice as always. I enjoy your humor also. The carburetor story is pretty good. That reminds me of an old military joke. People who have just joined the military often times get asked to get the keys out of the Humvee. Military Humvees don’t have keys. They are push button start. Always enjoy the informative videos. Stay safe trucker

[@SmartTrucking]

You too Brady! Thanks! Dave

[@bashka1832]

2 years ago was this video im getting the benefit of it now thank you 🧡

[@planschange39]

Your stories {and the way you tell them} are wonderful. Keep em coming!

[@Tundralifted]

I just got stopped by the DOT last Friday by a surprise inspection. DOT inspector let me go with a warning for not having any load locks holding my load.

[@atharali964]

Great advise! Love watching and listening to your videos..very friendly and helpful way to connect to all of us truckers. Keep up the good work.. we all need more positive personalities in truck world like yourself.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Dave

[@taylordeshotel7469]

Thanks for all the videos Mr Dave. I’ve been watching them since I got my CDL 7 years ago. They helped me out so much when I was scared and just starting out and I still enjoy watching them. And we love the stories😄😄. Best regards from all of us in Louisiana

[@dominiqueritchey6795]

I love your advice you give.

[@edwardgaines6561]

Great anecdotal insights here! Thanks, I'm considering truck in the summer 2019.

[@samihussain4969]

Learning a lot from your experience! Thank you for uploading.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you sir! Dave

[@taurus-astrobike104]

AWESOME video as Usual... THANKYOU FOR SHARING

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you sir! Dave

[@amyedwards1951]

Hey thanks for all the info I am a transit driver who loves trucks and want to drive when I retire your info is great for me to learn trucking

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

Love the stories from back in the day.

[@lilricky2515]

Thanks for the stories Dave, I could listen to yours for hours :) Very well told.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks! Dave

[@raycimbalnik5159]

Thanks for all the informative videos man,I'm new to the industry and I have alot to learn so I appreciate the help

[@SmartTrucking]

Happy to help Ray! Thanks for watching! Dave

[@jeffh7021]

I love listening to your stories when I'm trucking. More please!

[@tonyfurneaux7670]

Good advice as always, I had lots of inspections, yes in CA too, not one ticket, could have got lots, just keep quiet, and thank the officer for pointing out the problem, sorry sir, thankyou for the info, I will know for the future. Easy, I work hard for my check, why make it easy to give away.

[@lamontrichie8310]

Another great video!! Keep up the good work!!

[@bouquetchocolatesandconfec77]

I wanted to THANK YOU - your tips and guidance and advice helped me !!

[@bain5872]

Excellent advise and great stories. I really enjoy your vids! Great personality.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Dave

[@BabyHueyDyson]

Great advice!! I will be trying my hand otr trucking soon. Your videos have info than an other I’ve seen so. Thanks for all efforts and keep on trucking!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks and good luck! Dave

[@carl9826]

Another awesome video!! Thank you Sir!👍🏼🙋🏼‍♂️😎

[@nadarTelevision]

Thanks for the tips.

[@whitetiger8652]

Great advice! Been there done that!

[@Graveltrucking]

When I got into trucking I was taught never get in an argument with the CVSE inspectors I'm local so I never travel across the border into the USA. As Dave say's make sure your paper work is straight and keep your mouth shut let them find what they find and agree with it. They will find something wrong with brand new truck if you piss them off. For us gravel trucks its mud flaps and license plate lights, the mud flap could be torn or its not the regulation distance from the road surface. L plate lights they are always non functioning because road vibration takes them out. Ripped seats and burned out dash lights is their favorite nit pick items.

[@markknowles8159]

Port of Entry Woodburn Oregon- Every thing legal, axles, gross, and all paperwork-I'm a veteran by this time in my career so no worries. Roll across the scale get the pull over bring in paper work signal. Two officers were working the scale that day as I reported to the one who pulled me in and presented all paperwork he wanted to see the other officer was having a heated conversation with a driver that had also been pulled in. The argument was going like this- The officer- It is a loaded flatbed! The driver- No it's an empty dry box! The officer- No it's a container secured to your flatbed-it is a loaded flatbed! Driver- No it is a container I bought and secured to my flatbed to make a dry box, it's an empty dry box! Anyway my guy says everything is in order and says I can go so I thanked him and an yanked my thumb towards the other officer and driver still going at it an he shrugs his shoulders with a big grin. As I'm exiting the scale house- It's a loaded flatbed- No it's an empty dry box---- Man I bust a gut after I got outa there?

[@SmartTrucking]

Man, excellent story! Thank you! Dave

[@bayfieldmurphy1287]

Wow the stories 2 million miles and I learn from you buddy always looking to learn

[@petesmalls08]

The best story teller ever!

[@ianbruiser7170]

Sounds like a good bloke , knows his business , easy to listen to ...... :]

[@deadfox852]

I remember my first blown inspection 0600 coming across the Kentucky state line out of Virginia pulling military supplies First sucker to roll in he said he didn't want to do it much as I didn't want it done but it had to happen passed clean as a whistle, second time was on i-24 wb truck in front of me stopped my Trailer tandem pin's came loose they had to come find out what that Noise was got a Over weight and over length But Like you said kept my cool and just agreed with them. Kept my duck's in a row like a good driver.

[@gabrielledaniel5977]

Moral to the story is "Stay out of California". Every time I have gone there felt like I was going to be stabbed, shot, or robbed.

[@SmartTrucking]

Never had a bad experience in California, except for that one ticket, and I felt like I got away lucky! Dave

[@trier4952]

What part of California have you been visiting?

[@gavnonadoroge3092]

You can be all pro, but if they got quota system, you going down

[@jdee8407]

Thanks for sharing your many years of experience. You are a wealth of information.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks! Dave

[@scottp4063]

Great stuff as always Dave.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Scott! Dave

[@maidenrulz73]

Great video and I’ll say it again....best trucker on you tube !!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you very much! Dave

[@gandlstratoplayerheadrick488]

the less you say to the law the better OFF you are

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

As always great video.

[@lclfav2]

In California a requirement to be a commercial vehicle enforcement officer is at least 1 year of tractor trailer driving experience. It's a lot harder to pull a fast one on them when they were drivers at one time.

[@SmartTrucking]

No kidding! I didn't know that, but it's a good idea!

[@arepadetrigo]

The guy you mentioned who said you had the leak made a fool of himself, not because he mistook a compressor for a carburetor, but because he didn't have enough humility or integrity to admit he was wrong.

[@SmartTrucking]

I agree! But it's a scary example of how well trained some of those people are!

[@horaciotrevino6941]

I could listen to him all day!

[@SmartTrucking]

I wish my wife felt that way! Thanks! Dave

[@naseerkhan7860]

You educate me very good.Thank you very much.

[@1978mackdaddy]

18 year driver here.. This is great advice.

[@cjmorientes4346]

Just love it when you say “roach”

[@RayT70]

Thumbs up. Great advice and great stories.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Robert! Dave

[@cassiuspuckett8789]

Dave, awesome video again!!! Very informative and a great joy to listen to.... thanks for sharing!!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Dave

[@thomaswilson8634]

SO VERY TRUE. I TOTALLY AGREE. GREAT VIDEO

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Dave

[@svetlanapanarella2670]

Every word of this guy like a vd, and down the road you will find out that if you forgot so.e of his advices, you will pay the price..when I learned from my mistakes,I found out that he was talking about everything I needed to think of,many times.

[@TheRockmart]

thank you for the heads up and im new in this industry and havent had a dot inspection yet but i know its coming

[@SmartTrucking]

Just part of the deal. Pays to be ready for it!

[@steveguzman19]

thanks for the important advice!

[@SmartTrucking]

My pleasure!

[@tainorosario8902]

Why is it that we all know about these encounters, but we just can't get enought of them. Thanx, listened to the whole thing, enjoyed it a bunch. P.S. Never met a truck driver from the old days that didn't load over 40T and drover with 2 log books: they were the inspiration for Hours of Service, E-Logs, and Weight Stations, and all the regulations that come with these.

[@susiemorison2750]

yes it’s essential to do the break and the tires inspections

[@MichaelJohnson-cm4wp]

I got my CDL in California about 25 years ago..I drove for about 2 years locally..Fresno to Bakersfield..I have all my endorsements including Haz Mat..After those 2 years, I went into construction and haven't driven since those 2 years..I was thinking of driving again after a divorce..After seeing a few of these videos on life of truckers..Forget it!!! I will push carts at the local Home Depot parking lot before I ever drive a truck..Now I am understanding why there is such a shortage of drivers..