What are some of the common things that DOT inspectors look for and find that should NEVER NEVER happen because they are just too preventable?

One example I have see is that our company has had a few drivers hit with "no spare fuses." All a driver has to do is pick up replacements from the maintenance dept if he uses the ones that were in the truck.

No spare lamps, mudflaps swinging in the breeze, inop headlamps. Yes driver, you can change one out an NOT effect aim alignment. Wont mention tractor admin (registration, insurance letter, cab cards, etc.) 'cause that's too easy to ensure it's current. BOL

There are a bunch of them IMHO:

Log book not up to date
Fire extinguisher not present or charged
Tires worn out
Brakes out of adjustment
Air lines rubbing the cat walk
Trailer air lines hanging too low
Failure to leave a copy of the bills in truck while being inspected when hauling hazmat
Not completing a DVIR
Not having a current med card or long form in possesion

Driver forgetting to log all days off when off duty, truck missing fire extinguisher or not charged, brake adjustments, no longform physical, over axle weight, not wearing corrective lenses, no seatbelt, log not within 2 hours current, log not started, no load info on log, missing previous 7 days logs, marker light out, airlines touching catwalk, missing mudflap, crack in windshield

The vicodin I am on right now may be messing with my head but I do not remember this being in the regs. All I remember is that the log book must be completed to last change of duty status.


And before anyone busts my chops about being on a narcotic pain killer I am at home. :P :P

How 'bout a loose fender? Some of the things the DOT can get you on are ridiculous, but only some will incur a fine, and even fewer will place you out of service.

Useless reminded me of a couple more real stupid ones.

No current inspection stickers on the truck or trailer.

Not having the load info on the current log book page...They will look until they find something.
I did get a sticker, the officer put it right next to the 10" crack in the windshield... :shock:

Insubordination.
Allowing your Monkey to repeatably act insolent with the DOT Officer.