What is a DOT inspection?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires every commercial vehicle over 10,000 lbs to pass an annual safety inspection covering brakes, steering, lights, tires, coupling, exhaust, and more. We're set up to do these on trucks, tractors, trailers, and buses.

How long does a DOT inspection take?

Most trucks and trailers finish in 1-2 hours. If we find defects, we'll show you what failed and quote the repair — you decide whether to fix it here or take it elsewhere.

Can you inspect trailers?

Yes — small to medium duty trailers are one of our specialties. Enclosed, flatbed, dump, tank — bring it in. We have the space and equipment.

Do you do the CDL pre-trip too?

Different thing. The DOT annual inspection is the federal safety cert (the sticker). Pre-trip is what a driver does before each shift. If you need the annual sticker, we've got you.

Semi-truck under inspection at Jack's West River Drive shop

Home / Services / DOT Inspection

DOT annual inspections in Davenport, IA

Federal FMCSA 396.17 annual safety inspections for commercial trucks, tractors, buses, and small to medium duty trailers. Fast turnaround, in-house repairs if you fail.

CALL 563-323-5554 WHAT WE CHECK

1–2 hour turnaround

Most trucks & trailers, same day

Trailers welcome

Enclosed, flat, dump, tank

Repair on-site if needed

You decide before we start

The FMCSA checklist

What gets inspected

The federal DOT annual inspection covers everything in 49 CFR 396.17 and Appendix G. Here's the actual checklist — nothing gets skipped.

Brake System

• Service brakes, pushrod travel
• Parking brake
• Brake drums, rotors, linings
• Hoses, tubing, air compressor

Steering & Suspension

• Steering wheel free play
• Steering column, gearbox
• Tie rods, pitman arm, drag link
• Springs, shocks, axle attachments

Frame, Cab & Body

• Frame condition, cross members
• Cab & body mounts
• Fifth wheel & coupling
• Seats, seat belts, doors

Tires & Wheels

• Tread depth, sidewall damage
• Load range vs load
• Wheels, rims, spacers
• Lug nuts, studs, hub

Lights & Electrical

• Headlights, tail, brake, turn
• Marker & clearance lights
• Reflectors & conspicuity tape
• Wiring, connections

Exhaust, Fuel & Safety

• Exhaust system, leaks
• Fuel tanks, lines, caps
• Windshield, wipers, mirrors
• Horn, defrost, safety equipment

How it works

Drop in, drop off, done

Call ahead

Give us the vehicle type (tractor, trailer, box truck, bus) and roughly when you need it done. We'll book a bay.

Bring it in

West River Drive has the bay space for tractors and trailers. Inspection runs 1–2 hours for most vehicles.

Pass or fail, with paperwork

Pass, you get the sticker and the report for your records. Fail, we show you what failed and quote the repair — you decide whether we fix it or you take it elsewhere.

Repair & re-inspect

If we fix the failing items on-site, we re-verify and issue the sticker same visit. Brakes, lights, tires, suspension — all in-house.

Also welcome

Vehicles we inspect

• Class 7 & 8 tractors
• Box trucks & straight trucks
• Motor coaches & buses
• Small to medium duty trailers (enclosed, flatbed, dump, tank)
• Fifth-wheel & pintle-hitch trailers
• Fleet vehicles — ask about batch pricing

Not sure if your vehicle qualifies? Call and ask for Terry.

Book your DOT inspection

DOT work happens at our West River Drive shop — the bay space, lift, and equipment are set up for it.

CALL WEST RIVER · 563-323-5554