Inspector Qualifications, Commercial Motor Vehicles

Overview

Motor carriers must ensure that individuals performing annual inspections are qualified as follows:

1. Understand the inspection criteria of Part 393 and Appendix G and can identify defective components;
2. Are knowledgeable of and have mastered the methods, procedures, tools and equipment used when performing an inspection; and
3. Are capable of performing an inspection by reason of experience, training or both.

Inspectors must either:

1. Have successfully completed a Federal- or State-sponsored training program or have a certificate from a State or Canadian Province that qualifies the individuals to perform commercial motor vehicle safety inspections, or
2. Have a combination of training or experience totaling at least one year.

Inspectors may have gained experience or training by:

1. Participation in a commercial motor vehicle manufacturer-sponsored training program or similar commercial training program designed to train students in motor vehicle operation and maintenance;
2. Experience as a mechanic or inspector in a motor carrier maintenance program;
3. Experience as a mechanic or inspector in commercial motor vehicle maintenance at a commercial garage, fleet leasing company or similar facility; or
4. Experience as a commercial motor vehicle inspector for a State, Provincial or Federal government.

Motor carriers must retain evidence of the individual’s qualifications. They must retain this evidence for the period during which that individual is performing annual motor vehicle inspections for the motor carrier, plus one year. However, motor carriers do not have to maintain documentation of inspector qualifications for those inspections performed either as part of a State periodic inspection program.