Description
A DOT-compliant pre-trip inspection checklist to ensure your rig is road-ready before every trip. Print multiple copies and keep them in your cab. Completing this checklist helps you catch problems early and demonstrates compliance during inspections.
The Checklist
TRACTOR – FRONT
Engine Compartment (Hood Open)
- Oil level adequate
- Coolant level adequate
- Power steering fluid level
- Windshield washer fluid
- Belts not frayed or cracked
- Hoses secure, no leaks
- No fluid leaks on ground
- Battery secured, terminals clean
Front of Tractor
- Headlights working (low & high beam)
- Turn signals working
- Clearance/marker lights working
- Windshield clean, no cracks
- Wipers working, blades good
- Mirrors clean, secure, adjusted
Front Axle
- Steering components secure
- No leaking shock absorbers
- Brake hoses/lines secure
- Tires: inflation, tread depth (4/32″ min)
- Tires: no cuts, bulges, damage
- Lug nuts tight, none missing
- Hub oil level (if visible)
TRACTOR – DRIVER SIDE
Fuel Tank Area
- Fuel tank secure
- Fuel cap present and tight
- No fuel leaks
- DEF tank level adequate (if equipped)
- DEF cap present and tight
Drive Axles
- Tires: inflation, tread depth (2/32″ min)
- Tires: no cuts, bulges, damage
- Lug nuts tight, none missing
- Brake drums not cracked
- Brake linings visible and adequate
- Brake hoses/lines secure
- Suspension: springs, hangers, U-bolts
- Shock absorbers (no leaks)
Cab Area
- Door opens and closes properly
- Steps and handholds secure
- Mirror bracket secure
- Mud flaps present and secure
TRACTOR – REAR
Coupling Area
- Fifth wheel plate greased
- Fifth wheel jaws closed around kingpin
- Locking mechanism engaged
- Kingpin not damaged
- Apron/skid plate secure
- Air lines connected (not hanging)
- Electrical cord connected securely
- Cab clearance adequate
Rear of Tractor
- Clearance/marker lights working
- Reflectors clean and visible
- Mud flaps present
TRACTOR – PASSENGER SIDE
Drive Axles (Same as Driver Side)
- Tires: inflation, tread depth (2/32″ min)
- Tires: no cuts, bulges, damage
- Lug nuts tight, none missing
- Brake drums not cracked
- Brake linings visible and adequate
- Brake hoses/lines secure
- Suspension components secure
- Shock absorbers (no leaks)
Cab Area
- Door opens and closes properly
- Steps and handholds secure
- Mirror bracket secure
- Mud flaps present and secure
Exhaust System
- Exhaust stack secure
- No leaks
- DPF (if visible) secure
TRAILER
Front of Trailer
- Header board solid
- Air lines connected properly
- Electrical cord connected
- Landing gear fully raised
- Crank handle secured
- Clearance lights working
Trailer – Driver Side
- Side panels/doors secure
- Marker lights working
- Reflectors clean
- Mud flaps present
- Tires: inflation, tread depth (2/32″ min)
- Tires: no cuts, bulges, damage
- Lug nuts tight
- Brake components visible and adequate
- Suspension secure
Rear of Trailer
- Doors secure (closed/locked or open/secured)
- Door hinges, latches working
- Tail lights working
- Brake lights working
- Turn signals working
- Clearance/marker lights working
- Reflectors clean and visible
- License plate light working
- Reflective tape intact
- Mud flaps present
- Bumper/ICC bar secure
Trailer – Passenger Side
- Same as driver side axles/tires
- Side panels/doors secure
- Marker lights working
- Reflectors clean
IN-CAB INSPECTION
Documents
- CDL present and valid
- Medical card present and valid
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance card
- Permits (IRP, IFTA, etc.)
- ELD present and working
- Bill of lading (if loaded)
Safety Equipment
- Fire extinguisher (charged, accessible)
- Warning triangles (3)
- Spare fuses
- First aid kit (optional but recommended)
Cab Controls
- Parking brake holds
- Service brake feels normal
- Steering play within limits
- Clutch engages properly
- Gauges working (oil, air, temp, fuel)
- Air pressure builds correctly
- Low air warning activates (below 60 psi)
- Horn working
- Heater/defroster working
- All lights controllable from cab
- Seat belt working
Mirrors
- Driver side adjusted
- Passenger side adjusted
- Convex mirrors adjusted
AIR BRAKE CHECK
Static Test
- Build air pressure to governor cut-out (120-140 psi)
- Turn off engine
- Release parking brake
- Air loss should be less than 2 psi in 1 minute (single) or 3 psi (combination)
Applied Leakage Test
- With full air pressure, apply foot brake
- Air loss should be less than 3 psi in 1 minute (single) or 4 psi (combination)
Low Pressure Warning
- Fan off air pressure
- Warning should activate before 60 psi
Tractor Protection Valve
- Continue fanning air
- Valve should pop out between 20-45 psi
Parking Brake
- Set parking brake
- Put in low gear
- Gently try to move—brake should hold
Inspection Log
Date: ____/____/________
Start Time: __________ End Time: __________
Odometer: ________________
Tractor #: _______________ Trailer #: _______________
Defects Found:
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Defects Corrected Before Trip:
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Inspector Signature: _____________________________Quick Reference: Minimum Tread Depths
| Position | Minimum Depth |
|---|---|
| Steer tires | 4/32″ |
| Drive tires | 2/32″ |
| Trailer tires | 2/32″ |
Tip: Insert a penny upside down. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, the tire needs replacement.
Out-of-Service Conditions
These defects will put you out of service at an inspection:
- Brake lining less than 1/4″ thick
- Audible air leak in brake system
- Tire tread below minimum
- Flat tire or tire separation
- Cracked or broken steering components
- Fuel leak
- Exhaust leak under cab
- Missing/non-functioning lights (brake, turn, marker)
- Cracked windshield in driver’s view
- Inoperative wipers (driver side)
Print Instructions
- Download the PDF version
- Print double-sided if possible
- Keep 5-10 copies in your cab
- Use one per trip (or daily)
- Store completed checklists for 3 months
While this checklist covers DOT requirements, the RigProfit app lets you track maintenance expenses and schedule service reminders to keep your truck in top condition.