05/16/2022
DOT Week or DOT Blitz — is scheduled for May 17-19, 2022. Each year, CVSA focuses on a specific aspect of a roadside inspection. This year, the focus will be on wheel ends. Wheel end components support the heavy loads carried by commercial motor vehicles, maintain stability and control, and are critical for braking. Violations involving wheel end components historically account for about one quarter of the vehicle out-of-service violations discovered during International Roadcheck, and past International Roadcheck data routinely identified wheel end components as a top 10 vehicle violation.
During this three-day period, truckers may be stopped and checked for vehicle maintenance and driver compliance practices in the areas detailed below.
The mechanical health of their vehicle, including but not limited to:
• Brakes
• Engines
• Lights
• Steering functions
• Fuel systems
Driver documentation:
• Driver credentials
• Hours of service (HOS) adherence and documentation
• Drug/Alcohol impairment
• Proper permitting (where applicable)
The wheel-related assembly regulations that will be checked for this year include:
• Wheels and rims cannot be broken or cracked.
• Stud and/or bolt holes cannot be “elongated” (no longer round).
• Bolts and nuts cannot be “loose.”
• Tread depth on a tractor’s steer tires must be no less than 4/32 inches.
• Tread depth on all remaining tires must be no less than 2/32 inches.
PRO-TIP: Treat Every Week Like DOT Week!
The best way to prepare for inspections is to always be ready for them. By conducting pre-trip inspections, drivers can catch the ‘low-hanging fruit’ law enforcement officers look out for on the road, such as turn signal lights, having a secured fire extinguisher and cargo securement.
If you have questions regarding your safety and compliance give us a call at 970556-6065 and we would be happy to help. We hope everyone is safe and successful this week.
