Rev. 2010.08.16

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Chapter 2

North American Standard Level 1 Inspection Procedure

When traveling through Utah, you may be asked to participate in a Level 1 Inspection in an effort to ensure the safety of the equipment being operated on Utah's highways. We have included the following information to educate drivers in the process.

For an interactive walk through the inspection procedures for commercial motor vehicles such as truck-trailers, large passenger vehicles and cargo tankers, click here and learn what to expect.

CERTIFIED CVSA LEVEL I INSPECTORS WILL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:

Step 1: Choose the Inspection Site

• Inspectors will select a safe location, paved, level, away from traffic, and able to support the weight of the vehicle.
• They will avoid hills, curves, soft shoulders and construction sites.
• Vehicles must be visible to oncoming traffic.

Step 2: Approach Your Vehicle

• Inspectors will observe you, the driver.
• They will adhere to officer/inspector safety policies;
• And be alert for leaks and unsecured cargo.

Step 3: Greet and Prepare You

• Inspectors will identify themselves.
• They will ensure that your are capable of communicating sufficiently to understand and respond to official inquiries and directions.
• They will also: place chock blocks on the driver's side;
• Explain this inspection procedure;
• Ensure engine is off;
• Check seat belt usage and condition;
• Observe your overall condition for illness, fatigue or other signs of impairment;
• And check for illegal presence of alcohol, drugs, weapons or other contraband.

Step 4: Interview You

• They will ask you for the following: starting location, final destination, load description, time traveled, most recent stop, fueling location(s).
• They will talk to you about the trip.

Step 5: Collect Your Documents

• Medical Examiner's Certificate (if applicable).
• Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate (if applicable).
• Driver's license, Commercial Driver License (CDL), record of duty status.
• Shipping papers.
• Periodic inspection certificates (CVIP).
• Supporting documents: bills of lading, receipts, other documents used to verify record of duty status.

Chapter 2

North American Standard Level 1 Inspection Procedure

When traveling through Utah, you may be asked to participate in a Level 1 Inspection in an effort to ensure the safety of the equipment being operated on Utah's highways. We have included the following information to educate drivers in the process.

For an interactive walk through the inspection procedures for commercial motor vehicles such as truck-trailers, large passenger vehicles and cargo tankers, click here and learn what to expect.

CERTIFIED CVSA LEVEL I INSPECTORS WILL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:

Step 1: Choose the Inspection Site

• Inspectors will select a safe location, paved, level, away from traffic, and able to support the weight of the vehicle.
• They will avoid hills, curves, soft shoulders and construction sites.
• Vehicles must be visible to oncoming traffic.

Step 2: Approach Your Vehicle

• Inspectors will observe you, the driver.
• They will adhere to officer/inspector safety policies;
• And be alert for leaks and unsecured cargo.

Step 3: Greet and Prepare You

• Inspectors will identify themselves.
• They will ensure that your are capable of communicating sufficiently to understand and respond to official inquiries and directions.
• They will also: place chock blocks on the driver's side;
• Explain this inspection procedure;
• Ensure engine is off;
• Check seat belt usage and condition;
• Observe your overall condition for illness, fatigue or other signs of impairment;
• And check for illegal presence of alcohol, drugs, weapons or other contraband.

Step 4: Interview You

• They will ask you for the following: starting location, final destination, load description, time traveled, most recent stop, fueling location(s).
• They will talk to you about the trip.

Step 5: Collect Your Documents

• Medical Examiner's Certificate (if applicable).
• Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate (if applicable).
• Driver's license, Commercial Driver License (CDL), record of duty status.
• Shipping papers.
• Periodic inspection certificates (CVIP).
• Supporting documents: bills of lading, receipts, other documents used to verify record of duty status.

Step 6: Check for the Presence of Hazardous Materials/Transportation of Dangerous Goods

• Inspectors will check shipping papers, placards, any leaks or spills, unsecured cargo, markings and labels.

Step 7: Identify the Carrier

• Inspectors will identify carrier using the following: vehicle identification, vehicle registration, insurance, and driver interview.

Step 8: Examine Your Driver's License

• Expiration date
• Endorsements
• Status
• Class
• Restrictions

Step 9: Check Medical Examiner's Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate

• Check certificate date (valid for 24 months).
• Check corrective lens requirement.
• Check hearing aid requirement.
• Check physical limitations.

Note: In Canada and Mexico proper class indicates adequate medical.

Step 10: Check Record of Duty Status

• Hours of Service verification.
• If you claim to be exempt, they will check that you meet all criteria for said exemptions(s).
• Accuracy of record.

Step 11: Review Periodic Inspection Report

• Ensure vehicle has passed the required inspection and has the required documents and decals.

Step 12: Prepare You for Vehicle Inspection

• Inspectors will explain the vehicle inspection procedure.
• Advise you in the use of hand signals.
• Check chock blocks.
• Prepare the vehicle, vehicle transmission in neutral. Engine off, key must be in the "on" position, and release all brakes.
• Instruct you to remain at the controls.

Step 13: Inspect Front of Tractor

• Inspectors will check headlamps and turn signals (do not use four way flashers to check turn signals) for improper color, operation, mounting, and visibility.
• Check windshield wipers for improper operation (two wipers are required unless one can clean the driver's field of vision).

Step 14: Inspect Left Front Side of Tractor

• Check left front wheel, rim, hub, and tire.

Step 15: Inspect Left Saddle Tank Area

• Check left fuel tank area.
• Check exhaust system.

Step 16: Inspect Trailer Front

• Check air and electrical lines.

Step 17: Check Left Rear Tractor Area

• Check wheels, rims, hubs, and tires.
• Check lower fifth wheel.
• Check upper fifth wheel.
• Check sliding fifth wheel.
• Check lamps.

Caution: Never place yourself in between tires of tandem axles.

Step 18: Inspect Left Side of Trailer

• Check frame and body.
• Check condition of hoses.
• Check van and open-top trailer bodies.
• Check cargo securement.

Step 19: Inspect Left Rear Trailer Wheels

• Check wheels, rims, hubs, and tires.
• Check sliding tandem.

Step 20: Inspect Rear of Trailer

• Check tail, stop, turn signals, and lamps on projecting loads.
• Check cargo securement.

Step 21: Inspect Double, Triple and Full Trailers

• Check safety devices: full trailers/converter dollies.
• Check the safety devices (chains/wire rope) for sufficient number, missing components, improper repairs, and devices that are incapable of secure attachments. Inspect pintle hook, eye and drawbar for cracks, excessive movement, and improper repairs.

Step 22: Inspect Right Rear Trailer Wheels

• Check as in Step 19.

Step 23: Inspect Rear Side of Trailer

• Check as in Step 18.

Step 24: Inspect Rear of Tractor Area

• Check as in Step 18.

Step 25: Inspect Right Saddle Tank Area

• Check as in Step 15.

Step 26: Inspect Right Front Side of Tractor

• Check as in Step 14.

Step 27: Inspect Steering Axle

• Check steering system (both sides).
• Check front suspension (both sides).
• Check front axle.
• Check frame and frame assembly.
• Check front brakes (both sides).
• Check and mark push rods (both sides).

Note: Inspectors will Inform you that they are going under the vehicle. They will enter the under carriage in view of you. (At front power unit, rear of power unit, and front of trailer axle(s).

Step 28: Inspect Axles 2 and/or 3 (Under Carriage of CMV)

• Suspension (both sides).
• Brake components (both sides).
• Mark all pushrods on "S" cam brakes (both sides).
• Exit under carriage in view of the driver.

Step 29: Inspect Axles 4 and/or 5

• Same as step 28.

Step 30: Check Brake Adjustment

• Ensure air pressure is 90-100 p.s.i.
• Have driver fully apply brakes and hold.
• Measure and record all push rod travel.
• Identify size and type of brake chambers.
• Ensure brake lining to drum contact.

Step 31: Inspect Tractor Protection System

(This procedure tests both the tractor protection valve and the emergency brakes.)

• Have driver release brakes and disconnect both brake lines.
• Full brake application.

Step 32: Test Low Air Pressure Warning Device

• Observe dash gauges while ignition is "on" and the driver is pumping the foot valve to approximately 55 p.s.i.

Step 33: Test Air Loss Rate

• Apply brakes while the engine is idling, the governor has cut in, and pressure is 80-90 p.s.i.

Step 34: Check Steering Wheel Lash

• Prepare the driver and vehicle.
• Check for excessive movement.

Step 35: Check Fifth Wheel Movement

• Check tail, stop, turn signals, and lamps on projecting loads.

Caution: If conducted improperly, this method of checking for fifth-wheel movement can result in serious damage to the vehicle. Inspector must use caution and instruct the driver carefully.

Step 36: Complete the Inspection

• Inspectors will complete documentation.
• Conclude with you, the driver.
• Follow correct and current OOS procedures (if applicable).
• Issue CVSA decal (if applicable).

INSPECTIONS KEEP EVERYONE SAFE

Conducting Level 1 Inspections on a regular basis safeguards commercial vehicle drivers and their equipment andcargo. They also work to both encourage and enforce industry-wide safety, while reducing duplication of inspectionefforts and motor carrier operating delays. Overall, the inspections are important to keep the roadways safe foreveryone who travels on them.

NORTH AMERICAN STANDARD DRIVER/VEHICLE INSPECTION LEVELS

Level I: North American Standard Inspection

Level II: Walk-around Driver/Vehicle Inspection

Level III: Driver-only Inspection

Level IV: Special Inspections

Level V: Vehicle-only Inspection

Level VI: Enhanced NAS Inspection for Radioactive Shipments

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For further information regarding the North American Stand Level I Inspection Procedure contact the Motor Carrier Division at (801) 965-4892 or (866) 215-5399, or visit the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance at: www.cvsa.org North American Standard Level I Inspection Procedure