Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist
Complete checklist for commercial motor vehicle pre-trip inspections. Organized by vehicle area. Based on FMCSA inspection criteria.
Engine Compartment
- Fluid levels (oil, coolant, power steering, washer fluid)
- Belts and hoses — check for cracks, fraying, leaks
- Wiring — check for loose or damaged wires
- Air compressor — check for leaks, secure mounting
- Steering gear box — check for leaks, secure mounting
- Water pump — no leaks
Cab / Controls
- Gauges and warning lights functioning
- Windshield — no cracks that obstruct view
- Mirrors — clean, properly adjusted, no cracks
- Horn — working
- Wipers and washers — functional
- Heater/defroster — functional
- Emergency equipment (fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, spare fuses)
- Seat belt — functional, not frayed
Lights
- Headlights (high and low beam)
- Turn signals — front and rear
- 4-way hazard flashers
- Clearance/marker lights
- Identification lights
- Tail lights and brake lights
- License plate light
Steering & Suspension
- Steering wheel free play — no more than 10 degrees
- Steering column — secure, no unusual play
- Front axle — no cracks, no bent components
- U-bolts, spring hangers, spring mounts — secure
- Shock absorbers — no leaks, functional
- Leaf springs — no missing, shifted, cracked, or broken leaves
- Air bags (if equipped) — no leaks, properly inflated
Brakes
- Brake drums/rotors — no cracks, not too thin
- Brake linings/pads — not worn dangerously thin
- Brake hoses and lines — no leaks, not crimped or worn
- Slack adjusters — properly adjusted
- Air brake system — build-up time, governor cut-out, leak test
- Low air warning device — activates before 60 psi
- Parking brake — holds on grade
- Service brake — vehicle stops in a straight line
Tires & Wheels
- Tread depth — steer tires 4/32", drive/trailer 2/32" minimum
- Tire condition — no cuts, bulges, or tread separation
- Tire inflation — visually check all tires
- Lug nuts — all present, no cracks, not loose
- Rims — no cracks, no welded repairs
- Hub oil seals — no leaks
- Valve stems and caps — present, not damaged
- Matching tire sizes on each axle
Coupling (Tractor-Trailer)
- Fifth wheel — no visible space between apron and plate
- Kingpin — not bent, locking jaws closed around it
- Release handle — in locked position, safety latch engaged
- Mounting bolts — secure
- Air and electrical lines — no leaks, properly connected, enough slack for turns
- Glad hands — sealed, no air leaks
- Trailer air supply valve — working
- Landing gear — fully raised, handle secure, no damage
Trailer / Cargo
- Cargo — properly distributed, secured, not leaking
- Cargo securement devices — adequate, in good condition
- Header board — adequate to prevent cargo shift
- Side rails and stakes — present, in good condition (flatbeds)
- Tailgate/doors — properly secured
- Splash guards/mud flaps — present, not dragging
- Rear impact guard (ICC bumper) — present, secure
FMCSR 392.7: You must be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving. A pre-trip inspection is required by federal regulation. This checklist covers the most common items inspectors check during Level I, II, and III roadside inspections.