Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Inspection Procedures

Oct. 26, 2025, 4:17 p.m.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how commercial vehicle inspections work in Oregon under ODOT — what they cover, who does them, how to prepare, and what drivers/carriers need to know.
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Inspection Procedures

1. Inspection Levels & Standards

  • Oregon uses the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) “North American Standard” inspection levels (Level I, II, III, V, etc.).  

    • Level I = Full inspection: driver + vehicle, mechanical + driver qualifications.  

    • Level II = “Walk-around” inspection: many of same items, but no underneath access.  

    • Level III = Driver-only: e.g., driver credentials, hours-of-service, etc.  

    • Level V = Vehicle only: mechanical components only (no driver).  

  • Under Oregon administrative rules, only Level I and Level V inspections may result in an Oregon Commercial Vehicle Inspection Decal.  

2. Who Conducts the Inspections & Inspector Qualifications

  • Inspectors must be certified. According to Oregon rules (OAR 740-100-0015), an inspector either:

    • Works for a state agency (ODOT) or is under contract with ODOT, AND

    • Has completed the required commercial vehicle safety inspector training, AND

    • Annually performs the minimum number of North American Standard inspections required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).  

  • ODOT’s Commerce & Compliance Division oversees training and certification of truck-safety inspectors in Oregon.  

3. What’s Checked During an Inspection

For Level I (full inspection), ODOT lists the following typical checks:

  • Driver credentials: driver’s license, medical examiner certificate/waiver, drug & alcohol compliance.  

  • Vehicle mechanical/operational components:

    • Brakes, coupling devices, steering, suspension, tires/wheels/rims.  

    • Lights (headlamps, tail, turn signals), exhaust/fuel systems, frame, load securement.  

  • Out-of-Service criteria: If defects are serious, vehicle or driver may be placed out-of-service under North American Standard criteria.  

4. Decals, Reciprocity & Re-inspection

  • After a successful Level I or Level V inspection, the vehicle may be issued an Oregon Commercial Vehicle Inspection Decal.  

  • Vehicles displaying a valid decal generally are exempt from re-inspection, unless a defect is obvious. (Oregon Rule 740-100-0055)  

  • Inspections conducted by other jurisdictions (states) that follow the same standards may be given “reciprocity” in Oregon.  

5. Inspection Results, Violations & Compliance

  • If violations are found, the carrier or driver must correct them. ODOT requires notification and follow-up.  

  • Inspections feed into carrier safety profiles and may affect enforcement action or audits.  

  • Carriers must also maintain inspection records, ensure vehicles are safe, and comply with both state and federal rules (e.g., the FMCSA periodic inspection regulations).  

6. Preparing for an Inspection: Best Practices

To minimise disruptions and avoid violations:

  • Keep driver credentials, logs, and medical certificates up to date.

  • Perform regular pre-trip and post-trip inspections (driver-led walk-arounds).

  • Maintain vehicle mechanical systems: brakes, lights, tires, coupling, suspension.

  • Ensure load securement is adequate and compliant.

  • Track when the annual/periodic inspection is due (for vehicle + trailer).

  • Know whether your vehicle displays a valid decal; if nearing expiry, schedule inspection.

  • If pulled into a roadside inspection, stay cooperative, have documents ready, and follow any out-of‐service instructions.

7. Key Regulations & Legal Basis

  • Oregon administrative rules under Chapter 740 establish inspection procedures, decal rules, out-of-service criteria, inspector certification.  

  • Federal rules (FMCSA) set baseline inspection and maintenance requirements (49 CFR part 396) which Oregon aligns with.