Kenworth Truck Safety and Compliance Inspection Checklist

Compliance Information

This inspection checklist is designed to help Kenworth truck operators meet Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, and prepare for roadside inspections. Regular completion and documentation of these safety inspections helps maintain regulatory compliance, avoid violations, and ensure safe operation of your Kenworth trucks.

DOT Required Safety Inspection Items

These items must be inspected to comply with DOT requirements under 49 CFR Part 396.

Brake System Requirements

Service brake functionality
Parking brake operation
Brake hose condition (no leaks or wear)
Brake drum/rotor condition
Brake lining/pad thickness (min. 1/4" front, 1/4" rear)
Anti-lock brake system indicator function
Air system pressure (cut-in at 85-100 PSI)
Low air pressure warning device (activates by 60 PSI)

Coupling Devices

Fifth wheel mounting (no cracks)
Fifth wheel locking mechanism
Kingpin condition and engagement
Safety latch operation
Air and electrical connections
Mounting hardware securement
Sliding fifth wheel lock operation
No visible space between upper/lower fifth wheel

Emergency Equipment

Fire extinguisher (fully charged, mounted)
Spare fuses (if equipped with fuses)
Warning devices for stopped vehicles
Three reflective triangles
Electrical fuses (spare kit required)
First aid kit (if company policy requires)
Hazard warning function (4-way flashers)
Seatbelts functional for all seating positions

Lighting & Reflectors

Headlights (high/low beam)
Tail lights
Brake lights
Turn signals
Clearance lights
Side marker lights
Reflectors (sides and rear)
License plate light

FMCSA Compliance Requirements

These items must be inspected to ensure compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.

Driver Requirements

Valid CDL with proper endorsements
Medical Examiner's Certificate
Hours of Service records (last 7/8 days)
Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports
Hazmat endorsement (if applicable)
Driver qualification file maintained
Drug & alcohol testing program compliance
Entry-Level Driver Training verification (if applicable)

Vehicle Documentation

Vehicle registration
Proof of annual inspection
Insurance documentation
IFTA credentials
IRP cab card
Permits for oversized/overweight (if applicable)
Hazmat registration (if applicable)
ELD device with instruction sheet and blank logs

Cargo Securement

Proper tie-downs for cargo type
Adequate working load limit for cargo
Securement devices in good condition
Cargo properly distributed
Blocked and braced appropriately
Tie-down angle requirements met
Required number of tie-downs present
Edge protection where needed

Size & Weight Compliance

Gross vehicle weight within limits
Axle weights within limits
Bridge formula compliance
Overall length, width, height compliance
Kingpin to rear axle distance legal
Weight distribution proper
Oversize permits (if applicable)
Required flags/lights for oversize loads

Critical Safety Systems Inspection

Verify these critical safety systems to ensure safe operation of your Kenworth truck.

Steering System

Steering wheel free play (≤ 10°)
Steering gear box mounting secure
No fluid leaks from steering system
Tie rods and drag links secure
Power steering fluid at proper level
Steering column properly secured
No binding or jamming in steering
Front axle aligned properly

Suspension System

No cracked or missing leaf springs
Air ride suspension inflates properly
No leaking shock absorbers
Secure U-bolts and spring hangers
Axle alignment correct
Torque rods and bushings intact
Air bags not damaged or leaking
No excessive frame cracks or damage

Exhaust System

No exhaust leaks
Exhaust system securely mounted
No parts of system touching wiring/fuel system
DPF/SCR components secure
No severe rust or heat damage
Proper clearance from fuel and electrical components
Tail pipe extends beyond cab
Emission system warning lights function properly

Fuel System

Fuel tanks securely mounted
No fuel leaks present
Fuel tank caps present and tight
Fuel crossover lines protected
DEF tank cap sealed properly
No damaged or kinked fuel lines
Fuel/water separator free of excess water
Proper clearance from electrical/heat sources

Tires, Wheels & Rims

Tire tread depth (≥ 4/32" front, ≥ 2/32" drive/trailer)
No cuts or bulges in sidewalls
Proper inflation per specifications
No mismatched tire sizes on same axle
Wheels/rims free of cracks or damage
Lug nuts tight with no missing fasteners
No signs of wheel bearing issues
Valve stems intact with caps

Windshield & Glass

No disqualifying cracks in windshield
No obstruction of driver's view
Wipers and washers functional
Wiper blades in good condition
Side windows operate properly
No illegal tinting
Mirrors properly adjusted
Defroster/defogger operational

Advanced Safety Systems

Collision mitigation system operational
Lane departure warning system functional
Blind spot detection system working
Adaptive cruise control operational
Stability control system indicator checks
Backup camera/sensors working (if equipped)
Radar sensors clean and properly aligned
System warning lights function correctly

Cab Safety Features

Cab entry handles secure
Steps/grab handles in good condition
Door latches function properly
Seatbelts for all positions operational
Seats properly secured to floor
No loose items in cab that could become projectiles
Interior lights functional
Horn operational

Roadside Inspection Preparation

Prepare for potential roadside inspections with these critical checks.

Level 1 Inspection Preparation

Driver's license valid and appropriate
Medical certificate current and valid
Hours of service logs complete and current
DVIR completed and signed
Annual inspection documentation
Hazmat endorsements/permits (if applicable)
Seat belt functional and in use
Drugs/alcohol policy documentation

ELD Compliance Items

ELD properly mounted and visible
ELD registered with FMCSA
ELD instruction manual present
Blank logs available (minimum 8 days)
ELD data transfer capability functional
All required data elements captured
Malfunction indicator status
Data backup system in place

Common Violation Prevention

Brake adjustment within limits
Lights all functional
Load securement meeting requirements
Tire condition (no flat or damaged tires)
No fluid leaks visible
Registration and insurance documentation
Proper placards (if hazmat)
No frame cracks or damage

CSA Score Improvement

Verify all previous violations corrected
Maintenance records up to date
Critical safety violations addressed
Driver has clean, professional appearance
Vehicle interior clean and organized
Pre-trip inspection just completed
Previous inspection reports available
Driver prepared to demonstrate knowledge

Required Records and Documentation

Verify that these required records and documents are present and properly maintained.

Driver Qualification File

Employment application
MVR (initial and annual)
Road test certificate
Medical examiner's certificate
Previous employer verification
Annual violations statement
Drug and alcohol testing records
Entry-level driver training certificate

Vehicle Documentation

Registration (current and valid)
Insurance card/documentation
Annual inspection report
IFTA license and decals
IRP cab card
Previous 90 days of DVIRs
Lease agreement (if applicable)
PM inspection documentation

HOS Documentation

Current record of duty status
Previous 7/8 days logs
Supporting documents (fuel receipts, etc.)
ELD instruction sheet
ELD malfunction procedures
Blank log book forms
Timecard records (if applicable)
34-hour restart documentation

Hazmat Documentation

Shipping papers (properly completed)
Emergency response information
Hazmat endorsement on CDL
Hazmat registration (if required)
Route restrictions documentation
Proper placarding
PHMSA registration (if applicable)
Hazmat security plan (if required)

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