Basic Resources for Companies with Fleets
A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is defined in Colorado Law as “…any self-propelled or towed vehicle bearing an apportioned plate or having a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination rating (GCWR) of sixteen thousand one pounds or more, which vehicle is used in commerce on the public highways of this state or is designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver; and (II) Any motor vehicle designed or equipped to transport other motor vehicles from place to place by means of winches, cables, pulleys, or other equipment for towing, pulling, or lifting, when such motor vehicle is used in commerce on the public highways of this state.”
Requirements / Compliance Issues
- DOT number
- License plates
- Registration (single state registration if intrastate, IRP if interstate)
- Insurance (includes HM insurance if applicable)
- Fuel Tax Sticker if interstate
- Extra legal / Longer combination vehicle permits, if applicable (available in single trip or annual permits)
- Vehicle marking requirements
- Company files / paperwork requirements
- Federal / State regulations handbook
- Records of Duty Status
- Time sheets or,
- Log books
- Daily review of 11 inspection criteria
- Record of maintenance by vehicle or unit
- Driver employment application
- Check of past driving record
- Medical qualification
- Road test
- Previous employer background check
- Record of violations / annual review of MVR
- Certificate of compliance
- New hire driver statement of on-duty hours
- Employment eligibility verification / I9 form
- Driver consent forms
- Safety performance history
- Drug/alcohol testing history
- Driver consent forms
- Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports
- Vehicle Maintenance Files
- Driver Qualification Files [395.51(a)]
- Driver Investigation History Files
- Confidential Controlled Substance Files
- Previous pre-employment test statement
- Previous employer test information
- Alcohol / controlled substance test notification
- Alcohol / controlled substance test results
- Observed behavior reasonable suspicion record
- Federal drug testing custody and control form
- US DOT alcohol testing form
- Driver consent forms
- Accident Register
- Controlled Substance Testing Program (self-directed or consortium)
Often – overlooked compliance issues
Vehicle Markings – vehicle must be marked on both sides with company name and DOT number. Colorado also requires the last 8 digits of the VIN number to be marked on the passenger side of the vehicle. Combination vehicles may mark the trailer if the power unit’s GVWR is 10,000 pounds or less. (390.21)
Emergency Equipment – vehicle must have a fire extinguisher with at least a 5 B:C rating and either three bi-directional reflective triangles or fuses. (CFR 393.95)
Trailer Brakes – all towed vehicles weighing more than 3, 000 pounds must have brakes on all wheels. These towed vehicles must also have a breakaway brake system to apply the service brakes of the towed vehicle in the event of the towed vehicle becoming detached from the towing vehicle. (393.42 / CRS 42-4-223)
Annual Inspections – all CMVs must be inspected annually and proof of that inspection must be carried in the vehicle. A copy of the annual inspection must also be kept in the CMV’s maintenance file. (396.17)
Hours of Service – all commercial vehicle drivers must prepare records of duty status. (395.8).
CFR 395.1(e) provides and exemption from 395.8 if the driver does not go more than 100 air miles from the point where he/she was dispatched, and the driver returns to the point of dispatch, and is totally released from duty within 12 hours, and the company keeps time records. The company must maintain those time records for 180 days. The time records must contain the time reporting for work, time leaving work and total amount of time on duty for every day of the week.
Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR) – a commercial vehicle driver must prepare a written report at the completion of each day’s work listing any defect or deficiency discovered. There are 11 specific items the driver must inspect. (396.11)
Seatbelt Use – a commercial motor vehicle shall not be driven unless the driver has properly restrained him/herself within the seat belt assembly. (392.16)
Commercial Drivers License Information
(49 CFR 383)
| GVWR | Medical Card | CDL |
| 16,001 pounds to 26,000 pounds (non-hazmat interstate) | YES | NO |
| 16,001 pounds to 26,000 pounds (non-hazmat intrastate) | NO | NO |
| 16,001 pounds to 26,000 pounds (placardable amount of hazmat) | YES | YES |
| 26,001 pounds and above (includes GCWR of 26,001> pounds when the towed unit has a GVWR of 16,001> pounds by itself) | YES | YES |
| Buses designed to transport 16+ passengers including driver (includes school, church and daycare buses) | YES | YES |
Fleet Advisors skilled technicians have been in the business of performing DOT inspections for over 30 years. We come to you and perform these inspections On-Site in order to save you the time and cost of moving one vehicle at a time to a shop to be inspected. We would love to be your partner in the Denver and Front Range area for mobile DOT Inspections.
Annual DOT safety inspections can be performed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. We are based out of Denver, but our crews also service the front range and surrounding areas. If your business is closed on the weekend, let us come in and take care of the annual truck inspections required for all fleets and help you avoid downtime usually created by the process.
Fleet Advisor technicians are highly trained to identify safety issues with your equipment. We know what DOT Officers are looking for and would like the chance to join your team, to keep your fleet producing.
Our certified technicians are equipped to repair anything that makes your truck or trailer non-DOT Compliant. We can fix anything on-site in order to get you back up and on the road. Lights, Lighting Systems, Safety Equipment, Brakes, Trailer Braking systems, Mudflaps, Steering components, Coupling Devices, Exhaust Systems, Fuel Systems, Suspension, Windshield Wipers, etc. Contact us about our truck and tractor-trailer inspection services today! Our crew looks forward to working with you and keeping your fleet up and running.
Go to shop for all your fleet maintenance needs in Denver and the surrounding areas. Our years of experience have led us into this venture, a one-stop shop for all your fleet’s needs.