Bus Service DOT Inspection

Bus Inspections and Services

To help increase safety on the road, American Bus Sales and the U.S. Department of Transportation performs inspections on your commercial motor vehicles. The Department of Transportation, also known as the DOT, is responsible for inspecting all commercial vehicles in each state throughout the country. Each state has their own DOT Bus Inspection Services, so the process may differ depending on where you live.

Let’s look at the basic information of the DOT Inspection Services:

DOT Vehicle Inspections

There are many different levels of DOT inspections. Overall, your goal is to pass the inspection with no violations. When you pass with no violations, it shows that you are a safe and reliable driver on the road.

Level 1: North American Standard Inspection

At this part of your inspection, an officer will look at the entire vehicle for worn-out or damaged parts. Your braking system, lights, battery, securement of cargo, and other features will all be examined at this point. At this time, you’ll also be asked to provide a valid driver’s license, medical certification, waiver of hours, and any other necessary documentation you need to operate the vehicle.

Level 2: Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection

Although very similar to level one, the DOT Inspection’s second level involves the officer walking around the driver and the vehicle to look for anything operating incorrectly. At this point, you will want to make sure that you have extra supplies for your vehicle for quick fixes, and any legal documentation you might need.

Level 3: Driver Only Inspection

This level solely focuses on the driver’s credentials and paperwork. You will want to make sure you provide the following:

  • License
  • Electronic Logging Device
  • Record of Duty Status
  • Hours of Service
  • Driver Vehicle Inspection Report

Level 4: One-time Inspections of a Particular Item

Level four inspections are rare, but when they happen, a one-time examination of a particular item is inspected. This is usually for research purposes and is typically items such as driver documentation or your vehicle’s engine!

Level 5: Vehicle-only inspections

The fifth level of DOT inspection covers all the vehicle parts serviced at the first inspection level. However, this time the driver does not need to be present. This inspection includes the maintenance of important areas and other safety components.

Maintaining a Used School Bus

At American Bus Sales, we know that your used school bus is an investment that will be used in a variety of different ways. Because most buses are operated daily, we provide the services you need to ensure that each bus is safe and ready to hit the road!

Our technicians specialize in the following areas:

· Diagnostics for Gas and Diesel Engines

· Air and Hydraulic Braking Systems

· Installing and Repairing Heat and Air Conditioning Systems

· Electrical Component repair

· Wheelchair Lifts (Braun and Ricon)

· Preventive Maintenance

· 105 Point and DOT Inspections

· Bringing School Buses Up to Meet Certain State Specs

· Restoring buses to like-new condition

Professional Maintenance Services for Your Bus 

At American Bus Sales, we offer a selection of pre-owned shuttles, school buses, and coaches that are both safe and reliable on the road. In addition to providing you with an excellent bus, we also work to maintain them by providing a professional service department specializing in bus repairs.

To learn more about our bus inspections and services, visit our service page or contact us today to see how we can help keep your fleet in the best shape!