AUTO, TRUCK & TIRE CENTER
Annual DOT Inspection Basics
Department of Transportation (DOT) in-
spections are designed to keep drivers safe.
It is the government’s way of ensuring all
commercial vehicles on the road are main-
tained properly, and drivers are aware of
safety issues.
Brent Geyen,
Service Manager
(952) 466-3711
Commercial vehicles need to be regis-
tered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), and display a US-
DOT Number.
FMCSA describes a USDOT number as “a unique identifier when
collecting and monitoring a company’s safety information ac-
quired during audits, compliance reviews, crash investigations,
and inspections.”
How do you know if your truck needs a USDOT Number?
Whether or not you do business inside state lines, or cross state
lines, these types of vehicles need to register and get a USDOT
Number:
• If the truck weighs over 10,00 pounds, and is used for any type
of business.
• If the vehicle is designed to transport eight or more passen-
gers (including the driver) for compensation.
• If the vehicle is designed to transport 15 passengers (includ-
ing the driver) but not for compensation.
• If you are transporting hazardous materials.
If you only do business inside state lines, there are a couple
more vehicle types that require an annual inspection:
• For-hire carriers operating any size vehicle
• Solid waste transporters
• Certain transit providers
Both Minnesota state laws and federal USDOT laws require an
annual inspection to make sure vehicles are safe for the road, and
one inspection will cover both requirements.
When your vehicle passes inspection, you will get a Driver Ve-
hicle Inspection Report (DVIR) that should be kept in the vehicle
at all times, and a Minnesota Vehicle Inspection decal to display.
The way to pass an annual inspection is to make sure the ve-
hicle is properly maintained and there aren’t any mechanical
problems. Brakes, exhaust, lights, tires, electrical cables, coupling
devices, seat belts, and more. Even windshield wipers. Remem-
ber, it’s all about safety.
Source:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
https://cms8.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number
https://www.dot.state.mn.us/cvo/mntruckbook/2020/sect12.pdf
We do DOT Inspections at Mid-County Auto, Truck & Tire Center
Call 952-466-3710 or visit midcountycoop.com to contact us today!
Lynn R. Zellman Automotive Technician Scholarship
The Lynn R. Zellman Automotive Technician Scholarship is
designed for high school students who are interested in pursuing
auto mechanics as a career.
“The scholarship will be for graduating seniors who plan to
attend a trade school to become an auto technician,” Dick
Pauly explained.
Beginning in 2020, one student from an area high
school will be chosen to receive the scholarship. That
student must attend one of these high schools: Waconia
High School, Central High School in Norwood Young
America, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School, or
Mayer Lutheran High School. Students who are interested
must fill out an application in order to be considered.
Page 6
The recipient will be awarded one thousand dollars, per year, for
up to two years. These funds will be directly applied to his or her
chosen trade school, to help cover tuition costs.
“Applications start February 1, 2020,” Dick said. “The
scholarship will be awarded in May or June, depending on
the normal practices of the high school, such as during
an awards banquet.”
Over the years, Lynn has been heavily involved in
Camp Omega, a Lutheran summer camp and retreat
center in Waterville, MN. He is both a longtime board
member and volunteer. This April, Mid-County donated
$1,000 in Lynn’s name to Camp Omega to be used for kids in
need of financial assistance, and will do so again in 2020.
www.midcountycoop.com