In partnership with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division of the Indiana State Police and the Indiana Motor Truck Association (IMTA), the Baldwin & Lyons loss prevention department participated in a learning session with actual Level 1 inspections. The focus was on federal regulations, out-of-service criteria and proper documentation.

We were able to witness Level 1 inspections on various commercial vehicles. The inspections result in a range of violations, from minor ones with warning tickets to a vehicle with 19 violations that was taken out of service.

The Indiana State Police concurrently agreed with federal investigators that motor carriers need to train mechanics to look at each vehicle they service not just as a simple repair, but also as a Level 1 roadside inspection. They suggested that too many mechanics inspect their equipment based on Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Standards or Appendix G of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), when they should actually focus on the regulations in FMCSR Part 393. For example, if the brakes are out of adjustment, the mechanic should be looking for defects with the automatic slack adjusters instead of just bringing the brakes back into adjustment. 

In addition to being pulled over at weigh stations due to visual, audible or weight violations that result in an inspection, roadside inspections are also heavily triggered by speeding, improper lane use and following too closely. 

This picture shows truck brakes being tested on a brake resistance performance machine. The machine causes each vehicle wheel to spin slowly as the vehicle brakes are being applied. The motorized rollers measure the resistance of the brakes. The machine does not indicate what braking malfunction is occurring; it simply indicates which brake is not operating to full capacity. The inspectors then use this data to find brake violations on that wheel. 

The scale visit provided great insight into what regulators are looking for during roadside inspections. Baldwin & Lyons encourages all of our insureds to attend a scale visit. Contact your state motor truck association to find out if they have a visit scheduled soon.