Federal Annual Inspections
In Connecticut, federal annual inspections for heavy-duty vehicles are a critical part of maintaining safety on the road and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. These inspections are not a one-size-fits-all process; they are based on standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and are designed to cover every component that is essential for safe operation. This includes, but is not limited to, the brake system, lighting, tires, steering, suspension, and coupling devices for combination vehicles. Every commercial motor vehicle, including each part of a combination vehicle like a tractor-trailer, must undergo a periodic inspection at least once every 12 months.
The responsibility for these inspections often falls to the motor carrier. While the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a Commercial Vehicle Safety Division with inspectors who conduct roadside safety checks at weigh stations and on highways, motor carriers are generally responsible for ensuring their fleet's annual inspections are completed by a qualified inspector. This inspector must have the necessary training and certification to perform these detailed assessments. Some carriers may even be qualified to perform these inspections themselves, as long as they meet the FMCSA's requirements for a qualified inspector.
After an inspection is completed, the motor carrier must retain a copy of the inspection report for 14 months from the date of the inspection. This documentation, which can be an original report, sticker, or decal, must also be on the vehicle itself and available for inspection upon demand by an authorized official. Failure to provide proof of a current periodic inspection can lead to fines and other penalties.
The Connecticut DMV works closely with the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut (MTAC) to ensure that motor carriers are aware of their responsibilities under both state and federal law, and that all heavy-duty vehicles on the road meet the necessary safety standards.
