A brake inspection is a check of a vehicle's braking system to confirm it can stop the vehicle safely. For commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), FMCSA rules require brakes to be checked by drivers before and after trips, kept in proper adjustment, and examined during periodic inspections by qualified inspectors.
Brake problems are among the most common vehicle violations found during roadside inspections, and they are a frequent reason vehicles are placed out of service.
FMCSA Requirements for Brake Inspections
Systematic maintenance
Under 49 CFR 396.3, motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair and maintain all vehicles under their control. Brake equipment requirements are set out in 49 CFR 393.40 through 393.55, including the requirement for automatic brake adjusters on air-braked CMVs manufactured on or after October 20, 1994.
Pre-trip inspection
Under 49 CFR 396.13, before driving, the driver must be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition, review the last driver vehicle inspection report, and sign it if defects were noted and certified as repaired.
Post-trip DVIR
Under 49 CFR 396.11, drivers must prepare a written report at the end of each day covering parts and accessories including service brakes and trailer brake connections, parking brake, steering, lights, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment. Drivers of property-carrying vehicles need not submit a report when no defect is found. Reports must be retained for 3 months.
Annual inspection
Under 49 CFR 396.17, every CMV must pass a periodic inspection at least once every 12 months, meeting the minimum standards in Part 396's appendix. Under 49 CFR 396.25, anyone who inspects, maintains, services or repairs CMV brakes must meet brake inspector qualifications through training or experience. Annual inspection records must be kept for 14 months.
What a Brake Inspection Covers
- Air pressure build-up, leakage and low-air warning operation on air brake systems
- Pushrod stroke and brake adjustment
- Brake linings, pads, drums and rotors for wear and cracks
- Air lines, hoses and fittings for chafing, leaks and damage
- Parking brake and spring brake operation
- Trailer brake connections and gladhands
- Hydraulic fluid level and leaks on hydraulic systems
How to Run a Brake Inspection Program Step by Step
- Train drivers. Teach pre-trip brake checks, including air brake tests where applicable.
- Use DVIRs consistently. Make sure defects are reported, repaired and certified before the next trip.
- Schedule preventive maintenance. Inspect brakes at set mileage or time intervals, not just at the annual inspection.
- Use qualified brake inspectors. Document each inspector's qualifications.
- Track annual inspections. Know when each vehicle's 12-month inspection is due.
- Review roadside inspection results. Look for patterns in brake violations by vehicle or terminal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Manually adjusting automatic slack adjusters instead of finding the root cause of out-of-adjustment brakes.
- Letting drivers move vehicles with reported brake defects that have not been repaired.
- Missing annual inspection due dates.
- Not keeping brake inspector qualification records.
How SMS360 Helps
SMS360's Vehicle Management module helps fleets keep vehicle records, inspection and maintenance information in one place, so teams can see when vehicles are due for service or periodic inspection and keep documentation ready for audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must commercial vehicle brakes be inspected?
Drivers must check vehicles before driving and report brake defects on the DVIR. FMCSA also requires each CMV to pass a periodic inspection at least once every 12 months, and carriers must systematically inspect and maintain vehicles in between, typically through a preventive maintenance schedule.
Who can perform brake inspections on CMVs?
Under 49 CFR 396.25, anyone who inspects, maintains, services or repairs CMV brakes must be qualified, either by completing an approved training program or by having equivalent brake-related training or experience. Carriers must keep evidence of those qualifications.
How long must DVIRs be kept?
Motor carriers must keep the original driver vehicle inspection report, the certification of repairs and the driver's review certification for at least 3 months from the date the report was prepared.
