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DOT Bus Inspection Checklist

FMCSA bus/motorcoach periodic inspection per 49 CFR 396.3 & 396.13.

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Vehicle & Inspector Details

Inspection Items

Mark the applicable column for each item: P = Pass  |  F = Fail  |  N/A = Not applicable. Record notes for any F.

# Check P F N/A Notes / Action
Brakes
1Service brake operation adequate, stops in a straight line
2Parking brake holds vehicle on grade
3Brake lines, hoses and connections free of leaks and damage
4Air pressure builds within required time, low-air warning functional
Steering
5Steering wheel free play within limits (no excessive lash)
6Power steering fluid level adequate, no leaks
7Steering linkage, tie rods and drag link secure, no wear
Suspension
8Springs, air bags and shock absorbers intact, no cracks or leaks
9U-bolts, spring hangers and mounting hardware secure
Tires & Wheels
10Tire tread depth meets minimum (4/32 in. steer, 2/32 in. other)
11No cuts, bulges, exposed cord or sidewall damage on any tire
12Tire inflation adequate, lug nuts torqued and no missing studs
13Wheels free of cracks, bent rims or damage
Body & Frame
14Frame and cross members free of cracks, corrosion or sagging
15Floor, steps and aisle in good condition, no tripping hazards
16Passenger seating secure, seat frames and cushions intact
DOT Bus Inspection Checklist - Page 2 of 2
Unit #
Date
Inspector
# Check P F N/A Notes / Action
Lights & Signals
17Headlights (high/low beam) operational and properly aimed
18Tail lights, brake lights and turn signals functional all sides
19Clearance and marker lights operational
20Interior passenger area lighting functional
Emergency Equipment
21Emergency exits operational, clearly marked and unobstructed
22Fire extinguisher present, charged and inspection tag current
23Emergency reflective triangles or flares on board
24First aid kit present and stocked per FMCSA requirements
Engine & Exhaust
25Engine starts and idles smoothly, no abnormal noise or vibration
26Exhaust system intact, no leaks into passenger compartment
Driver Area
27Windshield clear, no cracks or damage impairing driver vision
28Mirrors (interior and exterior) clean, properly adjusted and intact
Overall Result
PASS: vehicle meets FMCSA safety standards FAIL: defect(s) found, see table below

Defects & Corrective Actions  (list any item marked F: reference item # from checklist)

Item # Defect description Corrective action / reported to Corrected by / date

Declaration

I certify that this inspection has been performed in accordance with FMCSA 49 CFR Part 396. All defects noted above have been reported to the motor carrier. Vehicles with out-of-service conditions must not operate until repairs are completed and verified.

Inspector Sign-off
Signature
Print name
Date & time
Fleet Manager / Maintenance Supervisor Acknowledgment
Signature
Print name
Date