DOT Inspector Federal Regulations & Compliance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under 49 CFR Part 396, how often must a motor carrier conduct a periodic inspection of each commercial motor vehicle?
- Every 6 months
- Every 12 months (Correct answer)
- Every 90 days
- Every 24 months
Correct answer: Every 12 months
49 CFR 396.17 requires that every commercial motor vehicle be inspected at least once every 12 months.
Question 2: Which federal regulation governs driver qualification files for commercial motor vehicle operators?
- 49 CFR Part 391 (Correct answer)
- 49 CFR Part 393
- 49 CFR Part 395
- 49 CFR Part 382
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 391
49 CFR Part 391 sets the minimum qualifications and record-keeping requirements for CMV drivers.
Question 3: A roadside inspector discovers a vehicle with an inoperative required lamp. Under the out-of-service criteria, which condition would place the vehicle OOS?
- Any turn signal lamp inoperative
- All required lamps on one side inoperative
- The headlamp on the driver side inoperative (Correct answer)
- A clearance lamp missing on the roof
Correct answer: The headlamp on the driver side inoperative
A headlamp that is inoperative on the driver's side meets the CVSA out-of-service threshold for lighting defects.
Question 4: Under 49 CFR 383, a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder must notify their employer within how many days of a conviction for a traffic violation in any vehicle?
- 5 days
- 10 days (Correct answer)
- 30 days
- 60 days
Correct answer: 10 days
49 CFR 383.31 requires CDL holders to notify their employer within 30 days, but they must notify within 30 days — however, 383.31(a) gives 30 days for most; the 10-day rule applies to serious violations per 383.33.
Question 5: Which part of 49 CFR addresses the transportation of hazardous materials and the placarding requirements inspectors must verify?
- 49 CFR Part 171-180 (Correct answer)
- 49 CFR Part 393
- 49 CFR Part 396
- 49 CFR Part 382
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 171-180
The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) are found in 49 CFR Parts 171-180 and govern placarding, labeling, and shipping papers.
Question 6: Under FMCSA regulations, what is the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight on the Interstate Highway System without a special permit?
- 73,280 lbs
- 80,000 lbs (Correct answer)
- 88,000 lbs
- 78,000 lbs
Correct answer: 80,000 lbs
Federal law limits gross vehicle weight to 80,000 pounds on the Interstate Highway System per 23 U.S.C. 127.
Question 7: An inspector finds a CMV driver has been on duty for 14 hours with 10 hours of driving. The driver wants to continue driving. What regulation applies?
- The driver may continue driving up to 11 total hours
- The driver must stop driving after 11 hours of driving regardless of on-duty time
- The driver cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour on duty (Correct answer)
- The driver can reset the clock with a 30-minute break
Correct answer: The driver cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour on duty
Under 49 CFR 395.3, a property-carrying driver may not drive after the 14th hour following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
DOT Inspector Federal Regulations & Compliance 2
Under 49 CFR Part 396, how often must a motor carrier conduct a periodic inspection of each commercial motor vehicle?