FLEET COMPLIANCE
Annual DOT Inspection: Trucks, Trailers, Due Dates, and Records
Every commercial vehicle, including each segment of a combination vehicle, must receive a qualifying periodic inspection at least once every 12 months. That includes the trailer.
Last reviewed
August 21, 2026
Written and maintained by We Heart Paperwork, built by a trucking company owner in Yakima, Washington.
The truck and trailer each have their own clock
FMCSA requires a periodic inspection at least once every 12 months for every commercial vehicle. Each segment of a combination vehicle is covered, so a tractor's current inspection does not make the trailer current.
This is why the Fleet tab keeps the inspection date on each truck and each trailer instead of placing one annual inspection date on the company.
What happens when the inspection is completed
The next deadline rolls from the date the new inspection was completed. If a truck is inspected on August 20, 2026, the next tracked date becomes August 20, 2027.
The motor carrier must retain the periodic inspection report for 14 months. Documentation of the most recent inspection—such as the report, sticker, or decal—must be kept on the vehicle.
A sticker is evidence of the inspection. It does not replace the carrier's copy of the actual periodic inspection report.
What this tracker does not replace
Those are operational maintenance and safety workflows. We Heart Paperwork tracks the recurring periodic-inspection date and its completion history.
•
Pre-trip inspection responsibilities.
•
Defect reporting and repair certification.
•
Systematic maintenance records.
•
Inspector-qualification requirements.
•
Roadside inspection responses.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Straight answers.
Does the trailer need its own annual inspection?
Yes. FMCSA applies the periodic inspection requirement to each segment of a combination vehicle.
How long do I keep the inspection report?
The carrier must retain the periodic inspection report for 14 months from the report date.
Does the next date run from the old expiration or the completion date?
The new inspection establishes the new 12-month cycle, so the tracker rolls from the actual completion date.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
These pages are general information, not legal advice. Regulations, agency systems, fees, and enforcement practices can change. Use the official sources below to verify current requirements for your operation.
© 2026 We Heart Paperwork
General information only. We Heart Paperwork does not provide legal advice or guarantee regulatory compliance.