If you are familiar with towing a trailer, you are probably likely to have experienced a D.O.T. Safety Checkpoint.
There are a lot of things that can make these stops run a little more smoothly. You would be surprised to know how many people don’t realize their trailer needs to be inspected every year.
That is going to be one of the 1st things they check during a DOT stop, and if you don’t have a valid NYS Inspection Certificate, it can set off red flags for them to look into everything.
There are certain things you are required to carry such as, safety
triangles, fire extinguisher & first aid kit, for starters. Before you get to
that checkpoint, stop by Trailer King and get your DOT Compliance kit
instead of getting a ticket!
3 Brakes
- Service and Parking Brakes
- Drums and Rotors
- Hoses and Tubing
- Low Air Warning Device
- Tractor Protection Valve
4 Coupling Devices
- Fifth Wheels
- Pintle Hooks
- Tow Bars
- Safety Devices
5 Lighting Devices
- Stop Lights
- Turn Signals
- Headlights
- Clearance Lights
- Marker Lights
6 Steering Mechanism
7 Suspension
8 Frame Members and Body Components 
9 Tires and Wheels
10 Windshield and Wipers
11 Load Securement
12 Rearview Mirrors
13 Horn
14 Exhaust System
15 Emergency Equipment
- Fire Extinguishers
- Emergency warning devices
- Spare fuses
