DOT Inspections for Minnesota Commercial Vehicles

Whether you own one commercial vehicle or a large fleet, you must have your DOT inspections performed by licensed, certified inspectors, like the team here at Bona Bros.

Every commercial vehicle over 26,000 lbs operating in Minnesota needs an annual DOT inspection — and a failed inspection means your truck doesn't move. At Bona Bros. Truck & Utilities, our ASE-certified technicians are licensed DOT inspectors trained through the Minnesota Mandatory Inspection Program. We've inspected thousands of vehicles and our techs attend continuous MNDOT training to stay current on requirements.

When we find something during an inspection, we fix it on-site. You're not shuttling your truck to a second shop for brake work or a third for electrical repairs. One shop, one stop, back on the road.

What's Included in a DOT Inspection

A Minnesota DOT inspection covers every system critical to safe operation. Our inspectors evaluate:

Brake Systems — drums, rotors, pads, shoes, brake lines, parking brake, air brake components, compressor, and air dryer

Steering and Suspension — tie rods, ball joints, king pins, leaf springs, air bags, shock absorbers, and steering gear

Frame and Body — cracking, bending, loose or missing fasteners, and structural integrity

Fuel System — tanks, lines, caps, and visible leaks

Exhaust System — leaks, mounting, and proximity to wiring or fuel lines

Lighting and Electrical — headlights, turn signals, brake lights, marker lights, reflectors, and wiring

Wheels, Rims, and Tires — tread depth, sidewall condition, lug nuts, rim cracks, and proper inflation

Coupling Devices — fifth wheel, locking mechanisms, kingpin, saddle mounts, and safety chains

Windshield and Glazing — cracks, visibility obstructions, and wiper condition

Emergency Equipment — fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, and required safety gear

You'll receive an itemized pass/fail report after every inspection. Minnesota law requires you to keep this report for 14 months.

Does Your Vehicle Need an Annual DOT Inspection?

Under Minnesota Statute 169.781, you need an annual DOT inspection and current certification sticker if your vehicle:

• Has a gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds

• Is part of a combination weighing more than 26,000 pounds
• Is designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver)
• Transports hazardous materials requiring a placard under federal regulations (49 CFR 100-185)

Some exemptions exist for vehicles in interstate commerce, school buses, and equipment classified as "special mobile equipment." If you're unsure whether your vehicles require inspection, call us — we'll help you figure it out.

What Happens if Your Vehicle Fails?

A failed inspection doesn't mean the end of the road — it means something needs to be fixed before you get a passing certification. We issue a detailed report listing every deficiency by severity.

Here's where being at Bona Bros. makes a difference: we repair what we find, on-site, in the same facility. Brake work, electrical, exhaust, suspension, steering — our 40+ bay commercial truck shop handles all of it. You don't need to coordinate with another shop or wait for a second appointment. We fix the issue, re-inspect, and get your sticker issued.

Beyond the annual inspection, your vehicles can be subject to roadside inspections at weigh stations and other locations at any time. Commercial vehicle inspectors and state troopers conduct enforcement actions regularly. Failing a roadside inspection can result in fines, driver's license suspension, and in serious cases, criminal penalties. A clean annual inspection is your best defense.

Fleet DOT Inspections

If you manage a fleet of 5, 50, or 500 vehicles, we build a schedule around your operation — not the other way around.

We offer priority scheduling for fleet accounts, flexible drop-off windows, and accurate turnaround estimates so you can plan your routes and coverage. Our fleet service includes discounted labor rates and a single point of contact so you're not calling around for updates.

And because Bona Bros. is more than an inspection shop — we're a full-service commercial truck repair facility — any mechanical issues found during inspection get resolved in the same visit. No second trip. No second vendor. No lost time.

Why Bona Bros. for DOT Inspections

Our technicians don't just inspect trucks — they repair them. Every inspector on our team is:

• ASE-certified and licensed through Minnesota's Mandatory Inspection Program
• Trained through continuous MNDOT education and certification updates
• Backed by a full commercial repair shop with OEM diagnostic equipment

We also hold DOT, ANSI, FRA, Harsco Hy-Rail, CICB, and eRailSafe certifications — so if your fleet needs inspections across multiple regulatory frameworks, one shop handles all of them.

Schedule Your DOT Inspection

Call us at (651) 636-4870 or use the contact form below. We'll get your vehicles scheduled and provide a time estimate so you can plan around the downtime.

Walk-ins are welcome when bay space is available, but we recommend scheduling ahead — especially for fleets or during peak inspection season.

Bona Bros. Truck & Utilities 327 Old Hwy 8 NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Q: How much does a DOT inspection cost? DOT inspection pricing depends on the vehicle type and size. Call us at (651) 636-4870 for a quote specific to your vehicle or fleet. There's no charge for the estimate.

Q: How long does a DOT inspection take? A standard annual DOT inspection typically takes 1-2 hours per vehicle, depending on size and complexity. If repairs are needed, we'll give you a time estimate before starting any work.

Q: Can you do the repairs if my truck fails? Yes. We're a full-service commercial truck repair shop with 40+ bays. If your vehicle fails inspection, we repair the deficiency on-site, re-inspect, and issue your certification — all in one visit.

Q: Do you inspect trailers too? Yes. We inspect and certify trailers of all sizes, from single-axle to 40-ton, as well as semi-trailers, flatbeds, and reefer units.

Q: How often do I need a DOT inspection in Minnesota? At least once per year. Minnesota requires an annual inspection and current certification sticker for commercial vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVW, combination vehicles over 26,000 lbs, passenger vehicles carrying 16+, and any vehicle hauling placarded hazardous materials.

Q: Can I schedule inspections for my whole fleet at once? Absolutely. We work with fleets of all sizes and build inspection schedules around your operation. Fleet accounts get priority scheduling and discounted labor rates.

Q: Do you do ANSI and FRA inspections too? Yes. We're certified for DOT, ANSI, FRA, Harsco Hy-Rail, CICB, and eRailSafe inspections — all under one roof. If you have mixed fleets with different inspection requirements, we handle all of them.

Q: Are your inspectors licensed? Yes. Every inspector on our team has completed Minnesota's Mandatory Inspection Program and maintains current certification through continuous MNDOT training. Our techs are also ASE-certified.