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If your fleet operates commercial vehicles that cross state lines, exceed weight limits (typically over 10,000 lbs GVWR), transport hazardous materials, or carry more than 15 passengers, you likely fall under DOT regulations. These regulations cover areas including driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, hours of service, drug and alcohol testing and recordkeeping. Our calculator helps you understand which specific requirements apply to your fleet and the potential financial impact of non-compliance.

DOT requirements undergo regular updates, with significant changes typically occurring every 1-2 years. Recent changes have included electronic logging device (ELD) mandates, changes to drug testing procedures, and updates to out-of-service criteria. Staying current with these changes is critical for maintaining compliance. Fleetio automatically updates its compliance requirements to reflect the latest regulations, ensuring your fleet stays compliant even as rules evolve.

DOT audits typically examine six critical areas: driver qualification files, hours of service compliance, vehicle maintenance records, drug and alcohol testing programs, accident records and general compliance processes. Auditors review documentation spanning the previous 12 months to verify regulatory adherence. Penalties for violations found during audits can range from $1,000 to $25,000 per incident depending on severity, with the potential for operations to be suspended until compliance is achieved. Our calculator helps you prepare by identifying your highest risk areas before an audit occurs.

Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores directly impact your fleet’s reputation, insurance rates and likelihood of roadside inspections. Improving these scores requires systematic maintenance programs, proper driver qualification management, regular training, and consistent documentation. The most successful fleets implement digital solutions that proactively track compliance metrics, notify managers of potential issues and maintain comprehensive records. Fleetio’s compliance management tools help you identify problem areas and implement corrective actions that can lead to improved CSA scores over time.