Commercial Vehicle Safety Division

Inspection information, recruitment, reports, CVSA active inspection bulletins and more

Commercial Vehicle Safety Division

Inspection information, recruitment, reports, CVSA active inspection bulletins and more

Motor vehicle inspectors

Who are we

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles was founded in 1917. In 1919 the State Legislature authorized a uniformed force of 30 inspectors equipped with motorcycles to inspect and weigh trucks on both the New York and Massachusetts borders.

Connecticut pioneered the world’s first Point System to curb careless and dangerous drivers in 1947, and in 1950 Connecticut was the first to record vehicle engine numbers to track stolen vehicles.

Today, Motor Vehicle Inspectors are P.O.S.T. certified (Police Officers Standards and Training) law enforcement officers with powers of arrest. Each Inspector receives hundreds of hours of specialized training and utilizes the latest technologies to assist in DMV’s primary law enforcement functions which include:

  • Truck safety and size/weight enforcement
  • School bus inspections and enforcement
  • Licensing of repairers and dealers of new and used vehicles
  • Vehicle identification and auto theft investigation 
  • Registration enforcement
  • Speed and traffic law enforcement

The primary objective of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) is to reduce the number of accidents and hazardous material incidents involving commercial motor vehicles. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Division operates from six fixed weight and inspections sites and patrols all highways and numerous secondary roads throughout the State.

DMV mission statement
To promote and advance public safety, security and service through the regulation of drivers, their motor vehicles, and vehicle-related businesses.

More about us

Connecticut DMV Inspectors proudly display this arm patch on their uniforms. The patch includes the State Seal, which became the uniform seal to be used by all departments in 1931 and included the motto “Qui Transtulit Sustinet” (meaning He Who Transplanted Still Sustains).

A popular explanation of the three grapevines is that they represent the three river towns (Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor) which were incorporated into the First Colony of Connecticut. It has also been noted that the three vines could represent the original three colonies of Connecticut (River Towns, Saybrook Colony and New Haven Colony).

Another interpretation of the three vines is that it represents the three fundamental principles on which Connecticut was founded -Religion, Education, and Law.

The banner attaching the United States flag and the State Flag reads, “Pride in Safety and Service.” Our mission is to promote and advance public Safety, Security, and Service through the regulation of drivers, their motor vehicles, and certain motor vehicle-related businesses.

Each Inspector is proud to serve the citizens of the State of Connecticut and will continue their duty in creating a safer highway environment for all.

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  • What to expect
  • Weigh station reports

What to expect

The Department of Motor Vehicles Truck Squads patrol Connecticut’s highways looking for unsafe trucks, buses, hazardous materials vehicles, and their drivers.  The squads perform random safety checks and traffic enforcement on the highways and at the states six weigh stations. If you are stopped, you may be subject to a level 1 safety inspection, which is a detailed check of the driver, the vehicle, and its cargo.

When a Roadside Safety Inspection is done you are given a copy of the inspection report. You need to rectify any violations found, sign, and email the report to MCSAP.Reports@ct.gov

Failure to return the form within 15 days of the inspection date may result in fines and/or suspension of the Vehicle(s) Registration.
Guidelines for the various types of inspections can be found on the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance website.

Truck Inspection and Safety Reports

Inquire about a motor carrier's safety fitness information based on statistics provided by the State of Connecticut and the Federal Government.  Information is provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Every six months, the DMV is required to report on activity at all six of Connecticut's weigh stations. Below are the reports for the specified time periods.
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  • Administrative reviews for motor carriers applying for state contracts
  • Notice for school bus and STV carriers
  • Commercial vehicle inspection reference CVSA active inspection bulletins

Administrative reviews for motor carriers applying for state contracts

Any commercial motor vehicle, as defined in section 14-1, or any vehicle defined in section 14-163c(a) of the Connecticut General Statutes are the subject of an Administrative Review conducted by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, Administrative Review Unit upon bid submission.

1. Carriers must provide the following to the Administrative Review Unit:

  • Insurance agent’s name, email address and contact phone number
  • Provide proof their company is currently enrolled in a drug and alcohol testing program, if applicable
  • Insurance agent’s information and the drug and alcohol contract must be emailed to: DMV.AdminReview@ct.gov

2. Carriers must make sure their DOT Number has been updated within the past 2 years.

If the DOT Number has not been updated, they must go to: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/updating-your-registration

3. Carriers must make sure there are no outstanding property tax owed to a municipality or money owed to the State of Connecticut.

4. Carriers must be registered with the Secretary of State, if applicable.

The Administrative Review is limited to primary contractors only. It is the responsibility of the primary contractor to ensure all of its agents and subcontractors are compliant with state and federal laws. This responsibility extends to driver qualifications as well as vehicle safety.

Determining Factors for Eligibility

  • A carrier is determined Ineligible if they do not have adequate liability insurance for the type of services being provided to the state.
  • A carrier is determined Ineligible if they are under a Federal Out of Service Order with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
  • A carrier is determined Ineligible if they fail to comply with Items 1, 2, 3 or 4 above.

Notice for school bus and STV carriers

The instructions listed in this document are to ensure proper compliance with Driver / Vehicle Examination (Inspection) Reports. The goal is to minimize suspensions due to non-compliance, to eliminate unnecessary paperwork, and to make registration renewals more streamlined.

Commercial vehicle inspection reference CVSA active inspection bulletins

Below are compiled active inspection bulletins for your reference:

2020-05 – Securement of Roll-on/Roll-off, Hook-Lift and Lugger Containers on Vehicles (Created: 9-28-2020)
2020-04 – Commercial Driver’s License Queries Should Be Conducted Through CDLIS (Revised: 6-16-2020) 
2020-03 – Identifying Undeclared Hazardous Materials Shipments (Created: 2-7-2020) 
2020-02 – Roadside Examination of Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Status (Created 2-2-2020)
2020-01 – Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Agreement Enforcement Bulletin for 2020 Registration Year (Revised 3-26-2020) 
2019-04 – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Under-21 Military CDL Pilot Program(Created 12-10-2019) 
2019-03 – Evolving Commercial Vehicle Tire Design Tread Depth Measurement Inspection(Created 9-26-2019) 
2019-02 – 2013-2018 Dodge Ram 2500-3500 Drag Link Assembly Welds (Created 8-14-2019) 
2018-04 – Air Disc Brake Inspection (Created 9-27-2018) 
2018-03 – Doleco USA Textile Link Tiedown Assembly (Created 9-27-2018) 
2018-02 - Motorcoach Monocoque Frame/Suspension Inspections (Created 4-12-2018) 
2017-05 - Handheld and ELDs (Revised 4-12-18) 
2017-04 - Medical Certification - NLETS (Created 12-6-17)
2017-03 - Display of GHS Labels on Bulk Packages (Created 09-21-2017)
2017-02 - Securement of an Intermodal Container on a Container Chassis Vehicle (Created 04-27-2017) 
2016-01 — Update: Canadian Driver’s Licenses and Required Proof of Medical Certification (Revised 09-21-2017)  
2015-09 — Motorcoach Emergency Roof Hatch Inspections (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2015-08 — Advancement in Motorcoach Air Brake Systems (Created 04-16-15)
2015-07 — How to Properly Identify Shipper Violations (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2015-06 — Electric-Drive Commercial Vehicle Inspections (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2015-05 — Advanced 6 X 2 Tractor Inspections (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2015-04 — Enforcement of Medical Examiners Certificate Integration with the CDL (Revised 09-21-2017) 
2015-03 — Safety Inspection Procedures for Vehicles Equipped with Air Suspension (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2015-02 — Safety Procedure for Lift Axle Inspection (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2014-02 — Identification of Long Stroke Brake Chambers (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2014-01 — Driveline/Driveshaft Inspections (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2013-02 — Antilock Brake Systems (ABS) Inspections (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2012-06 — Intermodal Equipment Provider Marking Options (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2012-05 — Automatic On-Board Recording Devices (AOBRDs) Hand-Held (Revised 12-6-2017) 
2012-04 — Hydraulic Brake System Inspection Procedures (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2012-02 — Brake Pedal (Valve & Treadle Assembly) Inspections (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2010-05 — MCI Buses with Detroit Diesel Engines (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2010-03 — Rack and Pinion Steering System Inspection (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2010-02 — Inspection of Vehicles Equipped with 2007 & 2010 EPA Certified Engines (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2010-01 — Tractor Protection Systems (Revised 04-27-2017) 
2006-01 — Camshaft Bushings (Revised 04-27-2017)

 

FMCSA Bulletins

FMCSA — Air Brake Pushrod Measurement Training Bulletin (Created March 2013)
FMCSA — Suspended Licenses Training Bulletin (Aspen Changes) (Created July 2012)


ELD Info
Exemptions

Truck Renting and Leasing Association
Effective: October 11, 2017; Expires: October 11, 2022

United Parcel Service
Effective: October 20, 2017; Expires: October 20, 2022

Motion Picture Association of America 
Effective: January 19, 2018; Expires: January 19, 2023

Asphalt Local 14-Hour Exemption 
Effective: January 26, 2018; Expires: January 25, 2023

Waivers

Limited 90-Day Waiver for the Transportation of Agricultural Commodities
Effective: March 18, 2018; Expires: June 18, 2018

Limited 90-Day Waiver for Truck Renting and Leasing Association
Effective: January 19, 2018; Expires: April 19, 2018

Additional ELD/HOS Reference

HOS FAQs Effective 9-29-2020
HOS-ELD Flow Chart - 8-2020
ABORD v. ELD Differences
ELD FAQ - PP
ASPEN ELD Cite Reference
ELD Return to Duty - 4-1-2018
ELD Sign Off Paragraph - 4-4-2018

Additional Info

Drivewyze Training CT 9-2020
How to use the HMR 8-20-2019
Hazmat Transportation Requirements 8-24-2018
Agricultural Operations Exemption to Hours of Service Rules
Hours of Service Logbook Calculator
Fireworks HOS Waiver
CDL Flow Chart
CDL Endorsement Restriction License Info
CDL Medical Self-Certification Info
NASTI Quick Reference
Personal Conveyance 2018 Field Training
Bridge Formula