Commercial vehicles dashboard
About the Commercial Vehicle Section
The State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Section makes sure that commercial motor vehicles traveling on Minnesota’s roads are operated safely. The section is made of civilian commercial vehicle inspectors and state troopers. They work together to conduct roadside inspections at various locations throughout the state, including weigh stations. They make sure the operators, vehicles and cargo follow federal regulations and state statutes.
Office of Pupil Transportation Safety
The Commercial Vehicle Section houses the Office of Pupil Transportation Safety, which is responsible for school bus safety. Civilian and sworn inspectors make sure all Minnesota-registered school buses follow state laws. This office is responsible for inspecting school buses annually and at random. Annual school bus inspections are conducted at various terminals. Random inspections are performed anywhere in the state.
Safety training
The Commercial Vehicle Section offers safety training. Its outreach program informs the public and other governmental agencies, and their drivers, of the rules and regulations that may affect them. Its safety training uses different modes so learners can better grasp complicated laws and regulations.
The Commercial Vehicle Section also trains and certifies technicians and mechanics. They perform annual inspections on commercial motor vehicles, other than school buses, under the state’s Mandatory Inspection Program (MIP).
Commercial vehicles enforcement statistics
Inspector responsibilities
- Conducting safety inspections and weighing at highway weigh stations and roadside locations throughout the state
- Performing periodic and random inspections of school buses in Minnesota to ensure they’re safe for transporting students
- Inspecting vehicles that transport people in wheelchairs or with other mobility aids (for example: public transit buses, vehicles for residential care facilities and taxis)
- Providing training and information to drivers and bus companies about the rules
- Certifying technicians and mechanics to conduct required annual inspections under the state's Mandatory Inspection Program
- Levels of commercial vehicle inspections
Types of inspections
There are five levels of commercial vehicle inspections. Inspectors choose which level to use based on factors like the safety of the location where the vehicle is stopped, the weather, and what they need to focus on.
- Level 1 is a 37-step inspection procedure. It’s the most detailed and takes the most time. It checks the driver’s and carrier’s credentials, the driver’s hours of service, the vehicle’s mechanical condition, and any hazardous materials.
- Level 2 is a driver and walk-around vehicle inspection. The vehicle inspection checks items that don’t require physically getting under the vehicle.
- Level 3 is a driver-only inspection. It includes checking the driver's credentials, hours of service records and registration and shipping documents. This inspection is generally during a traffic enforcement stop.
- Level 4 inspection is completed on covered farm vehicles that receive exemptions from certain regulations.
- Level 5 is a vehicle-only inspection that may be performed without a driver present.
Commercial vehicle inspection safety activity
| Commercial vehicle activity | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total inspections | 34,048 | 30,165 | 33,305 |
| Level 1 inspections | 10,408 | 9,633 | 10,899 |
| Level 2 inspections | 5,249 | 3,702 | 3,509 |
| Level 3 inspections | 17,222 | 15,899 | 17,927 |
| Level 4 inspections | 760 | 773 | 805 |
| Level 5 inspections | 409 | 158 | 165 |
| School bus and miscellaneous wheelchair inspections | 22,922 | 23,511 | 23,866 |
| Total violations | 64,212 | 67,664 | 78,452 |
| Vehicle out-of-service rate | 27.10% | 35.24% | 40.50% |
| Driver out-of-service rate | 6.95% | 8.14% | 6.60% |
Public notices
Title VI program rights
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety gives public notice of its policy to uphold and assure full compliance with the non-discrimination requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related non-discrimination authorities. Learn more about the Title VI Program Compliance Plan.
Enforcement practices related to commercial vehicle driver impairment due to illness, fatigue or both
The Minnesota State Patrol will conduct inspections at roadside, fixed scales and other inspection sites to detect ill and/or fatigued drivers of commercial motor vehicles consistent with applicable state statutes, federal regulations and appropriate law enforcement practices. These inspections will be conducted as part of a proactive commercial vehicle enforcement program intended to promote safe travel and to deter the unsafe operation of commercial motor vehicles on Minnesota’s roadways.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety gives public notice of its policy to ensure these operations are conducted within legal requirements and members are utilizing appropriate enforcement practices, and in accordance with the U.S. District Court Civil Case 09-1116 ().