You need to be operating as a commercial vehicle on the highway in commerce and meet one of these three criteria:

• Have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight or combination weight of 10,001 lbs. or more, whichever is greater,

• Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation, or

• Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding.

There are some differences in GVWR if you operate intrastate (within Colorado) only:

A commercial motor vehicle is defined as any self-propelled or towed vehicle:

• Bearing an Apportioned Plate

• Having a GVWR or GCWR of at least 16,001 lbs., or

• Designed or equipped to transport other motor vehicles (such as tow trucks).

Colorado adds the last point specifically to include towing vehicles.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) require that every commercial vehicle must undergo a DOT annual inspection once every 12 months.
However, many fleets choose to schedule interim inspections (every 6 months) to ensure continued compliance and prevent violations.

A DOT inspection covers all major safety systems on a commercial vehicle, including:

• Brakes and brake components

• Steering and suspension

• Tires, wheels, and rims

• Lighting and reflectors

• Coupling devices

• Fuel systems and exhaust

• Windshield wipers, mirrors, and emergency equipment

After a successful inspection, you’ll receive a DOT inspection report and decal confirming compliance for the next 12 months.

If your vehicle does not meet the required standards, our inspector will provide a detailed report outlining the issues. Once repairs or corrections are made, we can perform a re-inspection to help you get fully compliant and back on the road.

We offer driver and safety training programs tailored to FMCSA regulations, including:

• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection procedures

• Hours-of-service and logbook compliance

• Driver safety and defensive driving

• Supervisor and compliance management training

These programs help reduce violations, improve safety scores, and build long-term compliance culture.

Stay calm, organized, and professional. Ensure your paperwork, driver credentials, and inspection records are up to date.
If you encounter issues or receive a violation, Roadwise LLC can provide immediate roadside inspection assistance — helping you understand the report, address violations, and stay compliant.

Yes! We provide mobile DOT inspections and can come directly to your facility, yard, or designated location.
This saves you downtime and keeps your fleet moving efficiently.

Absolutely. We work with individual owner-operators, small businesses, and large fleets alike.
Every client receives the same level of professional service and compliance support, regardless of fleet size.

A typical DOT annual inspection takes about 45–90 minutes per vehicle, depending on vehicle type and condition.
We work efficiently while ensuring every detail meets FMCSA standards.

We proudly serve Northern Colorado and surrounding regions, providing both on-site and roadside assistance services for local and regional carriers.

You can call or text us directly, send a message through our contact form, or schedule online.
Our team will confirm your details and find a convenient time to complete your service.