By Steve Binkley,
Safety Consultant

In August last year, I wrote an article discussing FMCSA’s new Level VIII wireless inspection. The safety blog introduced how this inspection works. Today, the Level VIII inspection is active in Phase I proof of concept. Currently, Mississippi, Kentucky, and another state are collecting data wirelessly from four motor carriers as their trucks travel. The FMCSA aims to assess safety, data efficiency, and environmental impact to determine if nationwide implementation is feasible.

How does the Level VIII inspection work? The Level VIII inspection allows officials to check for federal regulation violations wirelessly as commercial vehicles travel. The collected data is compared to FMCSA safety regulations for compliance. If significant issues are found, the vehicle is selected for a more in-depth inspection. Vehicles not selected for this in-depth inspection and allowed to bypass are still considered inspected, and the Level VIII inspection is recorded for the motor carrier. This inspection becomes part of the carrier’s and driver’s safety records. Keep in mind this is a working concept and may be adjusted as testing continues.

 Initial testing started in March 2024. As data is collected, it will be analyzed for accuracy, allowing officials to decide if the program should continue, be adjusted, or include more participants.

The data collected during the Level VIII inspection includes:

• Geographic location of the commercial vehicle
• DOT number
• Power unit and registration
• Operating authority
• Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)
• FMCSA out-of-service orders
• Electronic validation of vehicle operator
• Driver’s license information
• Medical certificate information
• Hours of Service (HOS) information

What can this new Level VIII inspection potentially mean for motor carriers?

• Less time spent at weigh/inspection stations
• Less impact on driver’s hours of service
• Fuel savings
• Less congestion entering weigh/inspection stations
• Positive impact on motor carrier CSA scores
• Advantage for drivers who may bypass inspection stations if they pass the level VIII inspection.
• Allows law enforcement officers to focus on carriers and drivers who have obvious violations
• If data shows issues like HOS violations, suspended licenses, or invalid truck registration, it could result in a more in-depth inspection and a different level inspection
• All of the above is possible and something that should be considered

Most motor carriers understand Level I, II, and III inspections and train drivers for each type. Training will also be necessary for the Level VIII inspection, focusing on what data is being transferred wirelessly and the importance of the data being accurate and current.

Motor carriers and drivers should continue to monitor the Phase One Level VIII program to understand the concept and how drivers or commercial vehicles could be selected for more in-depth inspections or allowed to bypass and receive credit for the new Level VIII inspection. There is no doubt there is more to come.

Learn More:

The FMCSA/CVSA Level VIII Electronic Inspection reached a milestone with the launch of an operational test in March of 2024. CVSA/FMCSA will be hosting a Level VIII webinar to learn about the Level VIII Electronic Inspection, concept development, potential benefits to implementation and the operational test. Wednesday, July 24 2024, 1-2 p.m. EDT Carriers, States, and technology providers who are interested in participating in the operational test should contact CVSA at .