The process of vehicle inspection for commercial vehicles is a critical aspect of ensuring road safety and compliance with federal regulations. According to section 396.17 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, commercial vehicles, including trucks and trailers, must undergo periodic inspections by a qualified technician. These inspections are typically conducted annually and are essential for maintaining the safety and operational integrity of these vehicles. Upon successful completion of the inspection, it is mandatory for the vehicle to carry proof of having passed the inspection. This is where the annual vehicle inspection reports and labels come into play. These documents serve as official records that the vehicle has met all the necessary safety standards. It is crucial that either the inspection report or the label, or both, are kept on the vehicle at all times to serve as evidence of compliance during roadside inspections or any other checks. The inspection report and label are prepared by the technician who conducts the inspection. These documents are used to fill out the vehicle inspection label, which includes essential information about the inspection. One of the key pieces of information that needs to be entered on the label is the month and year the inspection was conducted. It is important to note that the label should not include the due date for the next periodic inspection. This ensures that the label remains accurate and relevant only to the inspection it documents. Additionally, the inspection label should include the company name and address where a copy of the inspection report can be found. This is typically the carrier's main office or another designated location where records are kept. The label should also contain an identification number for the vehicle, which could be an assigned unit number or the vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This helps in tracking the vehicle's inspection history and ensures that the correct vehicle is associated with its inspection records. Optionally, an inspection number can be assigned and recorded on both the inspection report and the label once the inspection is completed and the label is affixed to the vehicle. This provides an additional layer of organization and can help in managing multiple vehicles within a fleet. Regarding the placement of the inspection label, while the regulations do not specify an exact location, it is recommended to place it in a visible and accessible spot. Two common locations are the driver's side door or the rear corner of the cab. The key is to ensure that the driver is aware of where the label is located. This is important because during roadside inspections, the driver may be asked to present proof that the vehicle has passed its annual inspection. Quick access to the inspection reports and labels can help avoid costly violations and delays. In summary, the annual vehicle inspection process for commercial vehicles is a vital regulatory requirement that ensures the safety and compliance of these vehicles on the road. Proper documentation, including inspection reports and labels, is essential for proving compliance during inspections. It is the responsibility of both the vehicle owner and the driver to ensure that these documents are kept up to date and readily available to avoid any penalties or violations.