FMCSA’s Level VIII Inspections: Is this a New Era in CMV Safety Tech?

What is a Level VIII Inspection?

A Level VIII inspection is a new way to check commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety while the vehicle is moving. Unlike traditional inspections, which make vehicles stop at roadside stations, Level VIII inspections use wireless technology to collect and check data about the vehicle, driver, and carrier compliance with safety rules. This data is gathered while the vehicle is moving at normal speeds, allowing for real-time checks without stopping. If any major issues are found, the vehicle is directed to a station for a regular inspection. This method aims to boost safety, improve efficiency, and cut down on environmental impact by reducing stops and idle times.

Project Goals and Background

The FMCSA is exploring new ways to improve road safety. One solution is the Level VIII Electronic Inspection. This project aims to test if in-motion inspections using wireless technology can work. It will look at how safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly these inspections can be. The ultimate goal is to adopt them nationwide.

The idea of Level VIII inspections came from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) in 2017. They created criteria for these inspections to help enforcement officials check for compliance with safety rules while CMVs are moving. This approach saves time and cuts emissions by not needing vehicles to stop.

The Level VIII Inspection Process

Level VIII inspections collect data wirelessly from moving CMVs. This data includes:

• Location details, including GPS coordinates
• USDOT Number
• Power Unit (PU) registration
• Operating authority
• Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) compliance
• FMCSA Out-of-Service Orders

This data is then checked against FMCSA systems to ensure compliance with safety rules. If major issues are found, the driver is directed to a station for a regular inspection. If no issues are found, the vehicle continues without stopping, and the results are recorded as part of the safety record.

Operational Test Phases

The FMCSA, with the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, began preparing for the test in 2023. The test started in 2024 with a proof-of-concept phase. This first phase tests the technology and the usefulness of the data. Nine carriers are participating voluntarily, and the data collected is for analysis only.

The test will add more data elements and involve more carriers, states, and technology providers as it progresses. The early data will help decide the feasibility and future of Level VIII inspections.

Current Status and Participation

As of July 2024, the initial on-road testing began in Mississippi and Kentucky. Currently, three states and four carriers are part of the test. The collected data is used for analysis and does not impact safety records.

Potential Benefits of Level VIII Inspections

Improved Safety: Electronic inspections allow the FMCSA to collect more data, helping to focus on higher-risk carriers.

Increased Efficiency: Level VIII inspections do not require vehicles to stop, saving time for enforcement personnel and carriers.

Environmental Impact: These inspections reduce greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding stops and idle times.

Future Implications and Nationwide Adoption

The test is crucial for deciding if Level VIII inspections can be adopted nationwide. The FMCSA and the U.S. DOT Volpe Center will use the test data to see how these inspections could fit with current safety tools. They will also define IT requirements for collecting and checking inspection data and assess the impact on safety, supply chains, and the environment.

The FMCSA’s exploration of Level VIII inspections is a big step towards more efficient, safe, and eco-friendly CMV operations. This program could change how vehicle inspections are done, benefiting the transportation industry as a whole.