In most states, vehicle owners must have their automobile inspected before they can legally register a vehicle. Inspection certifications are awarded by the state, and can offer those seeking an automotive technician job an excellent way to build their resume.
The state of Michigan does not require that passenger vehicles be inspected to be titled; however, it does require that all commercial vehicles be inspected annually, in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Additionally, Michigan requires that rebuilt vehicles that have been titled as salvage be inspected to receive a rebuilt title.
Michigan commercial vehicle inspector qualifications
The Michigan Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1963, as well as regulations from the FMCSA, require that all commercial motor vehicles be inspected annually for safety. While the state of Michigan does require that a special team of law enforcement agents be state certified to perform salvage inspections, these individuals are usually not qualified to perform commercial inspections.
To become certified to perform commercial inspections, an automotive service technician must take a two-day training course offered by the Michigan Trucking Association (MTA). This is the only state-approved training program in Michigan for mechanics who want to become certified to perform commercial inspections.
The training course is offered at different times during the year at the MTA headquarters in Lansing. The course requires that the student have at least one year of experience as an employed automotive technician, and at least some prior knowledge of commercial motor vehicles.
The course covers the following objectives:
- Inspection criteria for all required parts and systems
- Minimum inspection standards
- Inspection procedures and regulations from both the state and federal government
- Identification of defects
- Systematic inspection procedure
The course provides all students with the current edition of the FMCSA regulations, as well as an MTA training manual that students can refer to during inspections.
Michigan rebuilt vehicles inspections
Once a vehicle has been given a salvage title, it must be rebuilt and retitled to be considered road-worthy. Inspections for these vehicles are performed by specially trained law enforcement officials in the state of Michigan. In order to become licensed to inspect rebuilt vehicles, a mechanic would also have to become a law enforcement officer, through their local county Sherriff’s office or police department.
Annual vehicle inspection report for commercial vehicles in Michigan
The following systems or vehicle components must be inspected to declare a commercial vehicle safe, according to the FMCSA’s Annual Vehicle Inspection Report, used by all Michigan automotive tech jobs:
- Brake System
- Windshields
- Wipers
- Fuel System
- Lighting Devices
- Coupling Devices
- Exhaust System
- Safe Loading
- Suspension
- Frame
- Tires
- Wheels and Rims
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