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1.18 Mechanical Safety Test

Most second division and medical transport vehicles must have a Certificate of Safety before being driven on state highways. Safety inspections are required every six months.

The following vehicles are subject to safety inspection semi-annually:

  • Trucks registered with a gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds; trucks that pull a trailer with a gross weight of more than 8,000 pounds; trailers with a gross weight of more than 5,000 pounds; motor buses; religious organization buses;
  • Buses registered as charitable vehicles; senior citizen transport vehicles; school buses; medical transport vehicles; tow trucks; limousines.

Garages or service stations licensed by the Department of Transportation may make safety inspections. Second division vehicles not required to pass safety inspections include:

  • Vehicles with a gross weight of 8,000 pounds or less.
  • Farm tractors, machinery and other implements.
  • Vehicles owned or operated by the city of Chicago, which display proof of ownership.
  • Vehicles owned or operated by the federal government, which display proof of ownership.
  • Vehicles registered as recreational vehicles, which display proper plates.
  • Properly licensed antique vehicles.
  • Specialized vehicles as defined by statute.
  • Vehicles properly registered in another state.

When a vehicle passes inspection, the driver is issued a Certificate of Safety windshield decal and an inspection report. The decal must be displayed on any vehicle using public roadways.

1.19 Radar Detectors

Law prohibits CMVs from being equipped with any instrument designed to detect the presence of, or interfere with, microwaves at frequencies used by police radar for the purpose of monitoring vehicle speed. The term “equipped” means and includes possession or use within a CMV.

A motorist shall not be in violation if the device is contained in a locked, opaque box or similar container or the device is not in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and is not in operation.

Violation of this law is a petty offense with a minimum fine of $50 for a first offense and a minimum $100 for a second or subsequent offense.

1.20 GPS Devices

Commercial vehicle drivers using GPS (Global Position Services) devices for assistance with routing and navigation should employ a device designed specifically for truck navigation. A truck-enabled GPS device contains information about truck-restricted roadways and designated routes, as well as takes into consideration the size of the truck (length, weight, height, load types) as it routes. Unlike regular car GPS devices, truck-enabled GPS units provide a safer tool for ensuring that commercial vehicles are not mistakenly routed on non-truck roads, through low bridges or other hazards. Traffic and safety laws, road conditions and street signs always take priority when navigating.

A radar detector is allowed inside of a commercial vehicle as long as it is contained in a locked box. A question asking about radar detectors will show up on the written exam from time to time.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

CMV:

Commercial Motor Vehicle

A CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business, is involved in interstate commerce, and may fit any of these descriptions:

  • Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
  • Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
  • Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
  • Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards

OWI:

Operating While Intoxicated

Review Questions - Click On The Picture To Begin...

Radar detectors are not allowed in a commercial motor vehicle except:
  • When the device is contained in a locked, opaque box or similar container or the device is not in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and is not in operation
  • When the device is placed under the drivers seat and not powered on
  • When the device is not in working order and/or has its power cable disconnected and batteries removed
  • Radar detectors are never allowed inside commercial motor vehicles

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Law prohibits CMVs from being equipped with any instrument designed to detect the presence of, or interfere with, microwaves at frequencies used by police radar for the purpose of monitoring vehicle speed. The term "equipped" means and includes possession or use within a CMV.


A motorist shall not be in violation if the device is contained in a locked, opaque box or similar container or the device is not in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and is not in operation.

Next
Which vehicle is not required to pass a safety inspection?
  • None of these vehicles need to pass a safety inspection
  • Vehicles with a gross weight of 8,000 pounds or less.
  • Farm tractors, machinery and other implements.
  • Vehicles owned or operated by the federal government, which display proof of ownership.

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Garages or service stations licensed by the Department of Transportation may make safety inspections. Second division vehicles not required to pass safety inspections include:

- Vehicles with a gross weight of 8,000 pounds or less.
- Farm tractors, machinery and other implements.
- Vehicles owned or operated by the city of Chicago, which display proof of ownership.
- Vehicles owned or operated by the federal government, which display proof of ownership.
- Vehicles registered as recreational vehicles, which display proper plates.
- Properly licensed antique vehicles.
- Specialized vehicles as defined by statute.
- Vehicles properly registered in another state.

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