Commercial Vehicles - Roadside Inspection

About Us

Commercial vehicle inspectors (CVIs) and state troopers conduct commercial motor vehicle inspections at weigh stations and at roadside locations. State troopers and CVIs frequently partner with allied agencies to conduct organized enforcement saturations.

Vehicles and drivers are examined to ensure compliance with state statutes and federal regulations pertaining to vehicle equipment, load securement, driver qualifications, hours of service, and a host of other requirements.

All inspections performed in Minnesota are uploaded and included in a carrier or driver’s safety measurement rating through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) CSA safety initiative.

Checks and balances are in place to ensure carriers and inspectors are held to the highest standards. When a carrier or driver feels a violation or other data was recorded in error, the data may be challenged through FMCSA’s DataQs webpage (users must login with a username and password). Minnesota employs a comprehensive review process for all data challenges. Please see the Minnesota State Patrol DataQs Review Program document for more information.

Covered Farm Vehicle

Several exemptions are granted to farm and ranch owners operating certain covered farm vehicles. Covered farm vehicle (CFV) means a single unit or articulated commercial motor vehicle that:

Displays a farm license plate or other designation* issued by a state,
Is operated by a farmer, or a family member or employee of the farmer,
Transports agricultural commodities, livestock, machinery or supplies to or from a farm,
Is not used in for-hire carrier operations,
Does not transport hazardous materials in a quantity requiring the vehicle to display placards;
When the gross vehicle weight (GVW) is 26,001 pounds or less, is operated anywhere in the United States;
When the GVW is greater than 26,001 pounds, is operated wholly within its state of registry; or when crossing state lines, is operated within 150 miles of the farm

Covered farm vehicles and their drivers are exempt from requirements for:

Commercial driver license (CDL)
Medical qualifications (medical cards)
Hours of service and log books
Annual inspection and daily vehicle inspection requirements

In addition, covered farm vehicles are only subject to inspection by enforcement personnel if probable cause exists to believe the vehicle or its equipment is unsafe or illegal activity is suspected. Covered farm vehicles are still subject to being stopped, but will be allowed to proceed if there is no probable cause to conduct a complete vehicle inspection.

*Vehicles displaying Minnesota apportioned, truck class, or passenger class license plates, and meeting all other qualifications for a CFV, may complete, print, and carry a CFV self-designation form. The form must be carried in the vehicle and displayed upon demand by enforcement personnel.