How do I assign users and admins?

To add users to your account, you can click on any vehicle of your choice, then click on the “User Assignments” icon located in the top right area. Once your on the user assignments dashboard, you can assign users by the entire Garage, folders(if you have folders setup), or by a specific vehicle. You can select the “Assignments” button either on the Garage, Folder or on the vehicle itself and click on “Add New Assignment”. This will allow you to enter in the email of the user you want to assign and make them administrators if you want to. If you want to assign a user to all vehicles or folders, its best to assign the entire Garage. After they have been assigned in the user assignments area, you can have all your users create a free account either through the app or on the web portal here: https://autosist.com/portal Once they sign up, they will automatically see the vehicles you assigned to them in the Garage. Be sure they sign up with the same email that you assigned to them in the User Assignments area.

How do I move vehicles/assets into different folders?

1. Click on the folder you want the vehicle/asset to move to 2. Click the small pencil icon that shows up next to the folder name 3. Select the vehicle/asset you want to move into the folder from the list of vehicles on the right hand panel that shows up 4. Click save and the vehicle/asset will then move into that folder Please note this can only be done via the web portal.

How do I customize inspection forms?

You can create as many custom inspections as you want. Simply click on the drop down menu in the top right corner of the web portal and then click on “Inspection Template Editor”.

Can you link with GPS Trackers?

Yes, we have an open API that can link with pretty much any GPS provider out there and can update the mileage into AUTOsist real time. Please contact us for more information on how we can get that set up for you.

How do Reminders work? How do I set one?

You can set reminders and recurring reminders by date and/or odometer. You will get both a push notification and email notification of the reminders you set. Here is a brief tutorial on how it works: https://youtu.be/XcbavwS75mM

Do my records “Sync” across multiple devices? How does it work?

Yes, all your records will sync automatically across any device. The beauty about AUTOsist is that its cloud based. This means that you can access your records anytime, across any device. No matter what device or operating system you have, you can always access your records when connected to the internet. Everything is tied to the email that you signed up with. If you would like to share your records between family/friends/employees, simply use the same login credentials and anyone can manage the account.

How can I change the tracking metrics? (i.e. Kilometers, Hours, Liters, and Currencies)

AUTOsist is a global app and you an change your metrics easily. Simply click into any vehicle on your garage page and select the tools icon located in the top left corner of the app. Click on “Vehicle Settings” and you will be able to change your metrics. For the web portal, you can change it by clicking the “settings” icon next to the vehicle details and picture.

Can I export my records?

Absolutely! You can export your records in multiple ways. Either via the “Export / Backup Data” tool found within our web portal, or through the Service History Report tool. To export your data through the web portal, select the icon in the top right area named “Export / Backup Data”. You will be able to export all your data via Excel as well as have the option to export all the images you have attached to your records as well for backup. You also have the option to export all your services records via the “Service History Report” found in the tools icon in the top left corner of the app. Simply click into any vehicle on the garage page and select the tools icon in the top left corner, then select “Service History Report”. The Service History Report is a compilation of all your records you have stored on the AUTOsist app in the “Service” section. The report is sorted by the date/mileage and can be sent via email in PDF format. This is a great report to run for future buyers to prove that you took care of your vehicle. Here is a brief tutorial on how it works on the app: https://youtu.be/QyNkTnXbttk

Can I import my records into AUTOsist?

Yes you can! You can import vehicle details, service, and fuel records automatically into AUTOsist using our import tool (CSV/EXCEL Format). To access this tool, login via the web portal here and then select the drop down menu where your email is listed in the right corner, and select “Data Import Tool” then follow the instructions on the screen.

Can I transfer my receipts or other records to anyone else?

Yes, you sure can! There is tool that allows you to transfer your vehicle to anyone you please. Here is a brief tutorial on how it works in the app: https://youtu.be/BzfhC4ZV8kM You will be able to select what records you would like to transfer by entering the email address of the person you are sending to. If they are not an AUTOsist member already, we will send them an email to notify them to download AUTOsist and accept the records. Please note that we will NEVER transfer any of your records stored in the GloveBox section.

Where should I store records that are not vehicle specific (i.e. Drivers license, AAA card, etc)?

These files should be stored under the “Personal Docs” tab in the Glovebox section. This will allow you to access these records across multiple vehicles and will not be deleted when you delete a vehicle. You should store vehicle specific docs like registration and title in the “General Docs” tab. These files will be deleted if you delete your vehicle.

What happens to all my records when I delete a vehicle?

When you delete a vehicle, all your records are deleted except for records located in the “Personal Docs” tab in the Glovebox section. Files stored here will stay in your account and should NOT be vehicle specific (i.e. Drivers license, AAA card, etc)

Can I email my records stored on the app? What format does it email in?

Absolutely! All individual records are emailed in JPEG or PDF format.

I forgot my email or password / I want to change my email or password

If you forgot your password, you can go here to reset it: http://autosist.com/portal/login/forgot_password. Please email us at admin@autosist.com if you would like to change your email.

Can I search easily through my records?

Definitely – When you add a record, you should put keywords in the Title and/or the details section. For example, if you have a receipt that you did an oil change, brakes, and maybe a new exhaust. You would want to put those keywords in the Title and/or details of the receipt when so that when you search, it will find those key words.

How secure are my records/data?

We take the security of all the data you input into AUTOsist very seriously. There are multiple levels of security to protect and back up your records/data over our secure infrastructure, including: AES 256 Bit Encryption Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Daily Backups (Automatic) User generated backups (Select “Export / Backup Data” within the web portal)

Does AUTOsist cost anything?

AUTOsist allows you to manage 1 vehicle free with limited cloud storage. If you would like to manage more vehicles and want more cloud storage space, there is a small fee that you need to pay. We have special plans for our fleet customers and you can learn more about those plans by clicking here.

Level 3 DOT Inspection Explained: What Fleet Managers and Drivers Need to Know

Name: AUTOsist
Brand: AUTOsist
Rating: 4.7 (114 reviews)

Miya Bholat

Jan 29, 2026

Key Takeaways: Staying Ahead of Level 3 Inspections

Level 3 inspections focus on drivers:
Documentation, credentials, and basic safety observations drive outcomes.
Preparation prevents violations:
Organized records and daily checks reduce risk significantly.
CSA impact is real:
Even limited inspections affect long-term compliance scores.
Small issues add up:
Minor visible defects can still trigger citations or escalation.
Digital systems reduce exposure:
Centralized records and reminders improve inspection readiness.
Consistency matters:
Standardized driver routines create predictable, compliant results.

What Is a Level 3 DOT Inspection?

A Level 3 DOT inspection is a driver-focused roadside inspection conducted by enforcement officers to verify regulatory compliance without performing a full mechanical evaluation of the vehicle. Unlike more intensive inspection levels, Level 3 inspections center on documentation, credentials, and basic observable vehicle safety items rather than in-depth mechanical components.

What makes a Level 3 inspection unique is its scope and efficiency. Officers do not crawl under the vehicle, place it out of service for mechanical testing, or require special equipment. Instead, they focus on whether the driver is legally qualified to operate and whether there are any obvious safety concerns visible during a walk-around.

During a Level 3 inspection, officers typically review:

Driver license status and endorsements
Medical examiner’s certificate
Hours of Service (HOS) records
Registration and insurance documentation
Basic vehicle condition visible from the exterior and driver’s seat

What is not included in a Level 3 inspection is just as important:

No under-vehicle inspection
No brake measurements or component testing
No wheel removal or mechanical diagnostics

These inspections usually occur roadside, at weigh stations, rest areas, or during traffic stops. Most Level 3 inspections take 15 to 30 minutes, assuming documentation is readily available and no violations are found.

How Level 3 Inspections Differ from Other DOT Inspection Levels

To understand Level 3 inspections properly, it helps to see where they fit within the six DOT inspection levels used by enforcement agencies nationwide.

Here’s a brief overview for context:

Level 1: Full North American Standard Inspection (driver + full vehicle)
Level 2: Walk-around inspection (driver + limited vehicle checks)
Level 3: Driver-only inspection with limited vehicle observation
Level 4: Special inspections for specific items
Level 5: Vehicle-only inspection (no driver present)
Level 6: Enhanced inspections for radioactive shipments

Level 1 vs. Level 2 vs. Level 3

The majority of roadside inspections fall into Levels 1, 2, or 3. The key differences lie in depth, time, and enforcement focus.

Level 1 inspections are the most comprehensive and time-consuming. Officers inspect nearly every safety-critical component, including brakes, suspension, steering, and under-vehicle systems.
Level 2 inspections involve a driver review plus a walk-around vehicle check, but without crawling underneath or performing advanced tests.
Level 3 inspections focus almost entirely on the driver’s compliance, with only basic vehicle observations.

Why Officers Choose Level 3

Enforcement officers typically select Level 3 inspections when:

Time or traffic conditions limit inspection duration
The vehicle appears mechanically sound at first glance
There’s a need to verify driver qualifications or HOS compliance
The stop is documentation-driven rather than safety-driven

While less invasive, Level 3 inspections still carry serious compliance consequences if violations are found.

What DOT Officers Check During a Level 3 Inspection

Even though Level 3 inspections are limited in scope, officers are trained to identify issues that frequently indicate broader compliance problems.

Driver Documentation and Credentials

The inspection begins with a thorough review of the driver’s paperwork and electronic records. Officers commonly check:

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Validity, class, endorsements, and restrictions
Medical Examiner’s Certificate: Current, properly recorded, and not expired
Hours of Service Logs: Accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal limits
Vehicle Registration and Insurance: Proof of legal operation
Driver qualification records: When applicable

If documents are missing, expired, or inconsistent, citations may be issued immediately. Serious violations—such as operating without a valid CDL or falsified logs—can result in out-of-service orders.

Vehicle Safety Components

Although Level 3 inspections do not involve mechanical testing, officers still observe visible safety items during a brief walk-around and from the driver’s seat.

These checks typically include:

Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and clearance lights
Windshield condition, wipers, and washer operation
Tire condition, inflation appearance, and visible tread issues
Mirrors, horn, and seat belt functionality
Obvious brake issues such as air leaks or warning lights

Officers do not inspect:

Brake lining thickness
Suspension components under the vehicle
Steering linkages or driveline components

However, obvious safety defects can escalate the inspection to a higher level.

Common Level 3 Inspection Violations

Despite being documentation-focused, Level 3 inspections frequently result in violations. Many are preventable with proper preparation and record management.

The most common driver-related violations include:

Expired or missing medical certificates
Incomplete or inaccurate HOS logs
Operating without required endorsements
Failure to carry proof of registration or insurance

Vehicle-related violations observed during Level 3 inspections often involve:

Inoperative lights or signals
Cracked or obstructed windshields
Worn or visibly damaged tires
Malfunctioning horns or mirrors

Some violations result in out-of-service orders, particularly those related to:

Driver qualification issues
Severe HOS violations
Safety-critical equipment failures

These violations not only disrupt operations but also leave a lasting compliance footprint.

How Level 3 Inspections Affect Your CSA Score

Every DOT inspection feeds directly into the CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scoring system, which FMCSA uses to assess carrier risk.

Level 3 inspection results primarily impact:

HOS Compliance BASIC
Driver Fitness BASIC
Vehicle Maintenance BASIC (for visible issues)

Violations are weighted based on severity and remain on record for:

24 months for most CSA BASIC categories
36 months for crash-related data

Both drivers and carriers are affected:

Drivers accumulate inspection histories that follow them across employers
Companies see their CSA scores influenced by every inspection involving their fleet

Poor CSA scores increase the likelihood of:

More frequent roadside inspections
Insurance premium increases
Contract and bid disqualifications

Best Practices to Pass a Level 3 Inspection

Preparation is the most effective defense against violations.

Driver Preparation Checklist

Drivers should have a standardized routine before every shift. A solid preparation process includes:

Ensuring CDL and medical certificates are current
Verifying HOS logs are complete and accurate
Keeping registration and insurance accessible
Reviewing recent duty status entries for errors

Vehicle Readiness

Even basic inspections require vehicles to present well. Drivers should perform quick daily checks focused on:

All exterior and interior lights
Windshield condition and wiper operation
Tire appearance and inflation
Mirrors, horn, and warning indicators

Addressing minor issues early prevents them from becoming reportable violations.

During the Inspection

How a driver conducts themselves during the inspection matters. Best practices include:

Remaining professional and cooperative
Providing requested documents promptly
Answering questions clearly and honestly
Understanding the right to review inspection reports

Professional interactions help keep inspections efficient and controlled.

Using Fleet Management Software to Stay Inspection-Ready

Manual recordkeeping and paper logs make Level 3 inspections riskier than necessary. Digital fleet systems significantly reduce compliance gaps by centralizing documentation and automating oversight.

Fleet management software helps by:

Storing driver credentials and compliance documents digitally
Sending automated alerts for expiring licenses and medical cards
Maintaining electronic DVIR records
Tracking maintenance history tied to inspection visibility

Solutions like AUTOsist support inspection readiness by keeping driver records, inspection reports, and maintenance data accessible in one system. Features such as digital vehicle inspections, maintenance tracking, and document storage reduce the chances of missing or outdated information during roadside stops. Tools that align with preventive maintenance workflows—like those found in a Digital Vehicle Inspection App—help fleets proactively correct small issues before inspections occur.

For fleets looking to strengthen compliance visibility, centralized reporting through a Fleet Reports and Dashboard also provides insight into recurring issues and risk trends.

Staying ahead of Level 3 DOT inspections isn’t about reacting at the roadside—it’s about building repeatable systems that support compliance every day.

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