Starting a DOT Inspection
When a DOT (Department of Transportation) officer pulls you over for a roadside inspection, RouteMate has a dedicated DOT Inspection mode that lets the officer review your driving records right from your device. This mode provides a secure, read-only view of your logs so the inspector can verify your Hours of Service compliance.
What Is DOT Inspection Mode?
Section titled “What Is DOT Inspection Mode?”DOT Inspection mode is a special screen in the RouteMate app designed specifically for roadside inspections. When activated, it displays your daily logs in a clean, easy-to-read format that the officer can review without accessing any other part of the app.
The inspector will see:
- Your daily logs for the current 24-hour period
- Your daily logs for the previous 7 consecutive days
- A full log visualization (graph view) for each day, showing your duty status changes over time
This gives the officer everything they need to confirm you are in compliance with federal HOS regulations.
How to Open DOT Inspection Mode
Section titled “How to Open DOT Inspection Mode”- Open the Menu by tapping the menu icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Tap DOT Inspection.
- You will be prompted to enter your login password. Type your password and tap Confirm.
- The DOT Inspection screen will open, showing your logs for the officer to review.
Note: The password step is required every time you enter DOT Inspection mode. This protects your data and ensures only you can authorize access to your records.
What the Inspector Sees
Section titled “What the Inspector Sees”Once you are in DOT Inspection mode, hand your device to the officer. They will be able to:
- Scroll through each day’s log for the past 8 days (today plus the previous 7 days)
- View the duty status graph for each day, showing when you were Off Duty, Sleeper Berth, Driving, and On Duty (Not Driving)
- Review log details including locations, vehicle information, and annotations
The officer can also transfer your data electronically if needed. See the related page below for details on data transfer.
Tip: Before handing your device to the officer, make sure your screen brightness is turned up so the logs are easy to read.
Tips for a Smooth Inspection
Section titled “Tips for a Smooth Inspection”- Keep your app logged in and up to date so your logs are current when an officer asks to see them.
- If you are offline, your locally cached logs will still be available for the officer to view on-screen. However, electronic data transfer requires an internet connection.
- Stay calm and let the officer navigate the inspection screen at their own pace.