What does 49 CFR 396.25 (Qualifications of brake inspectors) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 396.25 requires motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers to ensure that brake inspectors meet minimum qualifications, including understanding brake service or inspection tasks, being knowledgeable of methods and procedures, and having experience or training.

1. Understand the brake service or inspection task to be accomplished and can perform that task

2. Are knowledgeable of and have mastered the methods, procedures, tools and equipment used when performing an assigned brake service or inspection task

3. Are capable of performing the assigned brake service or inspection by reason of experience, training, or both

The rule says

"No motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider may require or permit any employee who does not meet the minimum brake inspector qualifications of paragraph (d) of this section to be responsible for the inspection, maintenance, service or repairs of any brakes on its commercial motor vehicles." (49 CFR 396.25(c))

1. "Understands the brake service or inspection task to be accomplished and can perform that task"

2. "Is knowledgeable of and has mastered the methods, procedures, tools and equipment used when performing an assigned brake service or inspection task"

3. "Is capable of performing the assigned brake service or inspection by reason of experience, training, or both" (49 CFR 396.25(d))

In plain English

This rule ensures that only qualified individuals inspect, maintain, or repair brakes on commercial motor vehicles. It sets a standard for brake inspectors, requiring them to understand the tasks, be knowledgeable about methods and procedures, and have experience or training. Motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers must verify that their brake inspectors meet these qualifications and maintain evidence of their qualifications.

What to do

• Ensure all brake inspectors meet the minimum qualifications outlined in 49 CFR 396.25(d)
• Verify that inspectors understand brake service or inspection tasks and can perform them
• Maintain evidence of each brake inspector's qualifications at the principal place of business or the location where the inspector is employed
• Retain this evidence for the period during which the brake inspector is employed and for one year thereafter