An annual trailer safety inspection is a detailed examination of a commercial trailer’s safety-related systems and components.

The inspection must be completed by a licensed technician at a certified DriveON Vehicle Inspection Centre. If the trailer meets the applicable inspection standard, an annual inspection certificate, inspection report and sticker are issued.

Many Ontario operators still refer to this service as an:

• MVI inspection
• MTO trailer inspection
• Annual commercial vehicle inspection
• Yellow-sticker inspection
• Annual trailer safety
• Commercial trailer inspection

These terms generally refer to the same mandatory annual inspection process. Ontario’s official inspection program is now called DriveON.

In Ontario, most trucks, trailers and converter dollies require an annual safety inspection when the applicable gross weight exceeds 4,500 kilograms. The requirement can be based on the vehicle’s actual gross weight, registered gross weight, manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating or the combined weight of the truck and trailer.

Some personal-use pickup trucks and trailers may qualify for an exemption when specific conditions are met. Because requirements depend on the vehicle, its weight, configuration and use, operators should verify the rules that apply to their equipment.

An annual inspection is generally valid until the end of the twelfth month following the month shown on the inspection sticker.

Commercial trailer inspections are completed according to the applicable Ontario requirements and National Safety Code inspection standards.

Depending on the trailer and its equipment, the inspection may include:

Brakes and Air Systems

Brake components, air lines, chambers, drums, rotors, hoses and related equipment are checked for damage, excessive wear, leakage and proper operation.

Suspension and Axles

The technician examines suspension components, axles, springs, air bags, mounting hardware and related parts for wear, damage or insecure installation.

Tires, Wheels and Hubs

Tires, rims, wheels, fasteners, hubs and bearings are checked for condition, damage, proper installation and other potential safety concerns.

Coupling Devices

Kingpins, fifth-wheel contact areas, drawbars, hitches and other coupling components are inspected for wear, damage and secure attachment.

Frame and Structural Components

The trailer frame, crossmembers, body mounts and other structural areas are examined for cracks, corrosion, damage or unsafe repairs.

Lights and Electrical Systems

Required lamps, reflectors, wiring, connections and electrical components are checked for proper condition and operation.

Body and Cargo-Related Components

Doors, floors, landing gear, body panels and other safety-related equipment may also be inspected where applicable.

The purpose of the inspection is to determine whether the trailer meets the minimum safety requirements at the time it is inspected. An annual inspection does not replace regular preventative maintenance, daily inspections or the operator’s responsibility to keep the trailer in safe condition throughout the year.

Finding a defect during an inspection does not always have to mean arranging service at another facility.

Trans East Trailers provides commercial trailer inspections, maintenance and repair services at our Ontario shop. If our technicians identify an issue that prevents your trailer from passing, we can explain the required work and provide an estimate before completing repairs.

Our service capabilities include:

• Brake and air system repairs
• ABS diagnosis and repair
• Suspension and axle service
• Wheel bearing and hub service
• Lighting and electrical repairs
• Steel and aluminum welding
• Frame and structural repairs
• Floor, roof and body repairs
• Pick-up plate and coupling repairs
• Tarp repairs
• Wheel alignments
• Preventative maintenance
• Fleet maintenance programs

Combining the inspection and necessary repairs at one facility can help reduce downtime and get your equipment back into service sooner.

Our technicians work with a broad range of commercial trailer makes, models and configurations, including:

• Dry van trailers
• Refrigerated trailers
• Flatbed trailers
• Step deck and drop deck trailers
• Dump trailers
• Live bottom and walking-floor trailers
• Hopper and grain trailers
• Equipment and float trailers
• Tag trailers
• Container chassis
• B-train trailers
• Specialized commercial trailers

Contact our service department if you have questions about a specific trailer or inspection requirement.

Experienced Commercial Trailer Technicians

Trailers are our specialty. Our team understands the systems, components and operating conditions associated with heavy commercial trailers.

Complete Inspection and Repair Support

We can inspect your trailer and complete many of the repairs required to bring the equipment into compliance.

Fully Stocked Parts Department

Our service department is supported by an extensive inventory of commercial trailer parts, helping reduce delays when replacement components are required.

Clear Communication

We explain identified defects and recommended repairs so you can make informed maintenance decisions.

Fleet Inspection Support

We can help fleet operators coordinate annual inspections and preventative maintenance for multiple units.

Convenient Hamilton-Area Location

Our Ontario facility serves commercial operators from Hamilton, Dundas, Burlington, Milton, Cambridge, Ancaster, Brantford, Woodstock, Niagara and surrounding communities.