Which document outlines the inspection requirements for commercial vehicles?

The document that outlines the inspection requirements for commercial vehicles is 49 CFR 396.17. This regulation specifies the need for regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs of commercial motor vehicles and establishes standards for how these inspections should be conducted.

This regulation is part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, which aim to ensure that commercial vehicles are safe to operate on the roads. It sets forth requirements not only for the visual inspection of parts and accessories but also mandates that these inspections be performed at specified intervals to help maintain vehicle safety and compliance with federal standards.

While the Motor Carrier Safety Manual provides general guidance related to safety for motor carriers and can be helpful, it does not specifically outline the legal inspection requirements like 49 CFR 396.17 does. The Vehicle Maintenance Record is an important document for tracking the maintenance history of a vehicle but does not itself define inspection requirements. The DOT Compliance Guide assists carriers with understanding compliance issues but does not replace the specific regulatory directives found in 49 CFR 396.17.

Thus, the correct choice highlights the specific regulation that establishes the framework for inspecting commercial vehicles, ensuring their reliability and safety on public roads.