1. (1) When examining a fifth wheel coupling device, the inspector shall:

   1. (a) check the mounting to frame; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) a fastener is missing or ineffective;
         2. (B) any movement between mounting components is detected; or
         3. (C) a mounting angle iron is cracked or broken;

   2. (b) check mounting plates and pivot brackets; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) a fastener is missing or ineffective;
         2. (B) any cracks in welds or parent metal are detected;
         3. (C) more than 3/8 inch horizontal movement between the pivot bracket pin and bracket exists; or
         4. (D) a pivot bracket pin is missing or not secured;

   3. (c) check sliders; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) a latching fastener is missing or ineffective;
         2. (B) a fore or aft stop is missing or is not securely attached;
         3. (C) there is any movement more than 3/8 inch between the slider bracket and slider base; or
         4. (D) a slider component is cracked in the parent metal or weld;

   4. (d) check the lower coupler; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) horizontal movement between the upper and lower fifth wheel halves exceeds 1/2 inch;
         2. (B) the operating handle is not in a closed or locked position;
         3. (C) the kingpin is not properly engaged;
         4. (D) separation between upper and lower coupler allows light to show through from side to side;
         5. (E) a crack is detected in the fifth wheel plate, unless it is a crack in the fifth wheel approach ramps or a casting shrinkage crack in the ribs of the body of a cast fifth wheel; or
         6. (F) a locking mechanism part is missing, broken, or deformed to the extent the kingpin is not securely held.

2. (2) When examining a pintle hooks coupling device, the inspector shall:

   1. (a) check the pintle hooks for proper mounting to the frame; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) there is a missing or ineffective fastener, except a fastener is not considered missing if there is an empty hole in the device but no corresponding hole in the frame or vice versa;
         2. (B) a mounting surface crack extends from point of attachment;
         3. (C) a pintle hook is loosely mounted;
         4. (D) the frame cross member providing the pintle hook attachment is cracked;
         5. (E) a crack is discovered anywhere in the pintle hook assembly;
         6. (F) any welded repairs have been made to the pintle hook;
         7. (G) any part of the horn section has been reduced by more than 20%; or
         8. (H) the pintle hook latch is not secure.

3. (3) When examining a drawbar or tow-bar eye coupling device, the inspector shall:

   1. (a) check the drawbar or tow-bar eye for proper mounting; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) a crack in an attachment weld is present;
         2. (B) a missing or ineffective fastener is present;
         3. (C) a crack is present; or
         4. (D) any part of the eye is reduced by more than 20%.

4. (4) When examining a drawbar or tow-bar tongue coupling device, the inspector shall:

   1. (a) check the drawbar or tow-bar tongue on a power or manual slider for proper operation; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) the latching mechanism is ineffective or disconnected;
         2. (B) a stop is missing or ineffective;
         3. (C) there is movement of more than 1/4 inch between the slider and housing; or
         4. (D) there is a leak, other than normal oil weeping around the hydraulic seals, including air, hydraulic cylinders, hoses, or chambers; and

   2. (b) check for cracks and movement of 1/4 inch between the slider and housing; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) a crack is discovered; or
         2. (B) there is movement of 1/4 inch or more between sub-frame and drawbar at point of attachment.

5. (5) When examining all coupling safety devices, the inspector shall:

   1. (a) check for:

      1. (i) missing safety devices such as chains, metal wire, and rope;
      2. (ii) safety devices that are unattached or incapable of secure attachment;
      3. (iii) worn chains and hooks; and
      4. (iv) kinked or broken cable strands and improper clamps or clamping;

   2. (b) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

      1. (i) a safety device is missing;
      2. (ii) a safety device is unattached;
      3. (iii) a safety device is incapable of secure attachment;
      4. (iv) a chain and hook are worn to the extent of a measurable reduction in link cross section;
      5. (v) improper repairs are evident such as welding, wire, small bolts, rope, or tape;
      6. (vi) a cable is kinked or has broken cable strands; or
      7. (vii) a cable has improper clamps or clamping; and

   3. (c) check the saddle-mounts for the method of attachment; and

      1. (i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

         1. (A) a fastener is missing or ineffective;
         2. (B) a mounting is loose;
         3. (C) a stress or load bearing member is cracked or broken; or
         4. (D) horizontal movement between upper and lower saddle-mounts exceeds 1/4 inch.

KEY: motor vehicle safety, safety inspection manual

Date of Last Change: July 18, 2017

Notice of Continuation: April 29, 2026

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 53-8-204; 53-8-205; 41-6a-1601