Components to Inspect +14Quebec · CDL · English

The circle check covers up to 20 numbered components; List 1 has 19 for heavy vehicles, while buses and motor coaches add a 20th passenger transport section.

• ✓List 1 (heavy vehicles) has 19 components; buses and motor coaches add a 20th (passenger transport) section
• ✓Components include coupling devices, frame/cargo body, steering, tires, brakes (electric, hydraulic, pneumatic), suspension, and more
• ✓Vehicles not equipped with certain components (e.g. hydraulic brakes, coupling mechanism) do not need those parts verified
• ✓Absence of a part that should be present is a defect that must be reported

Check that each fuel tank is securely mounted and has a filler cap. Vehicles often have more than one fuel tank — all must be checked. Inspect fasteners and confirm every tank has a filler cap.

• ✓Defect 15.A (major): The fuel tank is not securely fixed with risk of separation
• ✓Defect 15.B (major): The gasoline or diesel fuel tank does not have a filler cap
• ✓All fuel tanks on the vehicle must be checked

Check the fuel tank(s) for leaks. Check the ground for liquid and inspect every tank for fuel leaks other than oozing. Trailers/semi-trailers may have accessory tanks (e.g. refrigeration) worth checking.

• ✓Defect 15.C (major): A fuel tank shows a leak other than oozing, or a fuel leak other than oozing along the fuel delivery system
• ✓Leaks are detected by the presence of fuel on the ground

Check for liquid on the ground and inspect every fuel tank for leaks other than oozing. Trailers and semi-trailers may have accessory tanks (e.g. refrigeration) — checking them is suggested.

• ✓Major defect (15.C): a fuel tank shows a leak other than oozing, or there is a fuel leak other than oozing along the fuel delivery system
• ✓Leaks are detected by the presence of fuel on the ground

It is prohibited to carry any item weighing over 50 kg and having a volume of more than 0.450 m³ inside a motor coach. Passengers' baggage must be distributed and secured so it cannot move freely, since loose baggage may injure passengers or distract the driver. Packages and baggage must be stowed in the compartments designed for that purpose.

• ✓Prohibited to carry items over 50 kg AND over 0.450 m³ inside a motor coach
• ✓Baggage must be distributed and secured so it cannot move freely
• ✓Stow packages and baggage in designated compartments

It is prohibited to carry any item over 50 kg AND more than 0.450 m³ inside a motor coach. Baggage must be distributed and secured so it cannot move freely, as loose baggage can injure passengers or distract the driver. Packages and baggage must be stowed in the compartments designed for them.

• ✓Prohibited to carry items over 50 kg and more than 0.450 m³ inside a motor coach
• ✓Baggage must be distributed and secured so it cannot move freely
• ✓Stow packages and baggage in the designated compartments

The inspection report differs from the list of defects and must be completed at every circle check to inform the operator/owner of results.

• ✓A report must be filled out during each circle check to record results and any defects
• ✓If no defect is found, this must be indicated as well
• ✓The completed valid report and the list of defects must be kept on board the vehicle
• ✓If the report is not on board, the driver must obtain it or perform the inspection again

The report has no required format but must contain a defined set of information about the vehicle, inspection, and person performing it.

• ✓Must include the licence plate or unit number, operator's name, and the date and time of the check
• ✓Must include the municipality/location of the check and defects noted (or a note that none were found)
• ✓Must include the printed name and signature/declaration of the person performing the check
• ✓If driver did not perform the check, the driver's signature to attest review and acceptance is required, plus odometer kilometrage if equipped

The original report must be submitted to the operator within a set period and may be produced electronically under legal conditions.

• ✓The driver must submit the original circle check report to the operator within 20 days of its writing
• ✓This applies even if a copy was already submitted to report a defect
• ✓Electronic reports are permitted if they meet the Act to establish a legal framework for information technology

Québec circle check rules are based on a national standard, but drivers must comply with local rules where they travel.

• ✓Québec circle check rules are based on National Safety Code Standard 13
• ✓Drivers operating outside Québec must consult the operator on specific local regulations
• ✓Drivers must always comply with regulations in the jurisdiction they are travelling in; ignorance is no excuse

General maximum authorized dimensions including load: height 4.15 m, width 2.6 m. Truck length 12.5 m (max overhang 4 m). Bus length 14 m (max overhang 4 m). Truck and trailer 23 m (max box length 20 m, overhang 4 m). Tractor and semi-trailer 23 m (max wheelbase 6.2 m, min interaxle 3 m, overhang 35% of wheelbase). Type B double train 25 m. Semi-trailer 16.2 m (max wheelbase 12.5 m). Trailer with dolly 14.65 m; without dolly 12.5 m.

• ✓Maximum height 4.15 m and maximum width 2.6 m
• ✓Truck max length 12.5 m; bus 14 m; truck and trailer 23 m
• ✓Tractor and semi-trailer max 23 m; Type B double train max 25 m
• ✓Semi-trailer max 16.2 m; max overhang generally 4 m (35% of wheelbase for tractor-semi)

Rules restrict vehicle loads to limit costly road damage. Exceeding load limits set by regulations or the manufacturer can seriously damage key components—brakes, tires, suspension, and coupling device—which are designed for a specific maximum load and will wear out prematurely if overloaded.

• ✓Load limits exist to protect the road network from costly damage
• ✓Exceeding limits damages brakes, tires, suspension and coupling device
• ✓Components are designed for a specific maximum load and wear out prematurely if overloaded

The Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation ensures road user safety and protects infrastructure like roadways and bridges. It sets standards limiting load size, load per axle group, and total loaded mass of trucks on public roads, based on defined vehicle classes. Full details are in the Regulation and the Vehicle Load and Size Limits Guide.

• ✓The Regulation ensures safety and protects roadways and bridges
• ✓It limits load size, load per axle group, and total loaded mass
• ✓Limits are based on vehicle classes defined in the Regulation

The maximum authorized load for an axle class is the lowest of three values: the total capacity of all tires in that axle class (on the tire sidewall), the front-axle capacity (5,500 kg for a front single axle class B.1; 11,000 kg for front tandem class B.2 or front multiple class B.3, unless the manufacturer/authorized modifier indicates more), and the axle class load limit for the time of year (normal or spring thaw).

• ✓Maximum axle load is the LOWEST of three values
• ✓Front single axle (B.1) capacity is 5,500 kg
• ✓Front tandem (B.2) or multiple axle (B.3) capacity is 11,000 kg
• ✓Tire capacity is shown on the sidewall; load limits vary by season

The authorized total loaded mass for a truck or vehicle combination is the lower of two values: the sum of maximum loads authorized for each axle class (depending on season), or the total loaded mass limit for the class of vehicle or combination.

• ✓Total loaded mass is the LOWER of two values
• ✓Value 1: sum of maximum authorized loads per axle class (by season)
• ✓Value 2: total loaded mass limit for the vehicle/combination class

Minor suspension defects include a broken non-main leaf spring or broken coil spring and an air leak or damaged air ball. Major defects include broken main spring leaves/25% of assembly, uncompensated air leaks, cracked composite leaves over 75%, springs contacting moving parts, and broken axles affecting alignment.

• ✓Minor: leaf spring (non-main) or broken coil spring
• ✓Major: main spring leaf, rubber pad, or 25%+ of leaf springs broken/missing
• ✓Major: air leak not compensated by compressor or air ball missing/deflated
• ✓Major: broken axle or positioning component affecting parallelism

Supplemental brakes help reduce or stabilize vehicle speed and can be used alone or with the service brakes, but they cannot bring the vehicle to a stop. They are optional add-ons especially useful on steep grades with heavy loads, allowing constant speed without constantly using regular brakes.

• ✓Help slow or stabilize speed; will NOT stop the vehicle
• ✓Optional, not standard equipment
• ✓Especially useful for heavy loads on steep grades
• ✓Reduce wear on regular brakes

Categories include engine compression brakes (most popular, convert engine to air compressor), exhaust brake retarders/turbochargers (choke exhaust gases), electromagnetic/eddy-current retarders (use a magnetic field), and hydrodynamic/hydraulic retarders (use oil pressure). Noise from engine brakes must be controlled and the exhaust system kept compliant.

• ✓Engine compression brake is the most popular type
• ✓Exhaust brake retarder chokes exhaust gases
• ✓Electromagnetic retarder uses a magnetic field on soft-iron discs
• ✓Hydrodynamic retarder uses motor/transmission oil pressure
• ✓Watch engine brake noise; keep exhaust system compliant

Engine brakes and retarders are activated by a switch or lever but only begin working when you take your foot off the accelerator. Retarders require being in the right gear; engine compression brakes work very efficiently at maximum RPM. Braking power is always applied to the drive wheels.

• ✓Activated by switch/lever but only work when off the accelerator
• ✓Must be in the right gear for retarders to work
• ✓Engine compression brakes work best at maximum RPM
• ✓Braking power always applied to the drive wheels

Supplemental brakes help reduce or stabilize speed but do NOT bring the vehicle to a stop. They are optional (not standard) and can be used alone or with the service brakes. Engine brakes use engine compression; retarders are installed on other vehicle parts.

• ✓Supplemental brakes slow or stabilize speed but do not stop the vehicle
• ✓They are optional, not standard equipment
• ✓Braking power is always applied to the drive wheels

Supplemental brakes are especially recommended for heavily loaded vehicles descending steep grades, maintaining constant speed without constant use of regular brakes. Watch engine brake noise, ensure the exhaust system is compliant, and inspect its condition during circle checks.

• ✓Recommended for heavily loaded vehicles on steep downgrades
• ✓Maintain constant speed without constant regular brake use
• ✓Ensure exhaust system is compliant due to engine brake noise

Engine brakes and retarders are switched on by a switch or lever but only start working when you take your foot off the accelerator. Retarders require the right gear, especially engine compression brakes which work very efficiently at maximum RPM. Refer to the manufacturer's manual.

• ✓Activated by switch/lever but only work when off the accelerator
• ✓Must first shift into the right gear
• ✓Engine compression brakes work best at maximum RPM

Check condition of exhaust components; the engine must be running to check for a major defect. In the cab, if you smell exhaust, check for a hole in the floorboard. Around the vehicle, check for odours, inspect for leaks from defective joints/cracks/holes not originally provided, listen for noise, and look for abnormal soot. Components (muffler, pipes, brackets, fasteners, heat shields) can break or loosen.

• ✓Defect 16.A (major): Leakage of exhaust gases enters the passenger compartment when the floorboard is perforated
• ✓Defect 16.1 (minor): Leakage of exhaust gases other than from holes originally provided by the manufacturer
• ✓The engine must be running to determine a major defect

An anti-lock brake system (ABS/antiskid/anti-blocking) offers greater stability, better steering control, and sometimes shorter braking distance. It operates only when a wheel risks locking, such as during abrupt braking (situations where jackknifing occurs). Sensors and a computer adjust air pressure to the chambers based on grip, speed and pavement.

• ✓ABS improves stability and steering control
• ✓Operates only when a wheel is about to lock
• ✓Helps prevent jackknifing during abrupt braking
• ✓Sensors/computer adjust brake pressure for optimal traction

With anti-lock brakes, in an emergency push the brake pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there. The ABS automatically controls braking by producing a pumping effect — the driver does NOT pump the pedal.

• ✓In emergency, push pedal fully to the floor and hold
• ✓Do NOT pump the pedal — ABS pumps automatically
• ✓ABS produces the pumping effect itself

An anti-lock brake system (ABS, also antiskid/anti-blocking) engages only when a wheel risks locking, such as abrupt braking — situations where jackknifing and accidents occur. ABS offers greater stability, better steering control, and sometimes shorter braking distance by using sensors and a computer to adjust air pressure to each chamber for optimal traction.

• ✓ABS engages only when a wheel risks locking
• ✓Provides stability, steering control, and sometimes shorter braking distance
• ✓Sensors and a computer continuously adjust brake pressure

Electric brake minor defect is an insecure cable/connection; major defect is an important reduction in service brake capacity. Hydraulic brake minor defects include low master cylinder fluid and pedal reaching the floor; major defects include fluid below one quarter of maximum, pedal reaching floor in under 10 seconds, and inoperative brake boost.

• ✓Major (electric/hydraulic): important reduction in service brake braking capacity
• ✓Major: master cylinder fluid lower than one quarter of the maximum level
• ✓Major: brake pedal reaches floor in less than 10 seconds or needs repeated depressing
• ✓Minor: warning light on with engine running or parking brake warning light not working

Fuel system major defects are a poorly fixed tank that could break loose, a missing cap, and a fuel leak other than oozing. Exhaust minor defect is a leak elsewhere than intended; major defect is a leak causing exhaust gas to enter the passenger compartment where the floor is perforated.

• ✓Major: fuel tank poorly fixed and could break loose; cap missing; fuel leak other than oozing
• ✓Minor: exhaust leak elsewhere than intended by manufacturer
• ✓Major: exhaust leak entering passenger compartment where floor is perforated

Reinforced exam facts: A school bus does NOT accept standing passengers (the seats-plus-standing rule applies to non-school chartered buses). Vehicles ≥3,000 kg must stop at VÉRIFICATION signs. A bus must stop at least 5 m (not 3 m) from a level crossing. It is prohibited to pick up/drop off school children without flashing red lights on. You must switch on your flashing lights when stopped behind a school bus with its flashing lights on.

• ✓School buses do not carry standing passengers; the +1-per-row rule is for chartered non-school buses
• ✓Minimum stop distance from a level crossing is 5 m, not 3 m
• ✓Flashing red lights must be on to pick up or drop off school children

The nuts and bolts fastening the fifth wheel to the vehicle frame must be present, secure, and free of movement; defect severity depends on percentage affected and hitch status.

• ✓Major (1.B): when hitched, there is movement between a fifth wheel fastener/mounting angle and the vehicle chassis frame
• ✓Major (1.C): when hitched, more than 20% of fastening parts are missing, broken or loose on an anchorage
• ✓Minor (1.1): when hitched, 20% or less of fastening parts are missing, broken or loose on an anchorage
• ✓Minor (1.1): when unhitched, one or more fastening parts are missing, broken or loose

The locking pins of a sliding fifth wheel must all be present and in locked position, since the fifth wheel is usually locked by two or more pins.

• ✓Major (1.D): when hitched, 25% or more of the sliding fifth wheel locking pins are missing or inoperative
• ✓The percentage defect concerns the sum of all pins
• ✓All pins must be checked and be in the locked position

The visible fifth wheel components must not be so damaged that they risk breaking or separating the vehicle combination.

• ✓Major (1.F): when hitched, a fifth wheel component is cracked, misshapen or deteriorated to the point of risk of breakage or separation
• ✓Components include the lower coupling plate, mounting angles, jaws and support

The semi-trailer's upper coupling plate and kingpin must not be misshapen, cracked, or deteriorated in a way that affects hitching.

• ✓Major (1.A): the coupling plate or kingpin is so misshapen it adversely affects hitching, or is cracked or improperly secured
• ✓Major (1.F): when hitched, the coupling plate or kingpin is deteriorated to the point of risk of breakage or separation
• ✓Inspect visible parts under the semi-trailer; deformation is hard to see when hitched

The fifth wheel jaws must be fully closed behind the kingpin and the locking mechanism must be engaged.

• ✓Major (1.E): when hitched, the jaws are not completely closed behind the kingpin
• ✓Major (1.F): when hitched, the jaw locking mechanism is not engaged
• ✓Check the locking mechanism indicator (bolt) or the position of the locking handle(s); all handles must be fully pushed in

Coupling devices other than a fifth wheel (e.g. pintle hook and ring) must have secure fasteners on both the towing and towed vehicles.

• ✓Major (1.C): when hitched, more than 20% of the fasteners attaching the coupling device are missing, broken or loose
• ✓Minor (1.1): when hitched, 20% or less of the fasteners are missing, broken or loose
• ✓Minor (1.1): when unhitched, one or more fasteners are missing, broken or loose
• ✓Inspect fasteners attaching the device on both the tractor vehicle and the vehicle being pulled

Certain trailers use an electric brake system. Inspect visible electric cables and connections at connection and attachment points outside the vehicle. The attachment point fastens cables to the vehicle structure to prevent slack.

• ✓Defect 17.1 (minor): An electric cable or connector is improperly fixed at a connection or attachment point
• ✓Inspect visible cables/connections at both connection and attachment points

Check the effectiveness of the electric brake system: start the vehicle, drive slightly forward, press the brake pedal, and check whether the vehicle stops quickly.

• ✓Defect 17.A (major): There is a significant reduction in the braking capacity
• ✓Test by driving slightly forward and applying the brake pedal

Vehicles exceeding the Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation are outsized or overloaded and require a special travel permit. Class 1 to 7 permits (under the Regulation respecting special permits) cover vehicles outsized/overloaded by characteristics or indivisible loads. The 633 permit covers exceptional cases such as experimental vehicles and specific combinations (lift axles, rear fork lift, wheelbase over 6.2 m, Type B double train over 25 m, carrying automobiles, tractor with three rear axles). Special road train operating permits are issued under their own regulation.

• ✓Outsized or overloaded vehicles require a special travel permit
• ✓Class 1–7 permits cover indivisible loads or vehicle characteristics
• ✓The 633 permit covers experimental vehicles and specific outsized combinations
• ✓Special road train operating permits fall under a dedicated regulation

Vehicles exceeding the Vehicle Load and Size Limits Regulation are outsized/overloaded and need a special travel permit. Class 1 to 7 permits (Regulation respecting special permits) cover vehicles outsized/overloaded by characteristics or indivisible load. The 633 permit is for exceptional/experimental vehicles and situations like lift axles, rear-carried forklifts, tractor wheelbase over 6.2 m, type B double trains over 25 m, carrying automobiles, or three rear tractor axles. Special road train operating permits fall under a separate regulation.

• ✓Outsized/overloaded vehicles must obtain a special travel permit
• ✓Class 1 to 7 permits cover characteristic or indivisible-load oversize/overload
• ✓The 633 permit covers experimental/exceptional situations to harmonize with other jurisdictions

Check brakes are in good working order before each trip (method in Chapter 12). Watch pressure gauges and warning lights while driving and be alert for anything abnormal. In hilly/mountainous areas, use designated brake check areas indicated by a VÉRIFICATION sign — pull over, park at the stop sign and check brakes.

• ✓Check brakes before every trip
• ✓Monitor pressure gauges and lights while driving
• ✓At VÉRIFICATION signs, pull over and check brakes
• ✓Especially check brakes in hilly/mountainous regions

Brakes must be adjusted so maximum pressure is exerted by linings on drums/discs at all times. Poorly adjusted brakes (service, parking, or emergency) never work efficiently. Too much clearance between drum linings means insufficient pressure even if gauges show adequate air pressure.

• ✓Proper adjustment is required in addition to good condition
• ✓Applies to service, parking and emergency brakes
• ✓Excess clearance = insufficient braking even with good air pressure
• ✓Drum expands at high temperature, increasing clearance

The push rod must bridge the gap so linings press against the drum with full available pressure. Drums can wear, stretch or twist, increasing clearance. Brake adjustment must be checked regularly even with automatic self-adjusting brake levers.

• ✓Correct clearance between linings and drum is essential
• ✓Push rod must bridge the gap for full pressure
• ✓Regularly check adjustment even with automatic self-adjusting levers

When fitted, these levers automatically compensate for play between linings and drums as linings wear. They still require regular checking.

• ✓Automatically compensate for lining wear play
• ✓Still must be checked regularly

A simple procedure optimizes the play between linings and drums: ensure brakes are cold, release the parking brake, bring the system to maximum air pressure (120 psi), then fully depress the brake pedal for five seconds and release completely. Repeat four or five times.

• ✓Make sure brakes are cold
• ✓Release the parking brake
• ✓Bring system to maximum air pressure (120 psi)
• ✓Fully depress pedal 5 seconds, release; repeat 4-5 times
• ✓Can incorporate into circle check when compressor comes on

If the vehicle lacks automatic self-adjusting levers, brakes must be adjusted manually. This is a complex task and should only be done by mechanics or specially trained drivers.

• ✓Manual adjustment required without self-adjusting levers
• ✓Complex task — only mechanics or specially trained drivers should do it