Several things may happen after an inspection.
First, the inspection data is collected and then used by the SMS to prioritize the carrier for future FMCSA interventions. Even inspections with no violations are added to the SMS; these clean inspections can improve a carrier’s SMS data.
Second, any violations can affect the driver’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) as well as the carrier’s SMS data. See which safety-based violations affect a motor carrier’s SMS data, and the point values associated with each violation, in Appendix A of the SMS Methodology document.
Third, if the vehicle is found to be unsafe, the inspector may place it out-of-service, meaning that it cannot continue to be operated until safety issues have been corrected. Drivers can also be placed out-of-service.