What is the correct position of the fifth wheel locking lever after a successful coupling?

After a successful coupling, the fifth wheel LOCKING LEVER (release handle) must be in the CLOSED/LOCKED position — and the safety latch (if equipped) engaged. CDL combination. The locking lever indicates whether the jaws are locked around the kingpin; if it's in the OPEN/unlocked position (or sticking out), the coupling is NOT secure. The driver verifies the lever position as part of the post-coupling inspection (along with the tug test and visual under-inspection confirming the jaws are around the kingpin shank with no gap). To UNCOUPLE, the lever is pulled to the open position to release the jaws. Checking that the locking lever is in the locked position is a key coupling verification step. Knowing the correct locked-lever position is commonly tested.