Post-trip inspections and post-trip inspection reports have been required for many years; unfortunately failure to perform and document the post-trip inspection still remains the number one cited critical violation.

According to 49 CFR §396.11, each driver must prepare a driver’s vehicle inspection report (DVIR) in writing at the end of each day’s work on each vehicle operated. This means that if a driver operates three commercial motor vehicles (including tractors and trailers) during the day, then three DVIRs are required for that day. It also means that a single vehicle may have multiple reports at the end of the day if several drivers operated that vehicle during the day. A single DVIR is adequate for any combination of vehicles.

Note: If the motor carrier only operates a single vehicle (or single combination), it’s off the hook — no DVIRs are required for single-vehicle operations. Refer to 49 CFR §396.11(e) for that exemption.

The inspection must cover the following parts and accessories, at a minimum, although the written report itself does not have to list these items:

• Service brakes including trailer brake connections
• Parking (hand) brake
• Steering mechanism
• Lighting devices and reflectors
• Tires
• Horn
• Windshield wipers
• Rear vision mirrors
• Coupling devices
• Wheels and rims
• Emergency equipment

The DVIR must contain:

• An identification of the vehicle, such as the truck and/or trailer vehicle or license numbers;
• A list of any defects or deficiencies which could affect vehicle safety or result in a breakdown, if any;
• An indication that no defect or deficiency was discovered, if that is the case; and
• Spaces for three signatures.

Who must sign the DVIR?

1. The driver who prepared it must sign it, although in team operations only one driver has to sign the report as long as all drivers agree to its contents. This is the only signature required if no defects are noted.
2. IF a defect was noted on the DVIR, then a mechanic or other company official must sign it to indicate either that the vehicle has been repaired or that repairs are unnecessary. This signature must be on the original report and must appear on all copies of the DVIR. If the vehicle is repaired en route, then the driver or repair facility can sign the DVIR. There are no specific qualifications for the person who adds this signature.
3. Finally, if a defect(s) was noted, the next driver of the vehicle (whether it’s the same driver who prepared the DVIR or another driver, or whether the vehicle is driven the next day or the next month) must sign the report (see 49 CFR §396.13).

The original DVIR must be kept for 90 days from the date it was prepared. Note that drivers are no longer required to carry DVIRs in the vehicle.

As noted above, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) deems a violation of 49 CFR §396.11(a) to be a “critical” violation. If an FMCSA investigator finds a pattern of critical violations, points can be assessed against your safety rating, not to mention any fines that you or your drivers may receive. So besides the obvious safety benefit, performing and documenting your post-trip inspections makes financial sense.

Tell me, what about pre-trip inspections? I get this question all the time. Pre-trip inspections are also required, but they do not have to be documented.

OK, how are inspections to be logged? All vehicle inspections must be logged as “on duty” time. The location of the inspections must be noted in the Remarks area, but the log does not have to indicate that the on-duty time was spent inspecting the vehicle.