The Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) is a mandatory procedure in the commercial trucking industry, serving as a formal record of a vehicle’s mechanical condition. This daily practice ensures that Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) are maintained in a safe, operational state before and after use. Adherence to this system substantially reduces the risk of mechanical failures on public roadways. The DVIR process is a standard component of compliance for all professional drivers and motor carriers.
Defining the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report
The Driver Vehicle Inspection Report is a documentation tool used to record the findings of a mandated inspection of a Commercial Motor Vehicle. Its primary purpose is to systematically verify the mechanical safety and operational fitness of the truck and any towed equipment. The completed report becomes a formal, dated record of the vehicle’s condition.
The driver uses the DVIR to identify and note any mechanical issues discovered during the review. Issues are categorized as either defects or deficiencies. A “defect” is an issue that affects the safe operation of the vehicle, such as a broken brake light or a cracked frame rail. A “deficiency” may be a minor issue that does not compromise safety, like a torn seat cushion. Only defects necessitate a repair certification before the vehicle can be dispatched again.
Regulatory Requirements and Applicability
The legal requirement for completing DVIRs is established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Regulation 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 396.11 mandates the inspection and reporting process for all Commercial Motor Vehicles. This applies to nearly all drivers operating trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating exceeding 10,001 pounds.
The regulations differentiate between pre-trip and post-trip inspections. While a driver must perform a thorough pre-trip inspection before driving, the completion of a formal written DVIR is only mandatory after the trip concludes. This post-trip report must be prepared at the end of the work day, regardless of whether any issues were found.
If the driver finds no defects or deficiencies, the report is often referred to as a “no defect” report. The driver must sign the DVIR, but the motor carrier is not required to sign off on a repair certification. The mandatory post-trip reporting ensures systematic accountability for vehicle condition.
The Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspection Process
The physical inspection process is a systematic, hands-on review of the vehicle’s mechanical integrity. The driver is responsible for walking around the vehicle, carefully observing, and testing specific components to identify any failures or signs of impending malfunction.
The procedure requires the driver to thoroughly check several distinct areas of the Commercial Motor Vehicle. These regulatory requirements ensure a uniform standard of safety checks across the industry:
- Service brakes, including trailer brake connections, must be fully tested for proper function and air pressure retention.
- Steering mechanisms must be checked for excessive play and secure attachment points.
- Lighting devices and reflectors, including headlamps, turn signals, and clearance lights, must be operational and clean.
- Tires must be inspected for proper inflation, tread depth, and signs of structural damage or cuts.
- Horn, windshield wipers, and mirrors must be checked for functionality and proper adjustment.
- Coupling devices, such as the fifth wheel or pintle hook, must be securely fastened and properly lubricated.
- Wheels and rims must be examined for cracks, missing lug nuts, or signs of overheating.
- Emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and warning triangles, must be present and accessible.
The driver records the condition of each item on the DVIR form, providing specific details for any noted defect or deficiency. This detailed information is necessary for the motor carrier to schedule and perform accurate repairs.
Handling Defects and Documentation
Once a driver submits a DVIR noting a defect, the motor carrier must immediately address the reported issue before the vehicle can be operated again. If the defect compromises the safe operation of the vehicle, the truck is placed out of service until certified repairs are completed.
The carrier or a qualified mechanic must certify on the original DVIR that the defect has been repaired or that the issue does not render the vehicle unsafe to drive. This certification must include the signature of the person performing the work and the date the action was taken. The driver operating the vehicle on the next trip must review this certification and sign the report to acknowledge the repair has been performed.
The completed report, including the driver’s initial report and the carrier’s certification of repair, must be retained by the motor carrier for a minimum period of three months. This retention period allows regulatory auditors to review the maintenance history and compliance records.
Traditional vs. Electronic DVIR Systems
Traditionally, the DVIR process relied entirely on paper forms, requiring manual filing, storage, and retrieval by the motor carrier. Modern compliance has increasingly shifted toward Electronic DVIRs (EDVIRs), which are frequently integrated into mandated Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). EDVIR systems offer substantial operational improvements over the paper-based method.
These digital systems enable real-time reporting of defects, allowing maintenance teams to begin scheduling repairs immediately upon submission. EDVIRs improve accuracy by standardizing inputs and eliminating issues associated with illegible handwriting. The transition to electronic records significantly reduces paperwork and streamlines compliance checks, especially when managing large fleets.