Daily vehicle trip inspections, like most motor carrier safety regulations in Canada, are handled at the jurisdictional level.

Most Canadian jurisdictions base their regulations on National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 13, Trip Inspections. NSC Standard 13 covers Canada’s general requirements for vehicle pre-trip inspections. The goal of NSC Standard 13 is to ensure that the mechanical fitness of a vehicle is sufficient to avoid conditions that may contribute to vehicle crashes or breakdowns.

NSC Standard 13 specifies minimum procedures for ensuring the vehicle is fit for operation before it is used on a highway.

Periodic inspections are required by all Canadian jurisdictions, but frequency may vary by vehicle type and jurisdiction. Most vehicles require inspection at least every 12 months, but some vehicles such as buses, may need to be inspected every six months.