DVIRs

Scope

These requirements apply to CMVs and intermodal equipment operated in interstate commerce.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR 396.11 — Driver vehicle inspection report(s)

Key definitions

• Commercial motor vehicle (CMV): A self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway, in interstate commerce, that meets any one of the following criteria:
  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW), of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater; or
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers including the driver) for compensation; or
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver), and not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
  • Is transporting hazardous materials of a type or quantity which requires placarding.

• Driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR): A written report prepared and signed by the driver at the completion of a day’s work on a vehicle and/or intermodal equipment operated.

• Intermodal equipment: Trailing equipment (usually container chassis) that is used in the intermodal transportation of intermodal cargo containers over public highways.

• Intermodal equipment provider (IEP): Any person that interchanges intermodal equipment with a motor carrier according to a written agreement or has contractual responsibility for the maintenance of the intermodal equipment.

Summary of requirements

Commercial motor vehicle (CMV). A written vehicle inspection report, referred to as a driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR), must be prepared and signed by the driver of a CMV at the completion of each day’s work on each vehicle operated when defects or deficiencies are discovered by or reported to the driver.

The DVIR must cover at least the following parts and accessories:

• Service brakes including trailer brake connections,
• Parking brake,
• Steering mechanism,
• Lighting devices and reflectors,
• Tires,
• Horn,
• Windshield wipers,
• Rear vision mirror,
• Coupling devices,
• Wheels and rims, and
• Emergency equipment.

The DVIR must identify the vehicle and list any defect or deficiency discovered or reported by the driver which would affect the safety of operation of the vehicle or result in its mechanical breakdown.

Drivers must sign the report showing that they prepared the report.

On two-driver operations, only one driver needs to sign the DVIR, provided both drivers agree to the defects or deficiencies identified.

Prior to operating the vehicle, the motor carrier (or its agent) must repair any defect or deficiency listed on the DVIR which would likely affect the safe operation of the vehicle. The motor carrier or its agent must certify that the defect or deficiency has been repaired or that repair was unnecessary before the vehicle is operated again.

Intermodal equipment. An intermodal equipment provider (IEP) must have a process to receive driver reports of, and drivers must report defects or deficiencies in the intermodal equipment operated. A DVIR is commonly used to meet this reporting requirement. The DVIR must cover at least the following parts and accessories:

• Brakes;
• Lighting devices, lamps, markers, and conspicuity marking material;
• Wheels, rims, lugs, tires;
• Air line connections, hoses, and couplers;
• King pin upper coupling device;
• Rails or support frames;
• Tie down bolsters;
• Locking pins, clevises, clamps, or hooks; and
• Sliders or sliding frame lock.

The DVIR must include:

• The name of the motor carrier responsible for the operation of the intermodal equipment at the time the damage, defects, or deficiencies were discovered by, or reported to the driver;
• The motor carrier’s U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number, IEP’s USDOT number, and a unique identifying number for the item of intermodal equipment;
• The date and time the report was submitted;
• All damage, defects, or deficiencies of the intermodal equipment reported to the equipment provider and discovered by, or reported to, the motor carrier or its driver which would affect the safety of operation of the intermodal equipment, or result in its mechanical breakdown while transported on public roads; and
• The signature of the driver who prepared the DVIR.

Prior to allowing or permitting a motor carrier to transport a piece of intermodal equipment for which a motor carrier or driver has submitted a report about damage, defects, or deficiencies, each IEP or its agent must repair the reported damage, defects, or deficiencies that are likely to affect the safe operation of the vehicle.

Each IEP or its agent must certify on the original DVIR which lists any damage, defects, or deficiencies of the intermodal equipment that the reported damage, defects, or deficiencies have been repaired, or that repair is unnecessary, before the vehicle is operated again.

Exceptions. DVIRs are not required of the following operations:

• Driveaway-towaway operations as specified in 396.15,
• A motor carrier operating only one motor vehicle, or
• A private motor carrier of passengers (nonbusiness).

A driver is not required to prepare a DVIR for intermodal equipment tendered by an IEP.

Drivers and motor carriers are not required to prepare a DVIR on an item of intermodal equipment that has no damages, defects, or deficiencies.

Record retention. Motor carriers must maintain each DVIR, the certification of repairs, and the certification of the driver’s review for at least three months.

IEPs must maintain the DVIR and the certification of repairs for at least three months.