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A driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) is used by drivers at the end of their workday to report defects or deficiencies on the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and/or intermodal equipment operated. This report must cover specific parts and accessories.
These requirements apply to CMVs and intermodal equipment operated in interstate commerce.
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:
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:
The DVIR must include:
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:
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.