I am a U.S.-based driver. Must I comply with Canada’s trip inspection regulations?

No. The U.S. and Canada recognize each other’s trip inspection regulations, with a caveat.

In Canada, drivers perform trip inspections and write up a pre-trip inspection report. Canada-based drivers must carry a copy of the trip inspection report with them while operating the vehicle. The report cannot be more than 24 hours old.

In the U.S., drivers perform a pre-trip inspection but do not write up a pre-trip inspection report. U.S. drivers are required to perform post-trip inspections, but are not required to write up a report for the inspection if defects aren’t found during the inspection.

Under the reciprocal agreement, the U.S. will accept Canada’s trip inspection report and Canada will accept the U.S. trip inspection report. However, part of the agreement states that a U.S.-based driver operating into Canada must present an inspection report, no more than 24 hours old, to be compliant with Canadian regulations.

Additionally, the U.S. “no defect DVIR” allowance does not apply in Canada; drivers must carry a trip inspection report at all times while operating in Canada, defects or no defects.