Pre-trip inspections - Northwest Territories

Requirements

Drivers (or in some cases designated inspectors) are required to inspect a vehicle prior to its operation. Pre-trip inspections are valid for 24 hours.

The regulation requires vehicles to be inspected according to an inspection “schedule.” The following inspection “schedules” contain listings of defects (also referred to as minor defects) and major defects of various vehicle parts:

• Schedule 1, Truck, Tractor and Trailer
• Schedule 2, Bus
• Schedule 3, Motor Coach (Daily)
• Schedule 4, Motor Coach (30 days or 12,000 kilometers), applies to a motor coach under-vehicle inspection required every 30 days or 12,000 kilometres

Schedules 1, 2, or 3 must be carried in the vehicle and presented to a peace officer on request.

Inspection reports

The inspection must be recorded on an inspection report that must be carried in the vehicle and produced for inspection on request of a peace officer. The report form is not prescribed in regulation; however, it must contain the following information:

• License plate or unit number of the vehicle;
• Carrier’s name;
• Date and time of inspection;
• City, town, village, or highway location where the inspection was performed;
• A statement signed by the person conducting the inspection and by the person driving the vehicle (if different than the person inspecting the vehicle) that the vehicle identified on the report has (have) been inspected in accordance with the applicable requirements;
• The legible printed name of the person conducting the inspection;
• Odometer reading (if equipped); and
• Any major and minor defects found during the inspection or, if none were found, a statement that no major or minor defects were found.

Defects must be repaired before the next trip inspection. If major defects are encountered the vehicle(s) must not be driven until the defects are repaired. Drivers must also monitor the condition of the vehicle during the course of operation and must update the trip inspection report if needed. Again, if major defects are found en route, the vehicle cannot be driven.

Recordkeeping

Drivers are required to forward copies of their trip inspection reports to their carrier within 20 days and carriers are required to keep the reports on file for six months.

Law

Motor Vehicles Act, Section 286-288, 291.5

Regulation

Motor Vehicle Equipment Regulations