DVIR Regulations FAQ | Nuvo Solutions

Do you have questions about DVIR regulations (US and Canada)? If you do, please review the answers to frequently asked questions below.

DVIR Regulations – US

Check out the following table for FAQS around United States (US) Regulations for Vehicle Inspection and Equipment Inspections.

US DVIR FAQs

Question	Answer
What does DVIR stand for?	DVIR stands for Driver Vehicle Inspection Report.
Is there a required vehicle inspection form?	No. There is not a required form, but each report must cover the 11 key points of inspection.
Do motor carriers need to have their drivers complete Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports each day?	Yes. Every motor carrier is required to have its drivers prepare a report in writing at the completion of each day's work. If a defect or deficiency is not found then a report is not necessary.
Do drivers have to do a separate inspection report for each vehicle they drive?	Yes. If a driver operates more than one vehicle during the day, they must complete a report for each vehicle they use.
Is there anything else drivers need to do before departing?	Drivers must make sure the vehicle is in a safe operation state, review the last inspection (if applicable), acknowledge and sign off that repairs have been done.
How long do Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports need to be kept?	Previous driver vehicle inspection reports must be retained for three months.
Do intermodal equipment providers need to receive driver inspection reports as well?	Yes. Drivers or motor carriers transporting intermodal equipment must report any known damage, defects, or deficiencies to the provider or its designated agent.
Do intermodal inspection reports have a required form?	No required form, however the report must cover 9 key points of inspection.
How long do intermodal inspection reports need to be kept?	Previous intermodal inspection reports also have to be retained for three months. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-396/section-396.11

US Equipment Inspection DVIR FAQs

Question	Answer
What are the rules for equipment inspections?	Equipment inspections have essentially the same requirements as vehicle inspections under OSHA standards.
Do certain types of equipment require unique inspection forms?	Yes. Each type of powered industrial truck is unique and checklists should be pertinent to each type of vehicle.
Do industrial trucks need to be examined after each shift?	Yes, industrial trucks that are used on a round-the-clock basis must be examined after each shift.
When would equipment be deemed unusable?	Equipment shall not be placed in service if the examination shows any condition adversely affecting the safety of the vehicle.

DVIR Regulations – Canada

Check out the following table for FAQS around Canadian Regulations for vehicle inspection.

Canadian Vehicle Inspection Regulation FAQs

Question	Answer
What is Standard 13 of the NSC standards?	A minimum set of inspection items to enhance the safety of truck and bus carriers. All daily trip inspections must have these items, unless the item is not present in that vehicle. For example, A Ford F350 registered for a combination weight of 12,000kg will not require air brakes to be completed on the Schedule 2 inspection.
Does a provincially-regulated commercial motor vehicle require a daily trip inspection?	Yes. Even provincially-regulated CMVs require a documented daily trip inspection in their registered jurisdictions. All Canadian jurisdictions have adopted the standard 13, schedule 1, 2, 3, and 4. Even drivers not required to maintain a log book are required to document a pre-trip inspection.
Does a driver require a copy of the schedule in their vehicle?	Yes. A driver must always have a copy of the applicable schedule in their vehicle as reference (Schedule 4 need not be carried). This can be in a written or electronic format. This must be kept with the vehicle during the 24 hour validation period.
If I am operating an ELD am I still required to have a copy of Schedule 13, Standard 1, 2, or 3?	Yes. As of now it is still required to have a copy of the Standard that is relevant to the CMV you are operating. This can be in paper or electronic format.
To travel to the United States, can I use a Schedule 1, 2, or 3 inspection?	Yes. This is a recognized inspection.
Can inspection reports be on paper or electronic?	Yes, either way the requirements are met.
Which vehicles require a Schedule 1 inspection?	Trucks, tractors, and trailers shall be inspected in accordance with Schedule 1 every 24 hours. These are vehicles that weigh more than 4500kg.
Which vehicles require a Schedule 2 inspection?	Buses or any vehicle designed for 10 or more passengers must be inspected in accordance with Schedule 2 once every 24 hours.
Which vehicles require a Schedule 3 inspection?	Schedule 3 inspections pertain to motor coaches with air brakes and air ride suspension. They shall be inspected at least every 30 days or 12,000km, whichever comes first in accordance with schedule 4.
Are drivers responsible for carrying out Schedule 4 inspections?	Schedule 4 inspections are not required to be done by the driver since this schedule is an inspection that must be conducted while the vehicle is positioned over a pit or raised in a manner that provides adequate access to all applicable components. This must be done by a person who holds the appropriate technician certification or qualification.
How long do DVIR inspection forms need to be kept?	Previous inspections have to be retained for six months.
How long do maintenance records need to be kept?	Maintenance records that report a defect or deficiency must be retained for at least four years.
Are company vehicles lighter than 4500kg regulated by Canadian commercial vehicle regulations?	No. Company vehicles with a registered weight below 4500kg are not regulated by the commercial vehicle regulations. This responsibility falls under company policy within the company SMS (safety management).

Canadian Equipment Inspection Requirements FAQs

Question	Answer
What are the rules for equipment inspections?	Equipment inspections have the same requirements as vehicle inspections. One difference is that operators should carry out visual checks as well.
What are visual checks?	A visual check (or circle check) is a physical and visual inspection of the vehicle before you use it.
Do daily pre-trip inspections need to be documented for equipment?	Yes. Daily pre-trip inspections need to be documented for equipment.
What are the guidelines for daily walkarounds?	The best practice is to conduct a daily vehicle walk around of all company vehicles to ensure vehicles are in safe operation. Most daily walkarounds are just a visual inspection, depending on company requirements.