Geotab’s DVIR

In the trucking industry, a DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) is an essential daily record that drivers complete to ensure their vehicles, such as trucks or buses, are in safe working condition. This report serves as a formal notification to the company about any safety concerns or missing equipment on the vehicle. Drivers are required to conduct both pre-trip and post-trip inspections, documenting any mechanical issues or defects they find. These regular inspections play a vital role in enhancing road safety and ensuring compliance with fleet regulations.

Ensuring DVIR compliance is crucial for enhancing road safety. The primary goal of requiring a DVIR is to make sure drivers identify any potential faults or defects in their vehicle and equipment before they pose a risk on the road. This process also helps schedule necessary repairs in a timely manner, allowing the vehicle to operate at peak efficiency. DVIRs are mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and are strictly enforced by U.S. authorities. This regulation aims to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving commercial vehicles. The use of Electronic DVIRs further improves safety by ensuring inspections are conducted before and after every trip.

DVIR compliance is required for drivers operating commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, that exceed 10,000 pounds in weight, carry more than 9 passengers, or transport hazardous materials. Drivers of passenger vehicles like vans and buses must complete a DVIR at the end of each day’s trip, indicating whether any defects are present. On the other hand, truck drivers and operators of property-carrying vehicles are only obligated to complete a DVIR if there is a safety-related defect to report.

Companies operating a single vehicle that exceeds 10,000 pounds in weight, carries more than 9 passengers, or transports hazardous materials may be exempt from DVIR requirements.

A DVIR must cover several key components: a detailed vehicle inspection, documentation of any defects, necessary corrective actions, and proper signatures. Required details include the date of the inspection, vehicle identification information such as the fleet or license plate number, the driver’s signature, and—if applicable—the signature of a mechanic or supervisor who completed or evaluated needed repairs. If another driver uses the vehicle afterward, their signature is also needed to confirm the vehicle is safe to operate or that repairs were not necessary.

Electronic DVIRs (eDVIRs) often offer the added flexibility of customizing inspection checklists based on specific vehicle types or operational needs. While DVIR regulations clearly outline what must be included in the report, they do not dictate how the information should be presented, allowing electronic systems to streamline and tailor the process.

Traditionally, DVIRs were completed on paper, but now more drivers are adopting electronic versions, known as eDVIRs. An eDVIR is a digital or paperless version of the driver vehicle inspection report, serving the same purpose as its paper counterpart. Just like the traditional DVIR, an eDVIR must be filled out daily by drivers of commercial vehicles after each trip. These reports typically include essential details such as the vehicle’s make, model, year, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and license plate number.

Yes, there are penalties for failing to complete a DVIR. During roadside inspections, Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) inspectors evaluate both commercial vehicles and drivers for DVIR compliance. If a driver or company is found in violation of DVIR regulations, they may face fines imposed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Additionally, any vehicle deemed unsafe during a DOT inspection will be taken out of service, leading to potential revenue loss for the carrier.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), carriers are required to retain the original copy of each DVIR for at least three months from the date the report was completed. While this three-month retention period ensures DVIR compliance, there are additional benefits to keeping records for a longer duration. Electronic DVIRs offer the advantage of long-term storage without the need to manage large volumes of paper records.

Electronic DVIRs, or paperless Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports, simplify and accelerate the submission of pre-trip and post-trip inspections. These reports are filed digitally, enabling fleet managers to receive real-time updates on inspections. This streamlined process ensures FMCSA compliance and helps reduce vehicle downtime by promptly notifying managers of any defects. Additionally, it makes it easier to identify vehicles that may have missed or bypassed inspections, minimizing the risk of DVIR compliance violations while enhancing overall fleet safety.

Yes, Geotab can assist with DVIR compliance! Geotab Drive is an all-in-one platform designed to streamline Electronic Logging Device (ELD) compliance, DVIR, driver identification, messaging, and more. With the DVIR app feature, fleet managers can easily monitor compliance in real time, ensuring that drivers’ work is efficiently managed and DVIR requirements are met seamlessly.