Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR)

DVIRs are federally required (49 CFR 396.11) — pre-trip and post-trip. This template covers every checkpoint plus the fields inspectors verify during CVSA blitzes.

Pre-Trip

Service brakes, parking brake, steering, lighting, tires, wheels, horn, windshield wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, emergency equipment (triangles, extinguisher, spare fuses).

Post-Trip

Any defect discovered during the day. Post-trip DVIR is federally required if any defect noted; skipping it is a HOS/safety violation.

Repair and Certification

Any noted defect must be repaired or certified as not requiring repair before next trip. Missing certification is a common CVSA finding.

Retention

DVIRs must be retained 3 months per §396.11. Keep them accessible for DOT audit.