You’ve just pulled into your company’s facility, poured a cup of coffee, and received your route from the dispatch team. You make your way to your assigned vehicle and are excited to get on the road, but you can’t pull out just yet.
Why not? Because you haven’t completed your driver’s vehicle inspection report (DVIR). This article will cover what a DVIR is, the importance of completing it, and the steps involved.
What Is a DVIR?
A DVIR is a form all commercial drivers must fill out at the start and end of their day. It is a security measure that documents any vehicle defects and confirms that the driver completed a vehicle inspection.
It’s an important legal requirement that all truck drivers are expected to perform daily. The inspection ensures the vehicle is in good condition and compliant with road and fleet safety regulations.
How Does a DVIR Work?
The DVIR must be filled out in either paper or electronic form. If any defects are noted, the company must fix them before the next driver takes the vehicle out.
Reports must be kept for up to three months from the submission date in the location the vehicle is housed. While a DVIR form has to be filled out daily, there are only certain times when the inspection can be performed.
When Do You Perform a DVIR?
The daily vehicle inspection report is done pre and post-trip. All of the vehicle’s major components and systems are reviewed during the pre-trip inspection, along with the last DVIR completed. That way, you know the vehicle is safe to drive.
The post-trip inspection is performed to find any defects that may have happened during your trip. That way, the trucking company can make any repairs that would otherwise delay operations.
Who Does the DVIR Inspection?
The driver must complete the inspection at the end of their shift and by the next driver who takes the truck on the road. There are several items on the inspection list which we’ll cover in the next section.
What Does a DVIR Cover?
A typical DVIR covers the following:
- The brakes and air systems
- Steering mechanism
- Power unit and trailer
- Windshield wipers
- Rearview mirrors
- Coupling equipment and fifth wheels
- Safety and emergency equipment
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kits
- Reflectors and lights
Some details may change depending on the vehicle, and electronic forms have made updating the checklists simple. If the DVIR is not completed, the driver and company will face penalties.
Are There Penalties for Not Doing the DVIR?
Neglecting to fill out the DVIR form correctly or at all will result in financial and operational penalties. If you’re pulled over for a random DOT inspection and the truck is deemed unsafe to drive, you’ll instantly be forced off the road until the repair is complete. The lost revenue and blow to your reputation are not worth ignoring the rules, especially when technology has made the report extremely accessible.
What is an eDVIR?
An eDVIRs is the electronic version of the daily vehicle inspection report. Many companies have it loaded on the drivers’ electronic logging devices (ELDs). If there is a multi-day trip, the truck’s operator has the eDVIR at their fingertips.
That eliminates any excuses a driver has for not completing the required task. There are basic steps that should be followed before signing off on the final report.
How to Conduct a DVIR
In this next section, we’ll look at the DVIR step by step.
Step #1: Vehicle Inspection
The driver circles the vehicle during the first step looking for damage or defects on the truck’s body. They lift the hood, check for any leaks, and start the vehicle to ensure the lights, brakes, and signals are working.
Step #2: Report Defects
If any issues that impact the safe operation of the truck are found during the first step, they are reported in step two.
Step #3: Sign Off
Next, the driver signs off, signifying that the information reported is true. The information is then transmitted to the carrier.
Step #4: Corrective Action and Certification of Repairs
Once the carrier receives the report, it’s reviewed, and any necessary repairs must be made and certified.
Why You Need to Complete Your DVIR
DVIRs are needed for the vehicle’s safety and to keep the driver and other vehicles on the road out of harm’s way.
Repercussions
The maximum civil penalty for failing to fill out the report is $1,270 per day. If you’re found to be falsifying, destroying, or altering records, the maximum penalty is $12,695.
Each non-recordkeeping violation has a civil penalty of $15,419. As you can see, it’s much cheaper to adhere to the mandatory regulations than risk being caught neglecting them.
Maintenance
Inspecting the vehicle daily will alert the driver and carrier to any small maintenance issues and allow them to be taken care of before turning into big ones. The DVIR can save the fleet owner money in the long run with preventative maintenance alerts.
Faster Inspections
The eDVIR saves time as you don’t spend time writing things down, which takes much longer than checking off boxes. It also improves efficiency as one hand is free to check battery connections and oil levels with greater accuracy. The accuracy of the smart device you’re using is much more dependable than pen and paper.
DVIR vs Roadside Inspection
DOT roadside inspections have the same items on their checklists as DVIRs. This saves time during a surprise inspection as you’ve already done the work and know your vehicle will pass. You can easily avoid out-of-service violations and get your freight to its destination on time.
Save Time and Money with the DVIR
Completing a DVIR may seem like a hassle, but it’s small compared to what can happen if you don’t. The few minutes you spend walking around your truck is far less time than you’d spend if you receive an out-of-service violation.
A small fleet can be financially ruined if they’re required to pay the hefty fines neglecting the DVIR brings. Not to mention, everyone’s safety is jeopardized when the rules aren’t followed. View the DVIR is a useful tool, and you’ll reap the benefits of using it.
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