DOT pre-trip inspection checklist and driver vehicle inspection report

Before you use it

• Under 49 CFR 392.7(a), no commercial motor vehicle may be driven unless the driver is satisfied that the service brakes including trailer brake connections, parking brake, steering mechanism, lighting devices and reflectors, tires, horn, windshield wipers, rear-vision mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment are in good working order.
• 49 CFR 396.11(a) requires every driver to prepare a written report at the completion of each day’s work on each vehicle operated, covering at least those same parts and accessories. The report identifies the vehicle and lists any defect or deficiency that would affect the safety of operation or result in a mechanical breakdown, and the driver signs it; no report is needed when no defect was discovered or reported. Before the vehicle is driven again, the motor carrier repairs any listed defect likely to affect safety and certifies on the report that it was repaired or that repair is unnecessary. The report, the certification of repairs and the driver’s review certification are kept for three months.
• Before driving, 49 CFR 396.13 requires the driver to be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition, to review the last driver vehicle inspection report, and to sign it to acknowledge the review and the certification of repairs. Both reports may be created and kept electronically under 49 CFR 390.32.
• The emergency equipment in 49 CFR 393.95 is a fire extinguisher rated 5 B:C or more, or two rated 4 B:C or more (10 B:C or more on a power unit carrying placarded hazardous materials), filled, securely mounted and readily accessible, plus three bidirectional emergency reflective triangles or at least six fusees. The 396.11 report rules do not apply to a carrier operating only one commercial motor vehicle. Add your own items, such as the permit book, the electronic logging device and load securement.