FMCSA 49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13
DVIRs for small fleets, explained in one page
For owners running two or more commercial vehicles: when a driver must write a vehicle inspection report, who has to sign it, and how long you keep it. Free pre-trip and post-trip checklists in English and Spanish.
Get the free DVIR kitAt a glance
- When a DVIR is required
- End of each day, for each vehicle, when a defect is found or reported
- Parts to cover
- Service and parking brakes, steering, lights and reflectors, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, emergency equipment
- Before the next trip
- Repair signed off on the report; the next driver reviews and signs it
- How long to keep it
- 3 months from the date it was prepared
- Electronic DVIRs
- Allowed since March 23, 2026, under 49 CFR 390.32
- Free plan — no credit card needed
- Anyone can fill a checklist by scanning a QR code — no app, no login
- No per-respondent fees
- English and Spanish, fully supported
What the rule says
FMCSA Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports, 49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13
At the end of each day's work, a driver must prepare a written report on each vehicle operated if a defect or deficiency was found or reported. The carrier must repair any defect likely to affect safety, and record on the report that it was repaired or that repair is unnecessary, before the vehicle runs again. Reports are kept for three months. Carriers operating only one commercial vehicle are exempt from 396.11.
Sources: 49 CFR 396.11 (text) · 49 CFR 396.13 (eCFR) · J. J. Keller: documenting post-trip inspections · Federal Register: Electronic DVIRs (Feb 19, 2026) · 49 CFR 390.32: electronic documents and signatures
What an inspector will ask to see
- Show me the last three months of DVIRs for this truck.
- This report lists a defect. Where is the repair sign-off?
- How does the next driver know about the defect before driving?
How to do it with checklists
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Pre-trip check before driving
The driver walks around the vehicle with a short checklist before leaving. One item confirms they reviewed the previous driver's DVIR.
Template: Vehicle pre-trip inspection (US)
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Post-trip DVIR at the end of the day
The driver marks each required part. Marking a defect requires a description and a photo, so the report says exactly what's wrong.
Template: Post-Trip DVIR (US)
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Repair sign-off and next-driver review
When a DVIR lists a defect, the shop marks it repaired (or not needed) and signs, and the next driver signs that they reviewed it. Each signature is stamped with who and when.
Template: Post-Trip DVIR (US)
What your record looks like on inspection day
Example: Unit 12, box truck
- OKService brakes
- IssueLighting devices and reflectorsLeft rear marker light out, photo attached
- FixedLighting devices and reflectorsBulb replaced; signed by shop, 6:30 am; next driver signed review, 6:52 am
Common questions
Do drivers have to write a DVIR every day?
Under 396.11, a written report is required when a defect or deficiency is found or reported. Many fleets still log every day so they can show the vehicle was checked.
Does this apply to my one-truck business?
396.11 does not apply to a motor carrier operating only one commercial motor vehicle. The pre-trip duty in 396.13 still applies to drivers.
Who signs the report?
The driver who prepared it. When a defect is listed, the carrier signs off that it was repaired, or that repair was unnecessary, before the vehicle is operated again.
Can a DVIR be electronic?
Yes. FMCSA confirmed in a rule effective March 23, 2026 that DVIRs may be created and kept electronically under 49 CFR 390.32. Paper is still allowed.
Can drivers fill it in Spanish?
Yes. The checklists come in English and Spanish, and the app's screens work in both.
Get the free DVIR kit
Pre-trip checklist and post-trip DVIR, as printable PDFs and QR links, in English and Spanish.
Included templates
- Vehicle pre-trip inspection (US)
- Post-Trip DVIR (US)
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