Complete Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

A pre-trip inspection is the physical walk-around you do before driving. A DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) is the written documentation of your inspection findings. FMCSA requires both — you must physically inspect the vehicle AND record the results. The DVIR from the previous driver must also be reviewed before driving.

Yes. FMCSA accepts electronic DVIRs as long as they meet the same record-keeping requirements as paper forms. Many ELD providers include DVIR functionality in their apps. The key is that the inspection must still be physically performed — the app just replaces the paperwork.

The top violations from CVSA inspection data are: lighting defects (broken or missing lights), brake adjustment issues, tire defects (low tread, improper inflation, sidewall damage), and brake hose/tubing problems. These four categories account for over 60% of vehicle out-of-service violations.