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Truck Driver's Guidebook
Inspection, Repair & Maintenance
49 CFR, Part 396

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Motor Carriers are responsible to ensure that inspectors are qualified and must maintain evidence of qualifications for each inspector for:
  • The period during which the individual is performing inspections, and
  • One year thereafter
Carriers must have a written maintenance schedule for each CMV outlining routine vehicle maintenance and the due dates for each type of maintenance.

NOTE: Additional inspection requirements are contained in FMCSR 392.9

 Q: Does Sec. 396.11 (c) require a motor carrier to make repairs of all items listed on a DVIR prepared by a driver before the vehicle is subsequently driven?

A: The motor carrier must effect repairs of defective or missing parts and accessories listed in Appendix G to the FMCSR before allowing the vehicle to be driven.

Periodic Inspection Training

The Center offers a free three-day Periodic Inspection Training program for qualified maintenance personnel. this course has been developed to meet the requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Part 396.19, Inspector Qualifications.

Requirements to take this class include:

Prior basic knowledge of commercial motor vehicles and their components

At least one year of experience as a mechanic or commercial motor vehicle maintenance personnel from a motor carrier maintenance program or commercial garage

Objectives include:

Discussing inspection criteria in 49 CFR, part 393 and 49 CFR, Appendix G

Familiarization with out of service criteria and FHWA's annual inspection, identifying defective components and the requirements of 396.17

Providing participants with a systematic procedure and the proper used of the tools need to perform a safe and effective vehicle inspection

For more information about Periodic Inspection Training, call (800) 682-4682, ext. 14.
Q: Who has the responsibility of inspecting and maintaining leased vehicles and their maintenance records?

A: The motor carrier must either inspect, repair, maintain and keep suitable records for all vehicles subject to its control for 30 consecutive days or more or cause another party to perform such activities. the motor carrier is solely responsible for ensuring that the vehicles under its control are in safe operating condition

Q: does the inspection sticker have to be located in a specific location on the vehicle?

A: No. The rule does not specify that a sticker, decal or other form of documentation be displayed. It is the responsibility of the driver to produce documentation when requested. Therefore, the driver must know the location of the document and ensure that all information is legible and current. the driver must also be able to produce the inspection report if that form of documentation is used

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Due to frequent changes in federal and state regulations, the Michigan Center for Truck Safety cannot ensure the accuracy of the material contained in the Guidebook beyond the date of publication. For current information, contact the Center at (800) 682-4682. This document is not intended for legal purposes.

 
   

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