fmcsa pre-trip inspection

Inspection Requirements for Commercial Motor Vehicles

Inspection Requirements for Commercial Motor Vehicles

The regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) apply to the motor carrier (employer), driver (employee), and operation of a Commercial Motor Vehicle.  Among the regulations of the FMCSA, at 49 CFR 392 & §396, are those that require the regular, and sometimes documented, inspection of a CMV.  These regulations, like a lot of others, have become shrouded in confusion, resulting in a mistaken belief that a documented pre- and post-trip inspection is required of all CMVs.  The purpose of this article is to explain the requirements for a motor carrier and driver to conduct inspections of a commercial motor vehicle in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). (more…)