Pre-Shift Vehicle Inspection Checklist
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Why this inspection matters#
A pre-shift vehicle inspection is a basic safety standard for any fleet, and for commercial motor vehicles it is a federal requirement. Under FMCSA 49 CFR 392.7, a driver must not operate a commercial motor vehicle unless satisfied that the service brakes, parking brake, steering, lights and reflectors, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, and coupling devices are in good working order — that is the pre-trip inspection. Catching a brake, tire, or lighting defect before the trip prevents roadside breakdowns, citations, and fatal crashes.
The pre-trip check is distinct from the DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) at 49 CFR 396.11, which is the written report of defects found during the day's work. For property-carrying CMVs, a DVIR is only required when a defect is found (the 2014 rule change); passenger-carrying CMV drivers file one every day. When a defect is reported, 396.11 and 396.13 require the carrier to repair it and certify the repair — and the next driver to review and sign — before the vehicle is dispatched again. This checklist supports both: it structures the pre-trip inspection and gives you the defect record if one is needed.
Any FAIL on a safety item means the vehicle does not go out until the defect is corrected and certified.
How to use this checklist#
Fill in the date, inspector, location, and equipment ID. Walk the vehicle and check each item Pass, Fail, or N/A, recording specifics in the notes column. If a defect affects safe operation, the vehicle is held, the defect is logged on the DVIR, and the repair is certified before dispatch. The inspection is signed by the driver and countersigned by the supervisor or carrier.
Pre-shift vehicle inspection items#
| # | Inspection item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tire tread depth is at least 4/32 inch on steer tires and 2/32 inch on others; no cuts or bulges. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 2 | Tire pressure on all wheels matches manufacturer spec; valve caps are present. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 3 | Wheel lug nuts are tight, with no rust streaks indicating loosening; rim is undamaged. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 4 | Brakes: pedal feels firm, no excessive travel; air-brake low-pressure warning works at 60 psi. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 5 | Parking brake holds the vehicle firmly on a slight incline. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 6 | Steering has no excessive play; the vehicle tracks straight without pulling. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 7 | All exterior lights work: headlights (high/low), tail, brake, turn, hazard, marker, reverse. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 8 | Windshield is free of cracks in the driver's view; wipers and washer fluid work properly. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 9 | Mirrors (side and rear) are clean, intact, and adjusted; no cracks or loose mounts. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 10 | Horn sounds clearly; backup alarm operates when reverse is engaged. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 11 | Seat belts retract, lock, and show no fraying or cuts on the webbing. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 12 | Fluid levels OK: engine oil, coolant, power steering, brake, washer; no visible leaks under the vehicle. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 13 | Battery terminals are clean and tight; no corrosion or loose hold-down. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 14 | Fuel cap is present and seals tightly; no fuel leaks visible. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 15 | Exhaust system has no holes, loose clamps, or leaks into the cab. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 16 | Fire extinguisher is mounted, charged, and within its inspection date. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 17 | First-aid kit, warning triangles or flares, and spare fuses are present. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 18 | Cargo is properly secured with rated straps, chains, or load bars; doors close and latch. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 19 | Cab interior is clean; no loose objects that could become projectiles. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 20 | Driver's license, medical card (if required), registration, and insurance are valid and on hand. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Corrective actions taken#
Describe any issues found and the steps taken to correct them. A defect affecting safe operation is logged on the DVIR and certified as repaired (or as not needing repair) before the vehicle is dispatched again.
Inspection sign-off#
- Inspector signature: __________________________
- Supervisor signature: __________________________
- Inspection result: ☐ All items passed ☐ Issues require follow-up
Related toolbox talks#
Disclaimer#
This checklist is a general guide. Pre-trip inspection duties for commercial motor vehicles are set by FMCSA 49 CFR 392.7, with the DVIR at 49 CFR 396.11; requirements vary by vehicle class and jurisdiction. Always follow your carrier's procedures, the manufacturer's manual, and the regulations that apply to your operation.