Construction Fleet DVIR Checklist: DOT-Compliant Daily Vehicle Inspection Record

The Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) is a federal requirement under FMCSA Part 396.11 and 396.13 for every commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operated on public roads — including the dump trucks, concrete mixers, water trucks, flatbeds, and service vehicles that construction fleets operate daily between sites, yards, and supply points. A compliant DVIR requires the driver to inspect specific vehicle components before and after each day's operation, document the condition of each component, and report any defects that could affect safe operation or result in a breakdown. The motor carrier must then review the report, document corrective action for any reported defect, and retain the DVIR for at least 90 days. This checklist covers all DOT-required DVIR inspection categories structured for construction fleet drivers — with the specific items that FMCSA auditors and DOT roadside inspectors verify during compliance reviews. Book a DVIR compliance demo with FleetRabbit.

CAT-01

Braking System

FMCSA 396.11(a)(1)

Service brakes tested — vehicle stops promptly without pulling to either side; pedal firmness consistent with normal operation; no excessive pedal travel Parking brake holds vehicle on grade — engage parking brake on incline; vehicle remains stationary with no creep or release Air brake system — air pressure builds to governor cut-out within manufacturer's specification; low air warning activates at correct pressure; air loss rate within DOT limits Brake lines and hoses — no visible leaks, cracks, chafing, or damage; all connections secure; no air leaks audible with brakes applied Brake drums and linings — no visible cracks on drums; lining thickness adequate; no contamination from grease or oil on friction surfaces Trailer brake connection (if towing) — glad hands properly connected and sealed; trailer brakes functional; emergency breakaway system tested ABS indicator lamp — lamp illuminates during key-on self-test and extinguishes; persistent ABS lamp indicates system fault requiring investigation

CAT-02

Steering Mechanism

FMCSA 396.11(a)(2)

Steering wheel free play within DOT limits — maximum 2 inches of play on a 20-inch steering wheel before front wheels begin to move Power steering fluid level adequate — check reservoir with engine running; low level indicates leak requiring identification and repair Power steering operation — wheel turns smoothly left and right at full lock; no unusual noise, binding, or excessive effort at any point in steering range Steering linkage — no visible wear, loose connections, or damaged components in tie rods, drag links, or steering arm; all fasteners secure Steering column — no excessive play or looseness in column mounting; column does not shift position during steering input

CAT-03

Lighting & Reflectors

FMCSA 396.11(a)(3)

Headlights — both high and low beam functional on left and right sides; lenses clean and not cracked; aim within DOT standards Tail lights and brake lights — all functional; brake lights illuminate immediately on pedal application; lenses not cracked or faded beyond visibility Turn signals — left and right signals functional front and rear; flash rate within DOT specification; side-mounted turn signals functional if equipped Clearance and marker lights — all cab-top clearance lights and side marker lights functional; required on vehicles over 80 inches wide Reflectors and reflective tape — all required reflectors present and clean; conspicuity tape on trailer sides and rear intact and visible Hazard warning lights — four-way flashers functional on all equipped lights; function independently of turn signal system License plate light functional — plate illuminated and legible from rear; required on every CMV operating on public roads

CAT-04

Tyres & Wheels

FMCSA 396.11(a)(4)

Tyre condition — no cuts exposing belt material, bulges, or tread separation on any tyre; no tyres operating with less than 4/32" tread depth on steer axle or 2/32" on drive and trailer axles Tyre inflation — all tyres inflated to sidewall-rated pressure or load/inflation table specification; visually check for obviously flat or underinflated tyres Wheel fasteners — all lug nuts present and tight; no evidence of loosening (rust streaks, movement marks); no cracked or broken studs Wheel and rim condition — no cracks, bends, or elongated bolt holes; no welded repairs on aluminium wheels; valve stems intact with caps Dual tyre spacing — duals not contacting each other; no debris lodged between dual tyres; adequate clearance maintained Spare tyre and carrier (if equipped) — spare secured in carrier; carrier mechanism functional; spare in serviceable condition

CAT-05

Horn & Windshield

FMCSA 396.11(a)(5)

Horn operational — audible warning device sounds when activated; tone consistent and loud enough to be heard at 200 feet under normal conditions Windshield condition — no cracks, chips, or discolouration in the driver's primary viewing area that obstruct visibility; no illegal tint Windshield wipers — both wipers operational on all speeds; wiper blades make full contact with glass; no streaking or skipping that reduces visibility Windshield washer system — fluid reservoir adequate; spray reaches windshield effectively; nozzles not clogged or misdirected Defroster and demister — system clears windshield effectively; required for operation in conditions where fogging or icing can occur All mirrors present and adjusted — left and right side mirrors secure, properly adjusted, and providing required field of view; no cracked or missing mirrors

CAT-06

Coupling Devices & Body

FMCSA 396.11(a)(6)

Fifth wheel (if tractor) — properly greased; no visible cracks in mounting or platform; locking jaw fully closed around kingpin; release handle in locked position Pintle hook or ball hitch (if applicable) — latch secure; safety chains crossed under tongue and connected; no excessive wear on hook or ball Dump body hardware (if dump truck) — tailgate latches secure; body prop rod accessible and functional; hydraulic hoist lines intact and not leaking Flatbed securement (if flatbed) — stake pockets and headboard secure; rub rails intact; all tie-down points functional and not cracked or bent Body panels and doors — all doors close and latch securely; no sheet metal damage that creates sharp edges or protrusions hazardous to other road users Mud flaps and splash guards — present on all axles where required; properly mounted; no excessive wear that reduces coverage below minimum dimensions

CAT-07

Emergency Equipment & Exhaust

FMCSA 396.11(a)(7)

Fire extinguisher — properly mounted, charged (gauge in green), inspection tag current, and accessible; minimum 5 B:C rating or one 10 B:C for CMVs Warning triangles or flares — three warning devices present and accessible; not expired (flares) or damaged (triangles); required for roadside breakdowns Exhaust system — no leaks audible or visible; exhaust discharged rearward or upward; no exhaust components loose or in contact with fuel lines or brake lines DPF / emissions system (if equipped) — no warning lamps active; no excessive regeneration warnings; system operating within normal parameters Seat belt — driver seat belt functional; retracts, buckles, and releases correctly; no fraying or damage to webbing; anchorage points secure

CAT-08

Fluid Levels & Engine Compartment

Pre-Trip Addition

Engine oil level — dipstick shows level between min and max; do not operate below minimum; top up with correct grade only Coolant level — expansion tank between min and max marks; do not remove radiator cap on hot engine; correct inhibitor concentration maintained DEF/AdBlue level (if equipped) — adequate for planned route; low DEF triggers engine derate per EPA requirements reducing power and speed Fuel level — adequate for planned trip plus reserve; fuel cap seals properly; no fuel leaks at tank, lines, or filler neck Transmission and hydraulic fluids — levels checked per manufacturer procedure; no visible leaks beneath vehicle from transmission or hydraulic systems

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