Omnitracs' Driver Vehicle Inspection Reporting ends the clipboard era

Contents
Overview

Why you should move DVIR inspection into the electronic age

It’s time for the era of DVIR inspection by clipboard, pen, and paper to end, along with the problems it creates. Driver Vehicle Inspection Reporting by Omnitracs speeds the process while eliminating errors.

  • No more legibility issues
  • No more lost or damaged forms
  • Eliminates the errors inherent in manual processes
Benefits

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Benefits

Totally legible vehicle inspection reports

Having in-a-hurry drivers walking around a truck with clipboard and pen trying to finish this irksome task as quickly as possible, perhaps in poor weather, is an invitation to rushed, inaccurate, smudged, and hard-to-read reports. Omnitracs Driver vehicle inspection Reporting eliminates those problems.

Never lose another vehicle inspection log

The Omnitracs driver vehicle inspection app makes it easy to store and retrieve DVIR reports without wasting staff time or storage space. The app automatically files them in the right place so that you can summon up a vehicle’s full inspection report history with a few clicks.

Customize your DVIR reports to match your fleet

You can easily configure your reports to match your fleet’s asset types, stop types, drivers, and locations.

Keep everyone informed of maintenance issues

You get real-time alerts when a maintenance issue occurs, so you can notify the people who need to know right away, including the driver, the maintenance team, and dispatch.

A better driver experience

The driver vehicle inspection app gets your drivers back on the road faster and in a better mood by reducing inspection time and trouble. The app can also help your drivers receive self-certification for maintenance performed away from the shop.

The Omnitracs Intelligent Vehicle Gateway

 

The Omnitracs Intelligent Vehicle Gateway lets drivers fulfill inspection requirements on the go. It enables drivers to manage vehicle inspections through their mobile devices, conduct real-time, walk-around inspections, document issues on the spot, view the full vehicle inspection history, and submit DVIR inspection reports instantly.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions on driver vehicle inspection reporting

What is Driver Vehicle Inspection Reporting (DVIR)?

Driver Vehicle Inspection Reporting (DVIR) is a daily process that helps drivers and fleets spot safety or maintenance issues before a vehicle hits the road. DVIRs are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure that every commercial vehicle is inspected and any problems are recorded. Drivers complete these inspections using a checklist to verify components like brakes, tires, and lights, flagging issues as needed. DVIRs help maintain compliance, reduce the risk of accidents, and ensure vehicles remain roadworthy.

What are the key elements included in a DVIR?

A DVIR covers essential vehicle details that help identify, document, and address issues that may impact safety or functionality. Key elements include:

  • Vehicle identification: Make, model, and license plate
  • Inspection time and date
  • Driver’s signature: Confirms the inspection was done
  • Checklist of vehicle components: Includes brakes, lights, tires, and other essentials
  • Defect documentation: Notes any issues observed
  • Repair confirmation: Mechanic or driver signature after repairs, if necessary

These elements provide a clear record for fleets, helping to track and address issues quickly.

What types of vehicle systems and components are typically inspected during a DVIR?

A DVIR covers essential systems and components to ensure each vehicle is safe and ready for the road. This includes:

  • Service brakes, including trailer brake connections
  • Parking brake
  • Steering mechanism
  • Lighting devices and reflectors
  • Tires and wheels
  • Horn
  • Windshield wipers and washer fluid
  • Mirrors for visibility
  • Coupling devices for trailers
  • Emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers, reflective triangles, and spare fuses

Inspecting these components helps ensure the vehicle is safe to operate, minimizes the risk of breakdowns, and meets federal safety standards.

How frequently should a driver complete a DVIR?

The FMCSA requires commercial drivers to complete a DVIR at the end of each workday and before putting the vehicle on the road the next day. This ensures that any issues are addressed promptly and that the vehicle is safe for operation on public roads. 

 

In Canada, DVIRs must be completed even if no issues are found, while in the U.S., reporting is mandatory only when defects are detected, though best practices recommend daily completion regardless.

How can digital DVIR solutions improve fleet efficiency over paper forms?

Digital DVIR solutions replace outdated paper forms and streamline inspections with automated record-keeping and real-time reporting. With a digital DVIR app, drivers can quickly complete inspections on a mobile device, reducing the risk of errors and speeding up inspection times. 

 

Digital DVIRs also give fleet managers instant access to inspection data for all vehicles that are on the road, making it easier to schedule repairs, monitor compliance, and maintain organized records without physical storage. The result is faster reporting, less administrative workload, and better visibility into fleet performance.

How can DVIRs improve the overall safety and performance of a fleet?

DVIRs help keep fleets safe and efficient by identifying issues before they cause breakdowns or accidents. By catching mechanical or safety concerns early, DVIRs support timely repairs and preventive maintenance, keeping vehicles operating reliably. Regular DVIRs also keep drivers accountable for vehicle conditions, building a proactive safety culture. For fleet managers, access to detailed inspection records improves oversight and allows for better resource planning, ultimately improving both safety and performance across the fleet.

What are the FMCSA requirements for DVIRs?

The FMCSA requires drivers to complete a DVIR daily, documenting the condition of essential vehicle components to promote safety on the road. This process includes checking and documenting any issues that could impact safe operation. DVIRs need to be kept on record for at least three months, providing a detailed log of the fleet’s maintenance and safety checks.

Failing to meet DVIR requirements can lead to significant consequences. Carriers may face fines, which can range up to $15,000 per violation, particularly if an overlooked issue contributes to an accident. Non-compliance also risks adding points to a fleet’s safety rating, which can impact insurance rates and operational costs. Staying compliant with DVIR rules protects fleets from penalties, establishes a culture of safety, and keeps drivers and cargo secure on the road.

What happens if a defect or issue is found during a vehicle inspection?

If an issue is identified during a DVIR, it must be documented and addressed before the vehicle returns to service. Drivers submit the report, noting any defects, and fleet managers or maintenance teams are notified for immediate action. If the defect affects vehicle safety, repairs must be completed and verified with a follow-up inspection. This process helps prevent mechanical failures, minimizing downtime and ensuring safe, compliant operation.

How does Omnitracs’ DVIR system integrate with other fleet management software?

Omnitracs’ DVIR system integrates within Solera’s comprehensive fleet solutions, enabling centralized data access and streamlined fleet operations. Through integration with Solera’s Compliance and ELD tools, fleet managers can view DVIR reports alongside Hours of Service (HOS) data and compliance alerts, ensuring that both inspections and regulatory standards are met consistently. The system also connects with Solera’s IntelliScan™ for real-time diagnostics and maintenance tracking, enabling identification and scheduling of necessary repairs directly from inspection results.

Integration with SmartDrive’s video-based safety solution adds an additional layer of oversight by linking vehicle inspection data to driver behavior and event-triggered video, promoting proactive safety. Together, this interconnected system provides a comprehensive view of fleet performance, from inspections to route tracking, and simplifies workflows for fleet managers by making inspection and performance data available across Solera’s tools.

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