What does DVIR stand for, and what about eDVIR?
The driver vehicle inspection requires an audit of the vehicle's accessible elements. By law, this inspection must be carried out before the vehicle leaves and once per 24-hour period. The components to be inspected are:
- Coupling devices
- Frame and cargo body
- Heater/defroster
- Driver controls
- Steering
- Windshield wiper/washer
- Emergency equipment
- Headlights and lights
- Tires
- Doors and other exits
- Glass and mirrors
- Wheels, hubs and fasteners
- Seats
- Suspension
- Fuel system
- Exhaust system
- Electric brake system
- Hydraulic brake system
- Air brake system
- Passenger transportation items (1)
The DVIR is an mandatory for: + Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,500 kg or more + In the case of a carrier operating combinations of road vehicles, a circle check is required on both vehicles (not just the one weighing 4,500 kg or more) if at least one of the vehicles in the combination weights 4,500 kg or more. + Buses, minibuses and tow trucks (regardless of their GVWR) + Any road vehicle carrying hazardous materials displaying safety marks (regardless of their GVWR).
The SAAQ offers an exemption from the DVIR to the following vehicles:
- Tool vehicles (graders, loaders, back hoes)
- Heavy-duty vehicles required by an emergency service or in the event of a disaster
- Farm tractors
- Farm machinery
- Farm trailers
- Heavy vehicles used for personal and non-professional purposes
- Straight-body trucks with two or three axles used in one of the following circumstances:
- transport of unprocessed products from a farm, forest or body of water by the producer himself
- returning after this transport, if the truck is empty or carries products used for farming, forestry or fishery purposes.
The driver vehicle inspection may be completed by the driver or another person designated by the operator. The designated person or driver is therefore responsible for the following:
- Placing an electronic driver vehicle inspection report system or paper reports in all vehicles
- Ensuring the completion of the circle checks
- Ensuring that all safety round reports are kept on board vehicles
- Signing driver vehicle inspection reports that indicate a defect
- Informing the owner of any defects as soon as possible
- Sending the owner a copy of all driver vehicle inspection reports
The driver is also required to keep a copy of the driver vehicle inspection reports for a period of six months.
- Any owner subject to DVIR regulations is responsible for the following:
- Ensuring the good condition and proper operation of all its vehicles
- Addressing any defects reported during safety rounds
- Minor defect: the owner is granted a 48-hour period to correct the defect and retain the right to operate the vehicle
- Major defect: The vehicle must be immediately decommissioned until the defect is corrected
- Getting all DVIRs from operators
Just like the operator, the owner is required to keep a copy of DVIRs for a period of 6 months. In addition, he is also required to conserve proof of all repairs of defects raised during safety rounds over the course of a 12-month period.
For a long time, the driver vehicle inspection was conducted through paper reports filled out manually by the operator. Over the past few years, electronic solutions have been introduced to the market offering to carry out inspection reports using mobile devices. Here are the benefits of an electronic driver vehicle inspection report system:
- A paperless and fully digital solution that significantly reduces administrative workload
- A quick, easy, all-in-one inspection report solution for drivers
- An insightful and detailed vehicle management solution for managers
- Significant reductions in maintenance costs by facilitating prevention
- An automatic and sure-fire way to remain compliant
