What must a driver vehicle inspection report cover under 49 CFR 396.11, and what happens when a defect is found? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

What happens when a defect is found

Before permitting or requiring anyone to operate the vehicle, the motor carrier or its agent (e.g., maintenance shop or fleet manager) must repair any defect or deficiency likely to affect the safety of operation.

The carrier must then certify on the report itself that the defect has been repaired or that repair is unnecessary, before the vehicle is operated again.

The report, the certification of repairs, and the certification of the driver's review are kept by the motor carrier for three months.

Report details

• Prepared in writing at the completion of each day's work on each CMV operated.
• Identifies the vehicle by license plate number, unit number, or VIN.
• Lists defects or deficiencies discovered by or reported to the driver that would affect safety of operation or cause mechanical breakdown.
• Driver signature required; in two-driver (team) operations, only one driver needs to sign if both agree on the defects identified.

Exceptions & edge cases

• No report needed if no defect or deficiency is discovered by or reported to the driver.
• Rules do not apply to a private motor carrier of passengers (nonbusiness), a driveaway-towaway operation, or a motor carrier operating only one CMV.
• For intermodal equipment, separate rules require reporting brakes, lighting, wheels/tires, air lines, king pin coupling, frames, bolsters, locking pins, and sliders to the intermodal equipment provider, which must also certify repairs.
• Reports may be created and maintained electronically per 49 CFR 390.32.