Is Pre-Trip Documentation Required by DOT ?

@ZVar
From what I can tell, you're only required to do post-trip paperwork. In the morning, you're required to do an inspection, and check the last post-trip, but you only have to do paperwork if you find an issue.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)

 

To the best of my knowledge, this is what the regs are.

Edited to remove the information already posted!

 

I was speaking to a DOT officer I know about pre/post-trip inspections. He was laughing a bit about this subject. He said and I agree that stoves don't come with a sign that says don't touch the hot burner. But, everybody knows if you touch a hot burner you are going to get burned. The same can be said for actually getting out of your truck and inspecting it.

 

When I was in wireline, we pencil-whipped everything to begin with. When they told us we didn't need to document the pre-trip unless we found an issue, us hands interpreted that as pre and post. So basically we stopped doing paperwork all together overnight.

Hey OP, are you asking out of curiosity? Or is this to settle an argument with your company or a cop?

 

I think you may getting written up by the companies safety if you dont log it

 

Hello, now your hearing from a 2nd gen veteran driver with 20 years experience about your question. yes you need a paper copy of the inspection report if your using paper logs it's normally on the back of the log sheet. if you are using an eld then no if the system has the pre/post trip inspection form is installed in it. normally it's under the on duty not driving tab. if it's not in the eld then you must fill out an inspection form for both pre and post trip inspection. A key rule to burn into your brain. rule #1 cyb =cover your butt! rule #2 read rule #1 again.

 

A post-trip report is only required if a defect is discovered or reported as per §396.11(a)(2)(i) (as posted above).

A driver doing a pre-trip would only be required to acknowledge a post-trip report if one had been previously prepared as noted above. Otherwise, no pre-trip report is required as per §396.13(a).

 

You have to log a pre-trip, but you no longer have to fill out a report unless you find something wrong that will prohibit the safe operation of the vehicle. They changed the reg requiring one whether you found anything or not 3 or 4 years ago.

 

There’s an exception, If only running one Truck, One Trailer. both Owned and Driven by the same. It doesn’t need to be noted. I always note it myself. Not going to argue with the DOT.