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Vehicle inspections


A vehicle inspection will identify systems or parts of a vehicle that:

  • are not working properly 

  • have failed 

  • are missing components.

Why are inspections necessary?

The basic reasons for conducting pre-trip, en-route and post-trip inspections are the following.

  • Safety is the first priority. An inspection can help avoid mechanical defects or malfunctions that increase the likelihood of a collision or downtime. 

  • Skipped or poorly conducted inspections can be very costly. Inspections that are done well help to reduce maintenance costs by uncovering small problems before they become large ones. 

Inspections that are regulatory (compliance)

There are federal and provincial laws that mandate inspections. The Alberta Commercial Vehicle Maintenance Standards Regulation (AR 118/89) states:

Inspections

3. (1) The driver of a commercial vehicle shall inspect it prior to operating it at the beginning of a work shift and after he ceases to operate it at the end of a work shift.


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