In “Commercial Driver License Notification Regulations”, we talked about drivers being responsible for notifying their employer and their state driver licensing agency of all traffic violations and incidents. On the other side of the coin, trucking companies are responsible for verifying that information by performing driver record checks when hiring new drivers, and each year of employment for all drivers.
Checking motor vehicle records helps trucking companies assess potential safety risks of prospective drivers, as well as current drivers, and is necessary to be DOT compliant. This means watching closely who you put on the road and who you keep on the road. Think of the regulation as protecting your company because ensuring your drivers are qualified, and remain qualified, means better safety records for you and the entire trucking industry. Not to mention safer highways for everyone!
Don’t forget that every trucking company’s safety ratings are available online, and are watched by potential clients, employees and law enforcement. A bad safety ranking can scare away qualified and hardworking drivers. And law enforcement may be more likely to focus on a fleet’s trucks and drivers if history shows a negative image. Simply by following DOT regulations regarding driver record checks you can help manage and control your company safety score.
Driving Record Investigations for Prospective Drivers
Before hiring a new truck driver, trucking companies are required by law to investigate the applicant’s driving record by obtaining a copy of their motor vehicle record (MVR) from any state in which they had held a commercial driver license (CDL) in the last three years. A copy of the driving record, or a certification that no record exists, must be placed in the applicant’s driver qualification file (DQF). Not having this documentation will present a problem if you are faced with a DOT audit.
Inquiries into applicant driving records are required by Section 391.23 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). This requirement establishes that drivers are qualified and ensures that only the safest drivers are put behind the wheel of your commercial vehicles. In turn, you can rest easier as a driver or company owner because this regulation applies to ALL carriers, which means your trucks will be safer on the road!
Annual Driving Record Checks and Reviews
Every year, trucking companies must again obtain a copy of each driver’s state motor vehicle record covering at least the preceding twelve months. Once received, and before the annual MVR goes into the DQF, it must be reviewed to determine whether the driver continues to meet the minimum requirements for safe driving or is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle.
During the review, trucking companies must consider the driver’s accident record and any evidence that the driver has violated any motor vehicle laws or applicable safety regulations. Extra weight must be given to any violations that demonstrate disregard for the safety of the public. A note indicating that the review was done, the date it was done, and the name of the person who conducted the review must be placed in the DQF along with the annual MVR (Office Tenders can supply supervisor review forms for this task). Both the annual MVR check and review are required by Section 391.25 of the FMCSR.
Don’t be caught by surprise by a bad safety rating or drivers with repeat violations – follow DOT regulations and check driver records! Or let Office Tenders handle the task for you as part of your driver qualification file services!
Paperwork Services Include Driving Record Checks
Office Tenders paperwork services for truckers can generate all the paperwork necessary to set up and keep your driver qualification files DOT compliant, including providing you with the initial state motor vehicle records for new truck drivers. We will also automatically provide the required annual motor vehicle record, annual certification of driving record and supervisor review. Setting up and maintaining your driver qualification files can be quick and easy with our affordable DOT paperwork services!
