What 396.13(c) means in plain language
When a roadside inspector asks to see your driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR), you must produce it on demand. A DVIR documents the condition of your truck—brakes, lights, tires, steering, coupling devices, and other safety-critical components—either before you depart or at the end of your shift.
If you can't hand over that report when asked, you've violated 396.13(c). The inspector may have discovered defects during their walk-around inspection, or they might simply request the report as part of a routine Level 1 or Level 2 inspection. Either way, the document must be in your possession and legible.
This isn't about whether your truck is actually safe. It's specifically about having proof that you (or your carrier's maintenance team) performed the inspection and documented it in writing.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 396.13(c) has received 271 all-time citations. In the last 12 months and last 90 days, our database shows zero citations for this code—a clear indicator that this violation is uncommon in current roadside enforcement.
When citations are issued, they almost never result in an out-of-service order. Our data shows only 1 out-of-service placement among 271 citations, yielding a 0.4% OOS rate. This is dramatically below the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%, meaning inspectors treat a missing or unavailable DVIR as a paperwork problem rather than an immediate safety threat. Ranked #1122 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, 396.13(c) is a low-frequency violation.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records do not break down 396.13(c) citations by state, so we cannot name the top three states with authority. However, our data shows fleets such as Gudino Harvesting Inc (USDOT 2939551) with 3 citations for this code, and carriers including Valley Electric Inc, New Line Transport LLC, and Randy's Towing LLC each with 2 citations. The small absolute numbers reflect the rarity of this violation overall.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Vehicle Maintenance category, 396.13(c) stands apart from more frequently cited infractions. For comparison, 393.9(a) (inoperable required lamps) has generated 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate—far more common and more likely to trigger an out-of-service order. The code 396.3(a)(1) (inspection/repair/maintenance—general) carries 236,919 citations and a 45.3% OOS rate, making it a far more serious enforcement priority.
Two codes share 396.13(c)'s zero-OOS-rate pattern: 396.17(c) and 396.17C-PI (both addressing lack of proof of periodic inspection) have logged 198,331 and 212,081 citations respectively, yet neither resulted in out-of-service orders. These paperwork-only violations typically result in citations and corrective orders, not roadside removals.
How to avoid it
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Complete a pre-trip DVIR every morning or before each long haul. Walk around your truck, check brakes, lights, tires, coupling devices, and steering. Write down what you inspected and whether you found any defects. Keep the form with you in the cab or in your logbook.
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Keep previous DVIRs organized and accessible. Store reports from at least the last 30 days in an easy-to-reach location. A roadside inspector may ask for the current day's report or one from a recent trip. Do not leave them at the terminal or in a safe at home.
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Know what your carrier requires. Some fleets use paper forms; others use electronic logbooks or tablets. Confirm with your dispatch or safety manager how and where you should file your DVIR, and ensure you carry proof of completion during your shift.
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Document defects honestly and fully. If you find a brake issue, burned-out light, loose mirror, or worn tire, write it down. This protects you; it shows an inspector that you performed the inspection conscientiously. Corrective action by your carrier or a service shop then addresses the defect before you're cited for it.
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Understand the difference between a DVIR and a pre-trip inspection record. Some carriers call them by different names or use different forms. Clarify with your fleet manager which document 396.13(c) requires and ensure you and your dispatch agree on the format and retention policy.