Before you drive: a CMV driver’s compliance check

For commercial truck and bus drivers. What a commercial driver is responsible for before and during a trip: inspecting the vehicle and cargo, the inspection report, hours-of-service limits and logs, phones, seat belts, and the paperwork to carry.

Current through Sep 25, 2026. A starting point, not legal advice: other rules, including state law, may apply.

  1. 49 CFR § 392.7 Equipment, inspection and use
  2. 49 CFR § 396.13 Driver inspection
  3. 49 CFR § 396.11 Driver vehicle inspection report(s)
  4. 49 CFR § 392.9 Inspection of cargo, cargo securement devices and systems
  5. 49 CFR § 393.9 Lamps operable, prohibition of obstructions of lamps and reflectors
  6. 49 CFR § 393.48 Brakes to be operative
  7. 49 CFR § 393.75 Tires
  8. 49 CFR § 393.95 Emergency equipment on all power units
  9. 49 CFR § 395.3 Maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles
  10. 49 CFR § 395.5 Maximum driving time for passenger-carrying vehicles
  11. 49 CFR § 395.8 Driver's record of duty status
  12. 49 CFR § 395.24 Driver responsibilities—In general
  13. 49 CFR § 392.3 Ill or fatigued operator
  14. 49 CFR § 392.4 Drugs and other substances
  15. 49 CFR § 392.5 Alcohol prohibition
  16. 49 CFR § 392.16 Use of seat belts
  17. 49 CFR § 392.80 Prohibition against texting
  18. 49 CFR § 392.82 Using a hand-held mobile telephone
  19. 49 CFR § 392.60 Unauthorized persons not to be transported
  20. 49 CFR § 392.71 Radar detectors; use and/or possession
  21. 49 CFR § 391.11 General qualifications of drivers
  22. 49 CFR § 391.41 Physical qualifications for drivers
  23. 49 CFR § 383.23 Commercial driver's license