FMCSA Maintenance Record Retention Requirements: How Long to Keep Vehicle Files
Quick Answer
FMCSA requires different retention periods depending on the record type. Periodic inspection records (annual inspections) must be kept for 14 months from the inspection date under 49 CFR 396.21. Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) must be retained for 3 months under 49 CFR 396.11. Maintenance and repair records for each vehicle must be kept for 1 year while the vehicle is in your fleet, plus an additional 6 months after the vehicle leaves your fleet under 49 CFR 396.3.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about fmcsa maintenance record retention requirements: how long to keep vehicle files. Whether you're a safety manager, compliance officer, or operations director, understanding dot compliance requirements is critical to avoiding costly fines and failed audits.
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