Part 396 requires carriers to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles under their control, and to keep records identifying the vehicle, the nature of scheduled maintenance, and the inspection and repair history for at least one year.
Annual inspection reports, driver vehicle inspection reports, and repair orders all form part of the required file.
Alternative Names:
Maintenance File, Equipment Maintenance Records
Why it Matters?
Maintenance records determine whether an equipment failure was foreseeable. A brake failure preceded by repeated repair orders for the same system, or by driver inspection reports flagging the defect without corresponding repairs, converts a mechanical failure defense into a direct negligence claim. Preservation of the physical component matters as much as the paperwork.
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Frequently asked questions
How long must maintenance records be kept?
What makes maintenance records damaging?
