Home · DVIR Guides · States · California
Last reviewed November 12, 2026.
This page summarizes what we could verify from official sources about how California applies driver vehicle inspection and related vehicle-inspection rules. It is not a complete reprint of California law.
Interstate operations
If you operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce to, from, or through California, the federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) apply, including 49 CFR Part 396 and the DVIR rules in § 396.11 and § 396.13. State rules do not replace those federal interstate requirements. Start with What a DVIR is and who must complete one.
State agency
For California-specific questions, including how the rules apply to operations that stay entirely inside California, contact California Highway Patrol (CHP).
What official sources say about state adoption
California Vehicle Code § 34500.7, in official Legislative Counsel text, states that subject to Vehicle Code section 34500, motor carriers, drivers, and vehicles shall comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations in Parts 385, 392, 393, 396, and 397 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
The same statute then says: notwithstanding that requirement, Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports are required for intrastate drivers and motor carriers pursuant to Section 1215 of Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations. In other words, official California law points intrastate daily inspection reports to 13 CCR § 1215, not solely to the federal wording of 49 CFR 396.11 and 396.13.
Intrastate operations and variations
If you operate only in California, read 13 CCR § 1215 and CHP guidance for the current daily vehicle inspection report requirements. We were not able, during this review, to retrieve the current official text of 13 CCR § 1215 from the official California Code of Regulations host in time to quote it here. For that reason, this page does not describe whether California still requires a written report when no defect is found, or any other wording unique to § 1215. Confirm those details with CHP and with the official regulation.
California also has its own commercial vehicle inspection programs (including terminal and periodic inspection programs) that may apply in addition to a daily report. Confirm current program rules with CHP.
What we could not independently verify from official sources in this review:
- Current official text of 13 CCR § 1215, including whether a no-defect daily report is required for intrastate operations and any other California-specific DVIR details.
Please confirm those points with the state agency linked on this page before relying on them.
Related federal guides
Sources
- California Vehicle Code § 34500.7 (official Legislative Counsel / California Legislative Information)
- Official California Code of Regulations, 13 CCR § 1215 (Vehicle Condition), via the state's official CCR host
- California Highway Patrol
Need a printable form? DVIR.io offers free FMCSA-aligned PDF templates, including post-trip, pre-trip, bus and motorcoach, and intermodal reports.
Get the free DVIR templatesThis page is general information only. It is not legal advice, and it is not advice on any specific DVIR or vehicle-inspection requirement. Rules can change, and how they apply depends on your operation, your vehicles, and your location. Get advice in your own area on your specific state and federal requirements. If you have a question for DVIR.io, use the contact form.