Delaware DVIR and vehicle inspection rules

Last reviewed November 12, 2026.

This page summarizes what we could verify from official sources about how Delaware applies driver vehicle inspection and related vehicle-inspection rules. It is not a complete reprint of Delaware law.

Interstate operations

If you operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce to, from, or through Delaware, 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 Delaware-specific questions, including how the rules apply to operations that stay entirely inside Delaware, contact Delaware State Police.

What official sources say about state adoption

The official Delaware Code, Title 21, § 4702, states that except as modified by that chapter, the State adopts as the laws of Delaware governing motor carrier safety specified parts of 49 C.F.R. Chapter III, Subchapter B, including Part 396, along with Parts 374, 385, 386, 387, 390, 391, 392, 393, 395, and 397, as published and as subsequently amended.

Intrastate operations and variations

Title 21, § 4708 of the official Delaware Code amends 49 C.F.R. § 396.9 as adopted in Delaware (inspection personnel) and then states: farm vehicles being operated on an intrastate basis within Delaware shall be exempt from the recordkeeping requirements as provided in 49 C.F.R. Part 396.

This page does not list a separate Delaware-specific weight threshold for Part 396 because § 4702, as reviewed, adopts the listed federal parts without restating a different DVIR weight cutoff in that section. Confirm any other vehicle-size or exemption details with Delaware State Police and by reading Chapter 47 in full.

What we could not independently verify from official sources in this review:

Any Delaware-specific commercial-vehicle weight threshold or additional DVIR exceptions in Chapter 47 or related rules that are not stated in §§ 4702 and 4708 as reviewed.

Please confirm those points with the state agency linked on this page before relying on them.

Related federal guides

Sources

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 templates

This 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.