New York DVIR and vehicle inspection rules

Last reviewed November 12, 2026.

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

Interstate operations

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

What official sources say about state adoption

An official New York State Department of Transportation compilation of 17 NYCRR Part 820 adopts 49 CFR Part 396. Section 820.7 states that the Commissioner of Transportation adopts Part 396 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations with the same force and effect as though fully set forth at length.

Section 820.1 defines a commercial motor vehicle, for purposes of Part 820, using the same basic federal thresholds: a self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle has a GVWR, GCWR, GVW, or GCW of 4,537 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; or is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers including the driver for compensation; or is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers including the driver and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or is used to transport placarded hazardous material.

Intrastate operations and variations

Section 820.0 states that the part applies to motor carriers and drivers operating in the state pursuant to or requiring registration or operating authority for the transportation of passengers or property, including hazardous materials, and to other motor vehicles operated for the commercial transportation of passengers or property, in addition to applicable Vehicle and Traffic Law requirements.

Section 820.1 also defines a “farm plate vehicle” (a vehicle registered under Vehicle and Traffic Law section 401(13) and operated between specified farm-related points within New York, subject to route and other limits in that definition). Later sections of Part 820 create certain farm-plate exceptions to enforcement provisions. This page does not treat those enforcement details as a blanket exemption from the adopted Part 396 inspection rules. Read Part 820, including section 820.11 on the Commissioner’s exemption authority, and confirm current application with NYSDOT.

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

Whether a later official amendment to 17 NYCRR Part 820 has changed § 820.7 or the farm-plate provisions after the official NYSDOT compilation we 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.

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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.