Virginia DVIR and vehicle inspection rules

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Last reviewed November 12, 2026.

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

Interstate operations

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

What official sources say about state adoption

Official Virginia Administrative Code materials include 19VAC30-20-40, “Application of regulations,” in the Virginia State Police motor-carrier safety chapter. During this review we identified that official section, but we did not independently retrieve and quote its full current text here.

Intrastate operations and variations

Read the current official text of 19VAC30-20-40 and the surrounding Chapter 20 rules for how Virginia applies federal motor carrier safety regulations, including Part 396 if adopted there, and for any Virginia-specific modifications. Confirm coverage, weight thresholds, and any DVIR exceptions with the Virginia State Police. This page does not invent those details.

Related federal guides

• What a DVIR is and who must complete one
• The post-trip driver vehicle inspection report
• The pre-trip inspection and reviewing the last DVIR
• Defects, repairs, and driver acknowledgment
• Record retention and carrier responsibilities
• Electronic DVIRs
• All state guides

Sources

• 19VAC30-20-40 (official Virginia Administrative Code / LIS)
• Virginia State Police

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