A proper pre-trip inspection keeps you legal and safe. In Ontario, commercial vehicles must follow the Schedule 1 Daily Inspection requirements under the Highway Traffic Act (Reg. 199/07). The inspection looks for safety-related defects before you operate the vehicle.

What the law requires

  • Perform a daily inspection once every 24 hours and before driving the vehicle.
  • Carry Schedule 1 and a completed inspection report in the cab for the current day.
  • Record any defects and report them to the carrier.
  • Major defect → vehicle is out of service until repaired.
  • Minor defect → record and report; repair as soon as practicable.
  • Keep reports on file (carrier responsibility).

What you’re checking (high-level)

  • Brakes and air system
  • Steering
  • Suspension
  • Tires, wheels, hubs
  • Lights and electrical
  • Coupling devices (fifth wheel, pintle, safety chains)
  • Frame and body
  • Fuel and exhaust systems
  • Cargo securement / trailer body and doors
  • Driver controls and in-cab safety equipment (seat belt, horn, defroster, wipers, mirrors)
  • Emergency equipment (triangles, extinguisher, spare fuses)

Step-by-step routine (practical sequence)

1) In-cab and brake checks

  • Seat belt, horn, heater/defroster, mirrors, windshield and wipers/washer.
  • Turn on all lights and 4-way flashers for the walk-around.
  • Air brake system: air build-up, governor cut-in/cut-out, low-air warning, spring-brake activation, applied/ static leak tests, park brake holds, service brake test.

2) Engine compartment

  • Check levels: engine oil level, coolant, power steering fluid, washer fluid.
  • Belts/hoses/wiring secure; no leaks; engine mounts secure.
  • Look under the vehicle for fresh leaks.

3) Front exterior

  • Headlamps high/low, turn signals, clearance/ID lamps, reflectors.
  • Bumper, grille, hood latches secure.

4) Axles, tires, wheels, brakes, suspension

  • Tires: inflation, sidewall condition, tread depth; no contact between duals.
  • Wheels/rims: no cracks; lug nuts all present and tight; hub oil seals not leaking.
  • Brakes: hoses/lines not leaking or chafed; chambers secure; slack adjusters travel within spec; drums/rotors/linings visible where appropriate.
  • Suspension: springs, U-bolts, hangers, airbags and shocks intact; no broken or shifted components.

5) Coupling area (tractor-trailer or drawbar)

  • Fifth wheel securely mounted; no cracks or missing fasteners.
  • Locking jaws closed on kingpin, release handle in. No gap between fifth-wheel and trailer apron; skid plate greased.
  • Electrical pigtail and air lines properly connected, not chafed; glad-hand seals good.
  • Landing gear raised and handles secured; safety latches/pins in place.
  • For pintle/drawbar: pintle locked; safety chains and breakaway cable attached and crossed.

6) Trailer / body / cargo securement

  • Trailer lights and ABS lamp, reflectors, DOT tape.
  • Doors, hinges and latches secure; roof/sidewalls/floor sound.
  • Cargo secured to NSC Standard 10; tarps/straps/blocks in good condition.
  • For reefers: unit mounted securely; fuel level adequate; no leaks.

7) Safety equipment and documents

  • Fire extinguisher charged and secured; warning triangles present; spare fuses if required.
  • Registration, insurance, CVOR, permits and daily inspection report on board.

Recording your daily inspection

Your report should include: date/time, unit number and plate/VIN, odometer, location of inspection, driver name and signature, defects found (yes/no) with descriptions, and confirmation that defects were reported/repaired. Keep the report available in the cab for the current day.

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